Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Men, if we have no zeal we are like gasoline without octane. What man wants to drive a car that has no "get up and go"? Come on! Sluggishness is definitely something we men cannot stand when it comes to driving cars or working any time of machinery, including computers.

Some may thank that zeal sounds a little fanatical, but the truth is that most of us could do with a bit more of it! Some, a lot more of it!

True zeal spurns compromise, especially when it comes to principles.

Most of us conservatives are somewhat anxious as to whether the Republican led House of Representatives will cave in to Obama's liberal agenda on spending and raising higher taxes on the rich. I think in the end they may "cave in" out of fear of being blamed for causing America to go over the Fiscal Cliff. It's better for conservatives to have enough zeal for standing true to righteous principles than to cave in to compromise. Perhaps the economy needs to take the cliff in order for the country to wake up.

Jesus acted with fanaticism to cleanse the house of God. John 2:17 tells us that it was zeal that motivated his actions.

It's okay for communists and socialists to be zealots. What about Christians?

Be encouraged. Colin

THE BEST LEARNERS ARE THE BEST LISTENERS.

Proverbs 1:5 says, "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."

How important it is for us men to have a teachable spirit. I believe that God has a special love for men who have a yearning to learn more and more, especially about God and His ways.

Romans 8:14 says, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The sons of God in this Scripture means the mature sons, compared to the immature children who have not yet learned how to listen in order to be led. Many Christian men know how to listen to their own minds, and the thoughts and ideas of others, but have not yet learned how to listen to the voice of the Spirit of God in their daily lives. I find this most challenging myself.

Romans 8:19 says, "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God." The words, "earnest expectation" in the Greek come from "kara" meaning "head" and "dokao" meaning "to expect." The full meaning is "to look anxiously with the neck stretched out and the head thrust forward." Learning to be led by the Holy Spirit of God, hear His voice, and interpret the Scriptures to individually directing our lives daily should be the most consuming passion of our lives. This hunger and desire should, spiritually speaking, STRETCH US OUT.

Be encouraged. Colin

Our life here on this earth is a teaching/training experience from beginning to end. The earthly physical and mental mindset would readily agree with this, especially when it applies to academic education, as well as masters/doctorates one could possibly add to their name. This appeals to the natural mind because it gives one honor and respect, as well as a sense of achievement. This is not wrong. However, it becomes wrong if one's greatest desire for learning supersedes the hunger and quest to know the ways of God.

With all my heart I believe that the knowledge of God far outweighs and exceeds all other knowledge. The man who truly knows God, and is ever seeking to know Him more, is the man that this sick world really needs. This is the man who God can use to make this world a better place. This does not mean that one should not pursue the academia of this world in order to benefit mankind, as well as oneself.

However, we must never forget that the highest education is the pursuit of God.

Read Philippians 3:7-14. Verse 8 says, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."

Be encouraged. Colin

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

The story of Achan and the tragedy that befell him has its application to the church of America today.

Joshua 7:11-12 says, "Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed thing from among you."

Abortion, adultery, divorce, homosexuality, marriage breakup and pornography are "accursed" and unless the church repents and cleanses itself by the blood of Jesus Christ, we will continue to lose in the battles of the Lord. This could well be the reason why we lost the battle over our recent elections. Only God knows what other battles we are losing in this country because we are so insensitive to what is sensitive to God.

Have our hearts become so hardened and indifferent to the holiness of God that we no longer care enough to address these important issues? Joshua cared enough to tear his clothes, fall to the ground and lay face down before the ark of the Lord until eventide. He and the elders of Israel put dirt on their heads to show their sorrow (Joshua 7:6).

What will it take for us to repent like this?

Be encouraged. Colin

Men who are spiritually sharp will also, like myself, have grave concern over the breakup of our Christian marriages. There is something terribly wrong with the church in general when we are so blasé and carry on as if nothing is wrong. It's just business as usual.

The real men of God will hang their heads in shame and embarrassment. How can we fight and win victories in the battles of the Lord when there is such a flippant attitude towards Christian marriage breakup?

It seems to me that one of the most dangerous places in the church these days is the Woman's Bible Study. I am not a legalist and I am not in any way down on woman having their own Bible studies. My wife led ladies' Bible studies for years. However, I have recently heard from many men of adverse repercussions after their wife joined a certain Bible study where a number of other women were either separated or divorced. Somehow or other, the Bible Study turned into a liberal, feministic, husband-rejecting, wife-complaining, self-exalting event, and in time, women were encouraged to get up and walk out of their marriage.

Shame! Shame! Shame! Men, we must be sharp enough to address this problem.

Be encouraged. Colin

Men, are we sharp enough to counteract the terrible onslaught of the devil on our Christian marriages?

When we are sharp, we will be more aware of what's going on around us, good or bad. When we are sharp we will be quick to respond to any action that may be required. Sharp men will not allow negligence to control them. They will not keep putting off things that need to be completed right now.

We men need to sharpen up in every way--in our marriage, in the disciplining of ourselves and our children. The most important area where we need to be sharp is in the spiritual realm. We need to be especially sharp in discerning God's voice speaking to us. If we are not sharp in this area, we will be guided by our own wisdom and logic and miss out on the most exciting and thrilling privileges we men have.

Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." If we are not sharp to hear God's voice, how difficult it must be for the Spirit of God to lead us.

I am very alarmed by the terrible increase of divorce of late in the so called "Spirit filled church." It is a terrible indictment on the name of Christ and reveals just how unfilled with the Spirit of God we really are! Spiritually sharp men are the only answer to this devilish attack.

Be encouraged. Colin

Men, a blunt sword will not do as much damage as a sharp one. Men whose profession demands the use of an axe will wear themselves out if the axe is blunt.

At County Fairs in New Zealand, where I was born, they have axe cutting competitions. They set up pine logs approximately 18 inches thick, four to five feet high, with about 10 men or more competing against each other. It was amazing to see the chips fly as these strong men raced to win the prize. One of the great advantages was to have a heavy axe that was razor sharp.

Men, the devil is not intimidated by blunt weapons. Ecclesiastes 10:10says, "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct." Let me paraphrase, "If the axe is blunt and he does not sharpen the blade, he will wear himself out. Be wise and sharpen the blade."

Jeremiah 51:20 says, "Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with the will I destroy kingdoms."

Who wants to employ a dull employee who is not sharp enough to be profitable? God feels the same way about us.

Men, it is high time to sharpen up.

Be encouraged. Colin

Men of God who are alert will have their antennas up towards God They will be tuned in to heaven. This is not only possible for us, but is expected of us. It is our privilege and should not in any way be taken for granted. People of the earth have their antennas pointed toward the earth. They mind or think earthly things.

Philippians 3:18-19 says, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." Paul was speaking of those who called themselves Christians, but who were not alert to the message of the cross which cancels out its voice and earthly ways to those who are true followers of Christ.

The last thing we need right now is to listen to the voice of the earth when we should listen to the voice from heaven.

I remember seeing a documentary on a party of men who were early explorers of the Antarctic region. They were testing out the power of radio waves to send Morse code. They were turned into their primitive receiver thousands of miles from where the signal was sent. How intently they listened. And what joy they experienced when finding the Morse code came through.

Men, this should be our attitude toward hearing God.

We should have the attitude of the psalmist in Psalm 123:1-2, "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us."

Be encouraged. Colin

Jesus said that the attitude of Christians in the end times should be to watch and pray. This speaks of alertness. To be honest, the church should right now be full of the most alert men in the world. This would be the case if "Christian" men would take the words of Christ to heart.

Watchfulness and prayerfulness is certainly not on the radar of the modern church. C. T. Studd, one of Christianity's 20th century great heroes, describes the Chocolate Soldier--"Sugar and spice and all things nice must be on our slate."

Jesus said in Mark 13:31-37, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is... Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleep. And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH."

The understanding of the Greek word for "watch" means "wakefulness, intent and riveted to a certain thing."

Men, let's be alert and riveted to watch and pray for the great needs of this hour.

Be encouraged. Colin

What does it mean to be alert? Watchful, vigilant, guarding against surprise or danger.

We are living in a time of great "dumbing down." Extreme socialism does not want men to think for themselves. Drugs, moral perverseness, and alcohol, dumbs down society. When men are not working-depending on government hand outs and sitting around vegetating--their brain and body begins to atrophy.

God is calling for men to be aware and alert to the serious dangers of this hour. When Jesus spoke of these "end times" He said they would be marked by deception. Matthew 24:4 says, "Take heed that no man deceive you."

He also said the end times would be marked by spiritual coldness. Matthew 24:12 says, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, "They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie."

Much of the world, and even the church, is in strong delusion regarding Israel, Right now we need to be alert. We must pray that our government will stand and support Israel, who are being constantly rocketed from Hamas in Gaza. Do not be dummed down.

Personally, and as families together, we must pray earnestly for Israel at this critical time.

Be encouraged to pray. Colin

Acts 4:13, "Now when they saw the BOLDNESS of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Peter and John, in the face of persecution, did not act like timid lambs or nervous mice. They had so much boldness that it caused their persecutors to marvel. They realized that the source of this boldness did not come from education, for they were "unlearned" men. They also understood that this boldness did not come from knowledge, for they were "ignorant" men. But, they "took knowledge of them that they had BEEN WITH JESUS." This was the real source of their boldness.

The more time we spend with Jesus, the bolder we will be. Their persecutors did not know that Jesus had just baptized His disciples with power from on high which had turn the denying Peter into the bold confessor.

Great boldness to testify for Jesus in the face of hot persecution is the greatest evidence of our own claim to the baptism of the Spirit. Those who spend time with Jesus are the most likely ones to know this power of the Holy Spirit giving them great boldness.

God is calling for BOLD MEN!

Be encouraged. Colin

Proverbs 28:1 says, "The righteous are as bold as a lion."

God is bold and He despises fear and cowardice. As we face the next four years of more progressive (communist) policies being shoved down our throats we will need men of boldness to resist.

This election revealed that many in this great nation are pushovers for progressive (communist) handouts and are already addicted to government provision and take over.

However, the wise know that this country cannot sustain such reckless giving to those who have given up on work. This country desperately needs bold men and women who will raise bold children for not only our present battles, but also for our future battles, against all that is godless and unrighteous. We must be bold enough to defy all our enemies right to their proud haughty faces.

1 Chronicles 12:8 says, "And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains."

These Gadites, whose faces had a lion-like look about them must have indeed been bold men. All these mighty bold men came to help King David. But, our heavenly King Jesus, who is the heavenly David, is surely worth nothing less than the earthly David.

Be encouraged men. Colin

It's easy to cheat on your employer by using your phone in work hours. A real son of God will not text in the boss's time. This is all part of the easy road. No, a thousand times No to all these slouchy easy going attitudes.

When a real man of God goes to work, he rolls up his sleeves, gets stuck in, and does his very best. And he does this consistently.

If you are in a job where the unions are forcing you to take your time and drag your feet, look for other employment. It is bad for your character to be submitted to such godlessness.

The easy road is filled with takers that think the world owes them something. They always have their hands out to get paid for doing next to nothing. The easy roaders wait for others to pay for them at the restaurant. They love to eat food provided by others. Away with such nonsense. God did not create man to be so apathetic and useless. He created us to be people of character.

Those walking the narrow road have true servant hearts and can't wait to do something to help their fellow man.

Be encouraged. Colin

God is looking for men who will deny themselves the easy road, especially if the easy road includes the lusts of the flesh and yielding to temptations. Everything is acceptable on the easy road, as long as it makes you feel good and requires no moral resistance. Homosexuality is okay on the easy road, as is abortion, drugs, sex, alcohol, and witchcraft.

Communism, which is really hard-core socialism, is easily embraced on the easy road for it provides a life of ease and total government dependence. But, the government will eventually take over all property, all large and small business, including all financial institutions and private homes. All media, hospitals, schools, and transportation, will be controlled by the government. All churches will be controlled by the government, including what is spoken in these churches.

The government will dupe the masses into believing that the they are better off and own it all, but in truth, the real wealthy ones will only be the elite government officials who rule with an iron rod. This is all part of the broad way which is the easy way.

Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth until life, and few there be that find it."

When nations surrender their moral values to take the easy way, they soon find out, as have other nations who have sold their souls out to the easy road, that the easy road has landed them in destruction. We only have to look at the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, Cuba etc.

America is choosing the easy road at this time. My God have mercy.

Be encouraged to pray. Colin

It appears that almost 50 percent of this country is bored with all our freedoms and liberties and want something new.

God is looking for men who will stand out from the crowd. Men who will not be crowd lovers, crowd blenders, crowd pleasers, and crowd followers, but men who will dare to be different.

The crowd mentality is the herd mentality. It doesn't take a lot of brains to follow the herd. Most animals think this way. They instinctively feel safer in the herd. Those big fat cattle do not realize that their benevolent farmer, who provides them with fields of luscious green grass and grain, is about to send them in trucks to the slaughter house to be fed to the crowds of his own species.

Socialism is a "give me" mentality. Let the government provide my food, clothing, and shelter, All I have to do is as little as possible in a government paid job. The government demonizes private ownership of homes, business, and wealth. It whips up the crowd to vote for them and then follow them to the slaughter house where all freedoms, liberties, personal ambition, and wealth are destroyed. The government does all the thinking, makes all the decisions for the crowd, and stamps down on all opposition, including Christianity.

But, let's be men who STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD.

Be encouraged. Colin Campbell

8. MEN WHO WILL NOT BUCKLE UNDER PRESSURE

Losing the reprieve we felt we so needed by losing this election should not in any way cause us to be faint-hearted and buckle under the pressure. We must not throw up our arms and cave in, not even in the least, to the socialist agenda that won by a narrow margin. And who knows what corruption they employed, especially in the battle ground states to achieve their victory. My prayer is that all corruption will be quickly discovered and brought to the light.

Men, we have to toughen up more than ever. Compromise is the way of the wimp. We must look to God more than ever for the strength to fight, for we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12).

Obama will be expecting more than ever that our Congress, who are his main opposition to his financially destructive agenda, will buckle under his pressure. We must fight in the spirit as never before and pray more earnestly for our Congress.

We must pray for one another that God will strengthen us to not flag in spirit, but be clothed with more power from on high.

"Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 60:12).

Be encouraged. Colin

2 Peter 1:10 says, "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure." We conservatives have lost this election, but we have a more important one to be concerned about. To lose your eternal election would be a disaster.

Colin Campbell

The elections are all over. I, for one, am very disappointed with the results. I feel this country has shot itself in the foot and is too brain dead to realize it. I trust that the counting of the votes was not rigged, that the voices that got Obama re-elected were legitimate, and that each person that voted was a legitimate citizen. I have grave doubts.

Thank God, this election does not affect our heavenly kingdom, for it is unshakeable! Perhaps the Lord is going to use Obama and all his cronies to teach America a lesson or two on what it means to take our liberties and freedoms for granted. May God have mercy on us and may He give our Congress godly wisdom so they will not compromise our true values. They will be severely tested.

I have been fasting and praying for these elections and sense right now to continue to do so. I pray that USA will experience another great turning back to God. I believe this is the deepest need of our country.

MEN, BUCKLE UP YOUR BELTS AS NEVER BEFORE, because we face a real rough ride in the next four years. Stand up for truth in every situation.

Be encouraged. Colin

7. MEN WHO HAVE SPARK

Men who do not have "spark" are bland and boring. Their eyes are dull and lifeless. They have no oomph in their personality or spring in their step.

We know how bad it is when we keep pulling the rope to start the engine of the lawnmower but there is no spark. You feel like throwing the wrench at it! The truth is that some men can be like this.

No woman should marry a man like this and no should ever hire such a man.

Spark denotes life.

As they get older, men tend to lose their spark and zest for life, but I do not believe that it has to be this way. Men should take all the corrective measures possible to stop themselves from oxidizing and getting rusty. We know that drugs, alcohol, and pornography can ruin a man's personality. Sitting around and living a sedate lifestyle, coupled with laziness and not showing initiative, will also take the spark out of a man.

Mountain climbers would never dream of taking a man without any spark on such a dangerous expedition. God also wants men like Abraham with lots of spark to climb His mountains. It takes spark to climb mountains.

Be encouraged. Colin

6. MEN OF COURAGE--RADICAL BRAVERY!

Like the seals in Benghazi, Libya, Christian men should be challenged to be men of courage, even when we believe our leaders to be weak and wrong. I think that most Americans feel frustrated and angry that our leaders, for whatever reason, refused to send help when they had the power to do so, to our Embassy in Benghazi, resulting in the death of an Ambassador and three others.

Two Navy Seals believed it was their solemn duty to defend their fellow Americans, despite the denials from their political feminized leaders all the way to the White House. These two Navy Seals epitomize the bravery that is so desperately needed throughout all sections of our society, a bravery that is prepared to disobey commands in order to do what is morally right to save lives.

One cannot help but question what has so politically restricted our armed forces when it comes to dealing with fanatical groups like Al-Qaeda that operate with any restrictions at all.

Those who allowed these brave men to die while they sat on their easy chairs deserve to be brought to justice.

Be encouraged. Colin