Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

2Corinthians 3:17 says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." This is freedom to do what is right without force. It follows yesterday's post on Mr. Perfect.

Men, there is a place between being a Mr. Perfect and a Mr. Negligent. Mr. Negligent is indifferent to his wife and family's values and behavior. He doesn't give much attention to what they watch, who they hang out with, their education, or their church involvement. Mr. Negligent is not attentive to his wife or family's needs as much as he ought to be.

Mr. Negligent is just as bad as Mr. Perfect, possibly worse. His wife feels that she has to take control of most family matters. Mr. Negligent does not care about discipline for he himself is not disciplined or self-controlled. Mr. Negligent thinks he's doing fine as long as he brings home the bacon, or picks up his unemployment check from the government. Mr. Negligent is the complete opposite of Mr. Perfect, but both need balance.

To be easy going provides a vacuum for being a responsible husband and father. To be a little easy going, but at the same time, attentive, involved, and committed to your wife and family's needs is much better. Mr. Perfect needs to tone down on being overly demanding, which tends to engender tension, stress, and over control which robs the family of godly freedom.

Home is meant to be "Home, Sweet Home." A home of balanced order.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Romans 15:1 says, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

The most devastating earthquakes are generally not caused by minor fault lines in the earth's crust, but by major fault lines. Men, do not be a trivial fault-finder, but rather a fault over-looker. I'm not saying that major faults should not be addressed. Indeed, they should be. However, many marriages and families are weakened by individuals who make it their business to find fault in their spouse and children far too much.

Hair line crack fault-finders soon become a major fault line in their marriage and family. Most hair line cracks in the ankle bones of runners will heal quickly when given a chance to rest. They do not need to be x-rayed and given major surgery every day. In the same way, if you have gravitated into the x-ray fault finding daily habit you need to back down, lay off, and give your wife and family some needed rest. And time to heal.

Mr. Perfect will never have a perfect family. Rather, Mr. Perfect's family will most likely be brow beaten, insecure, nervous, rebellious, and gun-shy wrecks who never seem to be able to measure up to their father's perfect standards!

Men, you will not be able to deal with the major faults in your family if you have made far too much of the minor ones. Mr. Perfect shows imperfection by not cutting some slack to his wife and children when they need it. Our most perfect Heavenly Father is perfect, not just because of His demands on us to be His perfect children, but because of His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness towards us when we fall. He manifests His perfection in these attributes as well as His commands.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Jeremiah 8:22 asks, "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" This is an interesting question. Evidently Gilead was a center for an aromatic gum of supposed medicinal value. The word Gilead means "uncertain" and according to the two references, Jeremiah 8:22 and 46:11, the balm of Gilead could not heal the deep inner wounds of the soul and spirit.

The good news is that Christ can heal all wounds, whether small or great, shallow or deep. Jesus Christ is not the uncertain balm of Gilead. He is the sure balm of Heaven, provided at Mariah, "the place where Yahweh provides" (Genesis 22:8, 14). Isaiah 53:5 tells us that "with his stripes we are healed."

Men, most marriages break up because of inner wounds, the result of destructive words and attitudes. Some marriages break up because of physical violence caused by uncontrolled anger. Worldly marriage counseling is the uncertain balm of Gilead. It may smell good, but cannot heal the broken spirit. The true church knows by the experience of the new birth (John 3:16) that every marriage can be healed if both parties are willing to go to the cross of Christ and receive healing through His stripes.

We must embrace Christ's death, burial, and resurrection power to put to death our own self will, negative speech, and attitudes. We can then arise out of the grave and prison of our own ideas and lifestyle. It is only then that we will experience the true healing balm, healing us, as well as our wife and family.

Men, please join me in your prayers this that the destructive forces that are weakening the testimony of Christ and His church will be broken and destroyed. Pray with me that Christ's healing balm will heal our marriages and children.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, I think the greatest attack from the arsenal of the enemy is the gradual breakdown of Christian marriages. It is heartbreaking that over 50 percent of Christian marriages end in divorce and multitudes of other marriages are barely making it. This sad state of affairs drastically weakens the godly well-being of the family.

What makes it even more tragic is that this behavior has to a large degree come an acceptable way of life in our 21st century Christian culture. While some children may be able to handle it better than others, who can tell what deep inner wounds have been made both psychologically, as well as spiritually, to all family members. The truth is, to not be hurt or wounded reveals a certain hardness of heart that God is not pleased with.

I am certainly not trying to make people who have had a marriage breakdown feel condemned. Rather, I desire with the Holy Spirit's help to awaken the church to the fact that we are not the church God intends us to be. Prevention is better than cure. However, God is indeed merciful and offers healing to those who are meek and repentant enough to receive it.

We must not delay any longer in taking affirmative action to correct the way we speak to each other as married couples. Your words and attitudes have the power to destroy or heal your marriage.

Proverbs 14:1 says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

A great poem by C. T. Studd for men who want to be men!
GOD'S DREADNOUGHT
by C. T. Studd

Old Daniel was a Dreadnought!
If he was here to-day,
He'd make it hot for the pious lot
Who don't do as they say.

He didn't speak behind folks' backs,
But met them face to face;
He called spades spades, and dubbed knaves
knaves,
And always proved his case.

He neither cared for place nor power,
Nor feared the lions' den;
A godly cause will lock the jaws
Of beasts, or jealous men.

Whatever God at any time
Might write upon the wall,
He'd up and say, without delay,
To King and Court and all.

Dan didn't say "Belshazzar, Sire,
Your faults are peccadilloes";
He hit his sin with a rolling pin,
And not with feather pillows.

Dan didn't sugar-coat his pills,
Half doses didn't please him;
To save a life he'd use the knife
And bleed a fool to ease him.

Old Daniel ran a college once
Which turned out three invincibles;
A verse or two will let you know
What things he taught as principles.

Dare to be a Dreadnought,
With purpose true and firm;
Dare to live on simple fare,
And don't become a worm.

Dare to be a Dreadnought,
Dare to beard a King;
Tell him all the truth and don't
Emasculate the thing.

Dare to be a Dreadnought,
Faithful, loyal, bold,
Scorning under any threats
To worship man or gold.

Dare to be a Dreadnought,
Not a dressed up "toff,"
Nor glorified policeman,
Nor gun that won't go off.

Make a bold confession,
Though it means the rod;
Dare to kick the devil hard,
And dare to trust in God.

Here is a quote from the great English missionary, C. T. Studd (1860-1931) who gave up wealth and fame to serve the Lord in China, India, and Africa. The motto of his life was: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."

"Christ's call is to save the lost, not the stiff-necked; He came not to call scoffers but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels, churches, and cathedrals at home in which to rock Christian professors to sleep by means of clever essays, stereotyped prayers, and artistic musical performances, but to capture men from the devil's clutches and the very jaws of Hell. This can be accomplished only by a red-hot, unconventional, unfettered devotion, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Lord Jesus Christ."

Start the New Year with smiles from the heart, loving and kind words, and loving embraces.

Fathers, your children pick up very quickly the tensions that build up between you and your wife. These tensions are like dark grey clouds and cold draughts of air that dampen their young spirits. Sometimes, these tensions are vocalized and hurtful. Sometimes they are the "silent treatment" of cold frosty hardness of resentful indifference, but without saying a word, the vibes speaker louder than words. No matter how it is expressed, is definitely not of God and is most damaging to the well-being of our children, as well as ourselves.

As Christians we have no excuse for this type of behavior and we are immature to allow it to continue. If we can't shine our lights brightly in our home, what right have we to shine anywhere else? For goodness sake, are we so blind that we cannot see that tension in the home damages our family?

Brighten the corner where you are. Start right now to wear a lot more smiles towards your wife. You can do this in the power of Jesus' name. Start right now to speak loving and encouraging words to your wife.

You do not have to be a victim when you can be a healer. A lover. And a winner. These positive responses will eventually bring a good response.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Fathers, God holds us responsible for the well being of our children. Responsible parenting is much more than providing food, clothing, and shelter. We must take responsibility for the home environment. Home must be a place where children live with parents that truly love one another. If this is not the case, we must face the facts that we are not being responsible parents. How can we teach our children to love one another when we as parents do not set an example of what this means?

In homes where parents really love one another the children will feel the security of that love. This is responsible parenting. Children thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically far more in a home where parents continue to demonstrate their love for one another on a daily basis. When the love of parents for each other breaks down it has devastating results on the children. The children become unsettled, often displaying sullenness or hyperactive behavior. Sudden outbursts of emotions, disobedience, and anger occur more frequently than normal. Eating habits and learning abilities can be affected negatively.

It is a very serious situation when parents allow their love for each other to cool down. Be a responsible parent as you move into the New Year and LOVE YOUR WIFE MORE AND MORE EACH DAY.

Be encouraged.

COLIN CAMPBELL

Men, whenever we relinquish our parenting authority or dominion to systems or forces outside of our authority we eclipse and negate the chain of command that comes from God Himself. In this way, we hinder the fatherhood chain of command that comes directly from God's fatherhood throne.

I believe that the greatest blessings we have as Christian men is to know that God is our Father. However, the big question is, does He know us to be faithful sons, ever seeking to emulate His fatherhood which He faithfully demonstrates to us?

Should we as fathers submit our children to any other form of authority that would teach them they should be tolerant of the homosexual agenda or even support it? Should we submit our children to mingle and be influenced by peers and classmates that come from homes where there are no boundaries to moral decency, bad language, etc.? The answer to these questions is No, even if there are some good benefits in the state system, e.g. status recognition, convenience, and professional teaching, etc. A thousand times, No.

I believe that one of the biggest influences on our children towards the moral breakdown of family values is through our children being sent outside the hedge of Christian parental authority into authority that is not permitted to recognize or practice the Christian faith within the educational boundaries. In this way, we surrender the most important and formative years of their lives to outside command.

God did not give our children to the state. They did not bring them to birth. The only right they have over them is what we give them.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Remember this, whatever authority you give away, can be most difficult to regain. And yet, it can be regained if we wake up, stand up, and fight to get it back.

Men, God has invested in you authority to govern your own life and family. Your submissive wife is your partner in this government. We must not be blind to the reality that there are sinister forces in this world who seek to undermine your right to govern yourself and your family. As fathers, we are responsible to God. We will give an account to God for how we have used or misused our authority of fatherhood.

Many fathers, through ignorance or neglect, have abdicated their fatherhood authority to their wives. This is not fair on them, for they are mothers, and not meant to be fathers.

Many Christian fathers have not seriously thought through the implications of state government education and the undermining effect it has on our children's moral values, as well as traditional Christian cultural values. Men, we abuse our roles as Christian fathers by ignorantly allowing the state to mold our children's values. I say these things because the state system is a hotchpotch of values, many of which undermine the values which God Himself has invested in the government of fatherhood.

The Apostle Paul states in Romans 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" God is the prototype of all fatherhood and He wants His fatherhood, leadership, and governmental authority expressed through each father.

Father, on no account surrender your fatherhood to others who think they have more right to it than you do!

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

May you have a blessed Christmas together as a family.

Men, we must never under-estimate the importance of our family values. Our home and family values are the most important foundation blocks of our nation. As Christian men, we must constantly remind ourselves and our families, that the way we order our lives and conduct in our home, whether it be inside or outside the home, is no one else's business, but our own!

So long as Christian parents do not abuse or neglect their family, we parents have our God-given constitutional rights to raise them as we believe God would have us raise them. We are not in any way bound to raise our children according to the dictates of our ever intrusive government, self-important worldly-wise media, or even our liberal out-of-touch with God and His truth local church. No well-intentioned neighbors, public child care services, or state school system have the God-given right to over-ride or undercut our biblical values for training our children. We must stand up for our rights to teach and train our children in the biblical and traditional moral values of conduct and character.

Fathers, we must stand our ground on all family values as mandated in God's truth. If we find out that the state school system, or any other system, is undercutting our parental authority by teaching our children values that we know are not biblical, but rather in opposition to the Bible, we must take charge and correct the situation or remove our children completely.

The state does not own our family values. Never ever!

Men, we can thank God that despite all the attacks on traditional family values in America that there are still millions of people who are prepared to stand up and make their voice heard and oppose those who try and force their liberal agenda upon us.

They liberals want us to shut up, bow down, and let them run over us like timid little lambs. Thank God, it is obvious that they had better think again for we are not going quit, ever. The Chick-fil-A people took their stand against the homosexual agenda and millions of good people rallied to their cause. If I remember correctly, the Chick-fil-A backed down a little under pressure. I personally, along with multitudes, felt let down. I hope that the Duck Dynasty folk will not ever back down. Nobody should ever have to back down from saying that those who practice sins that are clearly condemned in the Scriptures are damned or going to hell if they do not repent, especially if they are not saying it in a hateful way.

Phil Robertson was asked his opinion and he answered honestly. Whatever God condemns we must likewise condemn. Those who say we are not to judge others, quoting Jesus' words in Matthew 7:1, "Judge not that ye be not judged" are wrong when they think these words mean we should not express an opinion in opposition to moral sins such as homosexuality, adultery, or pornography.

In this particular context, Jesus meant that we should not judge people in a way that we would not wants others to judge us, e.g. unfair judgment and not knowing all the facts.

In John 7:24 Jesus said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." In 1 Corinthians 5:12 and 6:2-5 Paul instructs the Corinthian church to judge the matters concerning behavior in the church themselves rather than take the matters to the court.

As fathers, we need to instruct our children about these truths because men will use Scriptures out of context to support their argument for their sin. The Bible clearly gives us God's mandate regarding adultery, sexual promiscuity, and homosexuality. He wants us to affirm and speak out His ways in a loving and concerned way.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate (male prostitutes), nor abusers of themselves with mankind (practice homosexuality), nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, thank God that there are still many who are concerned about the disintegration of the nuclear family. Thank God for men like Phil Robertson who was not afraid to speak up against the practice of homosexuality, as well as other forms of immorality that the Holy Bible clearly condemns. Does this mean that he hates homosexuals? I think not. If anyone were to speak up against certain foods that cause disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. does this mean they hate the people who eat these foods? I think not.

The truth of the matter is that homosexuality and adultery are an attack on biblical and traditional values for family and marriage. The people who know very little about the Bible, in order to defend their lifestyle, quote "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" out of context (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; 22:38). Have they not read the previous verse in Matthew 19:19? Verse 18 says, "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

The truth is that if you love your neighbor as yourself, you will speak up and warn him of the dangers of what he or she is doing. We must warn of God's judgment as well as the immoral influence on the traditional family values as accepted by all God fearing, Jesus Christ loving people

Freedom of speech is indeed a great blessing. Atheists, as well as false prophets within the church, do not like what Phil Robertson is saying and they are quick to go public and denounce him. They should practice what the preach, and by the same standard they use for themselves, should not condemn him in any way.

The homosexuals believe they have the right to shove their agenda down everyone else's throat and woe unto anyone who dares to raise a finger against them. I hope that the Duck Dynasty people will abandon their contract with the "bigots" at A&E Network and be accepted without political harassment by Fox or The Blaze of some other family oriented network that will not be intimidated by political correctness.

Proverbs 13:34 says, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Psalm 11:3 says, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" All that goes on in our home and family life is a vital part of the foundations of the nation. I believe that no matter how good our Constitution and laws, no matter how liberal our education including how much money we pour into it, if it does nothing to build up the relationships and morals of the family unit in the home, society will fail.
"God was once our glory, but now the flesh is our glory."

Unfortunately, our state education system sides with those who want to destroy our nation's moral absolutes and godly values. The Bible, prayer, true Christianity, and all the principles of moral godliness that were accepted and revered by our founding fathers are now shunned, despised, and fought against. And to our own peril and shame.

Our nation is hell bent on taking its clothes off (nudity). Pop stars become famous through revealing all and depravity fills the minds of our youth. God was once our glory, but now the flesh is our glory. As our glory goes down, so our morals go down. Even the so-called "church" permits and accepts an ever increasing flaunting of the flesh.

Men, the Bible addresses godly moral values, marriage, family life, and home values. I believe that, more than ever, the preachers of today's church must address the values of the home and family. Not only the preachers, but every Christian father and mother must arise and take their stand for these most important values.

If you observe your children dressing indiscreetly, do something about it. If you discover your children are listening or watching that which is inappropriate for godliness, do something about it. Pray about it. And address the matter NOW!

Malachi 4:6 says, "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, while listening to O'Reilly discussing the equality of life in America on Fox News Channel last night, the general opinion was that those who had a reasonably good standard of living and education were undoubtably better off than those who did not.

The home life of the disadvantaged was also discussed and it was generally agreed that this was a main obstacle to the creation of equality within the general population. It became obvious that no one had any answers to this problem. The government pours billions of dollars into the education system and yet there are still multitudes, because of the problems of family life, who remain disadvantaged and therefore not equal. I believe this problem can be largely resolved by the influence of Christ coming through a church that walks in revival and that influences the homes and families of its people.

Whenever, in the history of the world, there has been a true revival of Christianity it has been documented that the standard of living has dramatically increased. This is verified by the Reformation Series which document Christian Revivals. Men, we must have a true revival that affects our own homes before we can even think of evangelizing the world.

State and secular education is not the real answer to creating a higher standard of equality. Even home education, if it does not incorporate the teachings of the Bible and Christ , will not improve the values and morals of home life and degeneration of values and morals will still occur.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Isn't it satisfying to walk into a church where you can actually feel the love of God flowing? We should experience this same atmosphere in our home.

Men, when it does not happen in our home, how can it possibly happen in our church gatherings? When we take care to create the atmosphere of God's love flowing in our home, each family brings their portion of this love to the corporate gathering. This creates a glorious and explosive experience for all to enjoy. In this presence of love, the worship and preaching takes on a whole new meaning of life and everyone feels refreshed.

On the other hand, if we allow negative moods, arguments, fightings, and squabblings to dominate our home, we will carry this same spirit to the corporate gather. This squelches the atmosphere of God's love from flowing.

Men, I believe we have a solemn responsibility to make sure that each one in our family is not deliberately or ignorantly stifling God's love from flowing. This is why we must put into operation in our home the things that assist the release of God's love--Morning and Evening Devotions, encouraging each family member to personally take time to daily see the Lord,. and putting on the whole armor of God in order to resist bad moods, tempers, hateful and critical language, and the worldly media that feeds the flesh.

To have God's love flowing in the home is far too important to dampen down or squelch out.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, don't be an atmosphere breaker. Psalm 133 1-3 says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore."

People can spend a lot of money on the decor of a house, and I am not opposed to this for it can help the atmosphere, even as beautiful music builds an atmosphere. However, it's very surface. To have a real true "Home, Sweet Home" atmosphere it takes fathers and others, along with their children, to be constantly filled with the love of God.

When love is flowing it creates a rich and beautiful atmosphere. Love is not sterile. It is tangible. It pulsates and throbs with unity and peace. This love is something you can actually feel. It is not physical, yet it affects the physical and expresses itself through each individual in order to bless others with acts of lovingkindnesses.

However, this atmosphere of love, this jewel of beauty, this crown of all crowns can be squelched, dampened, and grieved by thoughtless, selfish, prideful, worldly, moody, and carless individuals who have not learned how to value this precious treasure of all treasures.

Men, I believe it is very important to teach our families how to appreciate and value the atmosphere of love. There is life, laughter, and healing in the atmosphere of love. You cannot afford to be without it. We must guard against being a loving atmosphere breaker.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, many Christians homes lack the godly atmosphere that is so vital to the well-being of the whole family. Opulence and grandeur tend to stimulate our fleshly senses, and yet do nothing to minister to the needs of the inner man. It would surprise us to know how many of the mansions of the nation are filled with tension, strife, selfishness, independence, unhappiness, and sadness. In many cases, everyone is doing their own thing. Wealth does not create a lasting atmosphere that ministers life to the spirit. It can be very surface. I am not saying that a mansion cannot be filled with the atmosphere of love, for indeed it can. Jesus said, "In my father's house are many mansions" (John 14:2). Everyone one of these mansions is filled with a loving and godly atmosphere.

The atmosphere I am talking about does not come from the mansion itself, but rather from the hearts of the people living in it. I believe it would be better to live in a tent where there is genuine true love than in a beautiful mansion with out. However, both cases can lack it, and both cases can have it.

The mansion does not manufacture satisfying love, and yet many people think they would be happy and satisfied by living in a mansion and that somehow it will minister to their inner needs. The love that ministers to the inner man, that heals his wounds and comforts his heart and soul comes only from God and should flow like a river through us to everyone in our home.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but THE GREATEST OF THESE is charity (love.)."

Men, there is no doubt that the doctrines of faith, hope, and love are important and daily abiding doctrines. If we put greater emphasis on other doctrines rather than these three major doctrines, we do so to our own disadvantage and peril. Putting it plainly, we need to be men of faith, hope, and love. But, the greatest of all these is to be men of love.

Can I ask you honestly? Is this the greatest truth in your life? Are you indeed a most loving man? Does your wife experience this about you ? Do your children experience this about you? If not, why not?

Everyone one we contact in our lives--our family, neighbors, and communities should know and experience when they meet with us that we are a most loving man. At least, we should be men who make this our chief objective in life. We may not have arrived yet, but we press forward with the help of the Holy Spirit to reach the goal.

Because love is the greatest of all abiding truths, don't you think we should make this truth our greatest matter for prayer? I believe so. It is not so important what church we attend, how much knowledge of the Scriptures we have, or how much zeal we have for God, but rather, how much love flows through us in our home, church, and communities.

How great is your love today?

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Men, there is no better way to serve the Lord, our family, our fellow Christians, and all others than through the love of God. All other ways, whether dramatic, heroic, sacrificial, expensive, sensational, or admirable, can never hold a candle to the true love of God demonstrated in Jesus Christ--His life, crucifixion, and resurrection on our behalf.

Not only is this love the MOST EXCELLENT WAY but it is also the MOST EXCELLENT LOVE. There are two main types of love expressed in the Greek in the New Testament. Agape love, which Paul accurately describes in 1 Corinthians 13, the love which gives and expects nothing in return.

The other kind of love is phileo love which means "to be a friend, have affection for, personal attachment." It is often called "brotherly love."

Men, the greatest and most excellent love is agape love where personal reward, acclamation, or honor is not even thought of. It is a pure love where you do not consider yourself, but only the object of your love. This is the most excellent love.

We must give this love our fullest attention. We must not be casual or half-hearted about this MOST EXCELLENT LOVE and MOST EXCELLENT WAY.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell