Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

What made this ark so holy was the fact that it was the throne of the LORD God. It belonged to Him. The room containing the ark was called the “Holy of Holies,” because the thrice Holy LORD God of Israel inhabited the presence of this ark throne.

In Isaiah 6:3 the seraphims above the most holy ark throne in the temple of heaven cry out to one another: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Revelation 4: 8 says: “They rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

We learn the lesson that the literal ark, without the presence of the thrice holy LORD God of Israel, would have been worthless from spiritual perspective. It was because it was the ark of the LORD God that made it holy, honorable, and valuable.

Jesus Christ is now our ark. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is the ARK OF THE LORD GOD. His throne is our ark and the Lord God His Father who owns this throne has made His Son, Jesus Christ King of kings and Lord of lords.

We must not take His throne lightly or for granted. We must not let cathedrals or places of worship, individuals or crowds, eclipse or become more prominent to us than the One who sits on the throne.

Be encouraged,

Colin Campbell

We continue the twelve descriptive titles of the Ark of the Covenant.

We are a covenanted people and as such we must keep God’s covenant in front of our eyes.

2) THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OF THE LORD
Numbers 10:33 “And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.”

The ark contained the sacred covenant of the Lord which we all know was the Ten Commandments God gave to His people Israel. These commandments were written on stone by the finger of God. However, as great as the commandments were, they could not give the people the life of salvation God wanted them to experience.

Galatians 3:10-13 states: “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith; but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”

God provided a temporary sacrificial system to cover their sins until the Messiah, the eternal Lamb of God came and took upon Himself, not only the sins of the children of Israel, but praise God, the sins of the whole world.

The Ten Commandments were never given to solve their sinful nature, but rather to show them the holy, righteous, integrity of His kingdom laws. This covenant, consisting of ten main commandments went out in front the people to lead them to the next resting place. In other words, God revealed to His people the following:

1. The priority of His covenant in the leadership of His people.
2. Despite their sinful nature, they should never lose sight of the covenant.
3. They were led by a God of covenantal laws which made them a covenanted people.
4. God’s laws should always be before their eyes.
5. These laws which led them from one resting place to the next would always remind them of their failure to keep them. This failure brought a curse upon them (Deuteronomy 27:26 and Galatians 3:10).
6. Therefore, being reminded of the curse, they would not want it upon them and would daily desire the sacrificial blood of the lamb morning and evening. To remove it, they understood the blood was necessary to atone for their sins.

How will we repent if we do not know we have broken the covenant? Even as New Testament or New Covenant believers, we must still make certain that the commandments of Jesus are leading us by the help of the Holy Spirit who is always out in front leading us from rest to rest.

As fathers, it is our responsibility to keep the new covenant given through the blood of Jesus Christ. We must always keep it out in front of our families. His covenant will never fail to give us rest and peace.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

1. THE ARK OF NOAH (Genesis 6:13 – 9:18).
It was made of gopher wood and pitched within and without with a kind of a tar substance.

2. THE ARK OF MOSES (Exodus 2:3-6).
This ark was made with reeds and pitched within and without, with possibly the same substance as Noah’s ark. Our salvation and preservation is both internal and external.

3. THE ARK OF THE COVENANT.
This ark represents Jesus Christ, His word, and His blood. There are twelve different names given to the Ark of the Covenant:

1) THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY (Exodus 25:22). Without question Jesus Christ is our ark of preservation and salvation. He is also our testimony. Whatever He says, we say. His lifestyle on earth was His testimony and should be our testimony also. What He said in His Word was His testimony and what He says now through His anointed preachers, teachers, and followers in His New Testament church is still His testimony. It is given to us so that by His Spirit we will make it our own testimony.

Revelation 19:10: “And he said unto me . . . I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

As we have stated in previous posts, the thick curtain that separated man from God was torn apart by the hand of God when Jesus Christ died at Calvary (Luke 23:45). Now through God’s amazing grace we have the priceless privilege of entering the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus Christ. Until this veil was torn in two, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies to minister at this most Holy Throne. And he was only allowed in once a year! For approximately 1500 years, only the high priests of Israel were blessed with the awesome privilege to approach such a holy throne.

Now we have continuous and open access to this Throne, and yet so few avail themselves of the privilege. Is it because we are ignorant, lazy, or apathetic?

The importance of prayer, worship, and intercession is so amazingly important in our approaching this most holy Throne. Leviticus 16:12 says: “And he (the high priest) shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil; And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not.”

The coals of fire, coupled with the incense and the blood, were the only acceptable way into the Holy of Holies. Only then could man have audience with this most Holy God. If the high priest did not obey these laws completely, he would be struck dead. Wow!

What is the answer to the above title? The people of the throne are those who pray, intercede, and worship, pleading the powerful blood of Jesus.

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

What blessing are you giving your family and the generations to come?

~ Colin Campbell

He also stated in an Italian newspaper that American people have a “distorted view of the world” and American people need to be ruled by a world government for their own good! You can read this and more in this link: http://www.disclose.tv/…/popes_latest_warning_relati…/139720

Even though I not a Catholic, and not a critic of the Catholic church per say. However, I can plainly see the prophecy of the antichrist and the false prophet coming to pass (Revelations 16:13; 19:20; and 20:10).

It is true that those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are dangerous. I think we need to be dangerous against false prophets and all evil.

Right now, I believe it is time for all true Christians to strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ as never before. We need to be more dangerous against the deceptions of false religions and false prophets who preach deceiving messages to gather the world into a one world order.

We know this is predicted in God’s Word where a one world order will be led by the antichrist (an opposer of Christ) who has all the political power and backing of the nations to head up this new one world government. He also has strong connections and affiliations with a very powerful false prophet who believes the same as the antichrist. Through lying signs and wonders he calls the world to fall down and worship the image of the antichrist (Revelation 13:13-18).

In the approaching days, we need a relationship with Jesus Christ that grows continually stronger. We can only be strong if we have a strong prayer life.

Are we beginning to see who this false prophet may be? We must pray because a great deception is at hand.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Jesus Christ is our Golden Altar and He wears the golden crown of this altar. He gives golden crowns, which declare reigning and ruling, to all who join Him in this ministry.

Revelation 14:14: “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” The “Son of man” is often used as a reference to Jesus Christ who was the Son of man and the Son of God. He is also the One who is crowned with many crowns (Revelation 19:12).

We understand that crowns are given to those who reign. We also take note that the golden altar which symbolizes prayer, worship, and intercession is crowned on its top with a golden crown.

Exodus 15:18: “THE LORD SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.”

Psalm 146:10: “The LORD shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.” (Read also Psalm 10:16 and145:13).

Daniel 7:14: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

The wonderful truth is that through His infinite mercy and grace we have been raised up and seated with Christ for the sole purpose of reigning with Him.

Revelation 5:10: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Read also Revelation 22:5.

Romans 5:17: “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall REIGN IN LIFE by one, Jesus Christ.”

We reign through the ministry of prayer for this is what Christ is doing on our behalf.

Romans 8:34: “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

Hebrews 7:25: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Read also Hebrews 9:24 and 1 John 2:1).

We also read that the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders had crowns of gold which they cast before the throne of God. They sang a new song declaring their redemption and every one of them were involved with the prayers of all the saints. Read Revelation chapters 4 and 5. This picture reveals the truth that those who pray and worship the Lamb have on their heads golden crowns for they reign with Him on the earth.

Without question or doubt, we have been born again to reign with Christ over all the power of the enemy, and the world, the flesh, and the devil. Prayer, intercession, praise, and worship are the key to unlock the door to this ministry of reigning. No wonderful the devil tries every trick in the book to hinder us from praying.

The golden crowns are given to the prayer warriors and those who worship the Lamb in the midst of the throne.

All fathers must reign and rule in their families through prayer. Only then will we be crowned as true fathers.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The golden censors were full of sweet incense “which are the prayers of saints.” (Revelation 5:8) I believe the 24 elders wearing the golden crowns represent the praying and worshipping church. It is the praying saints who wear golden crowns.

This is very encouraging for those who realize what an awesome privilege we have in the ministry of prayer. Because of their commitment to the ministry of prayer, these 24 elders are given the privilege of surrounding the Throne of all thrones.

How awesome is this throne and the One who sits upon it! Don’t forget to look up Revelation 4:2-5.

Men encourage your wives and families to be altars of sweet incense. They will then be crowned with a golden crown just as the altar of incense was crowned. Those who apply themselves to this ministry are the ones who are given the crowns of gold.

Revelation 7:25: “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” This is talking about Jesus Christ Himself. What a might prayer warrior He was, and still is, as He ever lives to make intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25 says: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost (completely) that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

The crown of gold that surrounded the top of the golden altar of incense is worn by Christ and all those who join Him in this beautiful, royal ministry of prayer.

Although this crown cannot be visibly seen by the natural eye, one can be aware of the regal, royal presence of God that accompanies the prayer warriors. Prayer crowns them with confidence, peace, and quiet assurance. There is a profound serenity about their lives.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Throughout biblical history, the crown always relates to kings and kingdoms. God, in His infinite wisdom, planned that this altar should have a golden crown around its top. The purpose was that all who approached the ministry of this altar would understand they were involved in a royal, kingly ministry. The royal majesty and glory of this crown far surpasses the honor and glory of all earthly monarchs.

That truth is that all those who attend to this ministry of prayer, intercession, and worship are engaging themselves with the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. This is not something to be taken lightly, flippantly, or casually. In fact, calling on God is our most royal privilege.

If an average citizen of this world were given at least one personal invitation to stand before an earthly monarch of great importance, I think they would regard it as a great honor. They would make sure they presented themselves at the right time and in the appropriate manner. Following such a privileged encounter, they would talk about it for the rest of their days.

We need to ask ourselves: How do we feel about approaching our heavenly Father whose majesty cannot, now or ever, be compared to any other majesty. Prayer is indeed a very great privilege. That the Great God of all the universe should grant to us the privilege of approaching His royal throne as often as we desire, and He also desires us to do so, is indeed grace beyond description! It is a “THRONE of grace” that we come to (Hebrews 4:16).

We should seek to understand more of this revelation.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Jesus was bound with cords of love and dedication to the horns of this altar. Isaiah 50:5-7 states: “The LORD GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the LORD GOD will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I SET MY FACE LIKE A FLINT, and I know I shall not be ashamed.” Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

In Luke 9:51 we read: “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he STEDFASTLY SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem.” The cords that bound Jesus to the cross caused His face to be set to go.

Just as Jesus was bound by cords (nails) to the brass altar, even so he was bound by cords to the horns of the golden altar, representing prayer and intercession.

Matthew 14:23: “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”

Mark 1:35: “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”

Luke 5:16: “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Read Matthew 26:37-46 where it tells of Jesus’ love and commitment to the Father and to us to be bound to the cross. But we see that on His way to the altar of brass (judgment) He also took hold of the horns of the golden altar of prayer and intercession. He was bound to both altars.

Let’s look at some other examples:

When Jacob wrestled with the angel all night, we read in Genesis 32:25, 26: “And he (the angel) said, Let me go for the day breaketh. And he said, I WILL NOT LET THEE GO, except thou bless me” Jacob showed that he was bound to the horns of the altar of prayer.

John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian church said: “Give me Scotland or I die.” He was bound with cords to the horns of the golden altar of prayer and intercession and he saw great revival in Scotland.

Most of the evangelical church today is bound to the altar, representing Calvary, but has very little commitment to the golden altar of prayer and intercession.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

May you have a safe and happy Fourth of July with your family. The following is a great poem to read on this Independence Day. It was written many years ago, but is even more applicable today.

A VISITOR FROM THE PAST
by Thelen Paulk

I had a dream the other night, I didn't understand,
A figure walking through the mist, with flintlock in his hand.
His clothes were torn and dirty as he stood there by my bed,
He took off his three-cornered hat, and speaking low, he said:

"We fought a revolution, to secure our liberty.
We wrote the Constitution as a shield from tyranny.
For future generations, this legacy we gave
In this, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

"The freedom we secured for you, we hoped you'd always keep.
But tyrants labored endlessly while your parents were asleep.
Your freedom gone, your courage lost, you're no more than a slave
In this, the land of the free and home of the brave.

"You buy permits to travel and permits to own a gun,
Permits to start a business or to build a place for one.
On land that you believe you own, you pay a yearly rent,
Although you have no voice in choosing, how the money's spent.

"Your children must attend a school that doesn't educate,
Your Christian values can't be taught, according to the state.
You read about the current news, in a regulated press.
You pay a tax you do not owe, to please the I.R.S.

"Your money is no longer made of Silver or of Gold.
You trade your wealth for paper so your life can be controlled.
You pay for crimes that make our nation turn from God in shame,
You've taken Satan's number as you've traded in your name.

"You've given government control to those who do you harm,
So they can padlock churches and steal the family farm,
And keep our country deep in debt, put men of God in jail,
Harass your fellow countrymen, while corrupted courts prevail.

"Your public servants don't uphold the solemn oath they've sworn.
Your daughters visit doctors so their children won't be born.
Your leaders ship artillery and guns to foreign shores,
And send your sons to slaughter, fighting other people's wars.

"Can you regain the freedom for which we fought and died?
Or don't you have the courage or the faith to stand with pride?
Are there no more values for which you'll fight to save?
Or do you wish your children to live in fear and be a slave?

"People of the Republic, arise and take a stand!
Defend the Constitution, the Supreme Law of the Land!
Preserve our Great Republic and God-given Right!
And pray to God to keep the torch of freedom burning bright!"

As I awoke he vanished in the mist from whence he came.
His words were true, we are not free, we have ourselves to blame.
For even now as tyrants trample each God-given right,
We only watch and tremble, too afraid to stand and fight.

If he stood by your bedside in a dream, while you're asleep,
And wonders what remains of our rights he fought to keep,
What would be your answer if he called out from the grave:
"IS THIS STILL THE LAND OF THE FREE
AND HOME OF THE BRAVE?"

The horns of animals provide protection, but also the ability to exercise power and authority over their adversaries. The horns on the altar of incense were not just an add on, but one piece with the altar. They were an integral part of the altar. Attending to the ministry of this altar automatically connects us with power and authority. Not an added on human strength, but the strength and power of the Creator of heaven and earth.

The Philistines knew, without doubt, that Samson had some type of powerful horns. He revealed a strength that did not come from himself or any special diet. Samson had spiritual horns that were directly connected to his Nazarite covenant with God. No razor was to come upon his head. When Samson broke the Nazarite covenant, he no longer had access to God’s power and authority and became weak as other men.

Like Samson, we are also covenant people and the Lord God of Israel has given us access to His golden altar through the atoning blood of Jesus. We who are covenanted to use this golden altar must not do it in our own name, but only in the name of Jesus Christ who has been given all authority, both in heaven and on earth to deal with all our enemies.

Like Samson, if we compromise the conditions of our convent, written in the blood of Jesus Christ, we also lose our strength.

When I was a young man working on my father’s farm in New Zealand, we cut the horns of our dairy cows so they would not damage each other. We called it dehorning. I fear this is the problem with much of the present church. We are dehorned!

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

At a recent meeting for men I asked them to put up their hands if they were personally praying for our nation and President Trump on a regular basis. I was saddened that only one person put up their hand.

I questIoned them if they thought God was going to bless America whether we prayed or not. They just stared at me. I asked if they felt God owed it to America to bless us and make us great again. Once again, there was very little response.

These were God-fearing, conservative men, and yet I think they felt that those we elected were mainly responsible for fixing our nation’s problems. After all, this the reason we elect them, right? Wrong. I think many feel that all they should do is to attend to their own affairs, go to church once a week, and seek to be good husbands, fathers, and citizens. Not enough to change this nation.

Not only should we be praying in a general sense for our country, but even more specifically, for major legislations they need to pass.

I believe God wants us to be specific when we pray. Keep abreast of what is happening in the nation and pray. One man cannot make our nation great again. It is only God. And it can only happen as we pray. Pray personally and pray collectively as a family each day. You may not be able to pray for President Trump in his presence, but you can pray just as effectively in your homes.

Jeremiah 33:3: “Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.”

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

When folks no longer want to pray
And seek the Lord to know His way
For sloth and ease have broken in
And robbed the church of the power to win

Then do not let this crippling sin
Take hold of you and lock you in.
Buckle up as ne’er before,
Take hold of heaven and knock its door.

Smash every tendency to be
Like others around who cannot see.
When the tempting battle gets to boilin’
Treat the world as deadly poison!

No matter how many may be your foes
They will never stand your knockout blows.
When all around are misbehaving,
Sound the trumpet with banners waving.

Though the world and devils around may scoff
Just lift up your sword and write them off.
There’s no time left messing about,
Tell the lazy ones, “Stop being a lout!”

For there will be a sure reward
For those who diligently seek the Lord.
It’s true you see, the surest way to victory
Is always on the bended knee.

Colin Campbell