Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

“We want God to walk with us, but do we want to walk with God?”

"The "box" represents the ways of human wisdom. People who think outside the box have taken time to think wisely about what is in the box.

If what's in the box takes us away from the time-tested truths of God's Word and the godly foundations of our national constitution, it would be wise to get out of the box as quickly as possible."

“Every day, remind your wife that she is doing the greatest job in the world. Remind her that you need her at home, the family needs her at home, and the nation needs her at home.”

"God is looking for men who are not afraid to think outside the box, men who are wise enough to realize that thinking within the box is often the wrong way to think."

"The men who dare to be different will not be known to be different unless they speak up!"

"Truth is of little value until someone puts arms, legs, tongue, and pen to it. It is only when truth is lived and spoken that it has the power to break the false and scatter the darkness."

"We cannot be passionate lovers of God without being passionate lovers of His truth."

"TRUTH FAILS FOR THE WANT OF THOSE TO SPEAK IT! "

"Faithfulness is proved by time."

God's Word--ancient words made new each day by the Holy Spirit.

"The best learners are the best listeners."

"If you have got any truth in you, for goodness sake, SAY IT! Don't hide truth behind closed doors!"

"People are going to church but not going to church to pray."

"Casualness causes casualties."

"When linked to heaven, you and your family are the answer to this nation's needs."

"Never underestimate the power of a praying family."

"It's not legalism to eat three meals a day to feed the body. Why should it be legalism to feed your spirit and your children's spirit two times a day at Family Devotions?"

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." This Scripture speaks initially of the coming of John the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elijah. This is confirmed in Luke 1:16-17 and fulfilled at the first coming of Jesus Christ.

However, many believe there is a future fulfillment. Malachi 4:5 says, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." We all know that when Jesus first appeared it ;was a time of great rejoicing. "Peace on earth, and good will toward men"  the angels cried Luke 2:14). The angel also said to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10).

This first coming of Christ ushered in the church age of "grace." I believe that the second coming Christ introduces "the great and dreadful day of the Lord" when all the nations of the earth will be judged by Jesus Christ, the soon coming Messiah. Never in the history of the whole world, since the great flood, has there been such a need for the turning of the hearts of fathers and mothers back to children.

Contraception, sterilization, and abortion are certain testimonies as to how hard our hearts have become towards children. Children are not high priority in our world or even in the church.

To be continued. Be encouraged.

Colin

On Saturday, 2 March, my wife and I celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

I must say that I am more in love with my wife now than when I first married her. What an amazing 50 years it has been, not only enjoying each other, but building a godly dynasty.

We are blessed with nine children, currently 39 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren--and hoping for many more. This is the amazing thing about a marriage. We start off with only two people, but as God blesses, we grow a godly dynasty that can bless the world.

Colin

John, the apostle spoke of Jesus coming from "the bosom of the Father" (John 1:18) This means from the heart of the Father or the lap of the Father. Because Jesus came from the Father's intimate affections, He could speak of His Father more authoritatively and more intimately than any others who had ever spoken about God. What an advantage Jesus had above all others.

After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, God stated, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus is "the beloved Son" who came from the bosom of the Father.

Wouldn't it be great if all our children could say the same thing about us? The father's heart is a place of intimate affections. Men, this is something we must, as fathers, seek to develop on behalf of our children. It is the greatest thing we can give to our children.

To be continued.

Be encouraged. Colin.