Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Through the weekly and daily devotionals you can be constantly encouraged in your great role of parenting, the highest career in the nation. You can also stay updated on what's happening with the Above Rubies ministry.

Strengthening Families Across the World through the encouragement of women in their high calling from God as wives, mothers and homemakers.

TO OUR SOUTH AFRICAN READERS

AfricanSouthFam1Apart from our main Above Rubies base in USA, we have 15 other bases for Above Rubies around the world. Our previous Director for Above Rubies in South Africa, lovely Linnie Lues has now retired. Therefore I'd love to introduce to you our new Director in South Africa, Chamonix Boland. Chamonix writes:

Dear Above Rubies readers and precious mothers,
It is a true honor and great excitement that I sit down to write to you.

As a teenage girl and young adult I would wait with great expectation and anticipation for the next issue of Above Rubies due in the mail any day. The first thing I would do was to read Linnie’s newsletter. How I admired her family. And then I would read each story in the magazine with such longing for my motherhood journey to begin.

I have always wanted to be a mommy. From a very young age that is all I can remember ever wanting--to have sweet babies. It is such a joy, such a blessing, and oh what a privilege. But it is also a great responsibility and is challenging at times. That’s why I treasure Above Rubies even more than ever. Each encouraging word and article breathes new life, hope, and enthusiasm into my motherhood journey.

I feel honored to be a part of this ministry to the mothers and families in South Africa and surrounds.

I am a homeschooled girl. My dear mother is Martie du Plessis from “Dymanis.” For those of you that don’t know, Dynamis is a ministry that empowers families and helps parents that would like to home educate their children. My mom and I began this journey many years ago, and we traveled through South Africa on a regular basis. I continued my home schooling, learning, serving, and growing while my mom assisted families. God is always at work, connecting people for His purposes! This is how we met Linnie Lues and her family.

I am a passionate lover of horses and am blessed with 16 beautiful four-legged babies and married to a cattle farmer, my strong and steady Justin Boland. We live in the beautiful highland mountains bordering Lesotho in the Eastern Free State, just outside Clarens.

I married young at 21 in 2008 and God blessed us with babies soon after--Nicholas-Christion (7), Evangeline-Faythe (6), Caleb-Eathen (4), Maia-Hope (2) and Benjamin-Fergus (1). And hoping for more! I have had beautiful births, the first three in hospital and the last two were home water births with my dear midwife Sue King, although our Benjamin was unplanned unassisted.

I am passionate about Child Birth, Labour, and Breast Feeding and passionate about assisting mothers emotionally with their birth and nursing journey, either as a doula or with Lamaze breathing, focus, and relaxation techniques. I follow Le Leche League breast feeding guidelines when assisting lactating mothers. This is a passion I choose to share with other mommies because it is such a blessing to birth powerfully and nurse well. It marks the first on your journey as mother, to submit your body as a sacrifice to God through carrying, birthing, and nursing His children with joy and gladness!

We also assist on Justin’s family Guest farm, “Sunnyside Guest Farm,” with everyday mundane running of the business tasks, maintenance, and reservations as well as help look after Justin’s Granny (86) who runs the guest farm and lives on the property.

We home school our little blessings, although they mostly just live life with us, sharing in our many daily tasks pertaining to farm and guest farm life, working alongside us, serving their family and others. Now they too will share in this marvelous Above Rubies journey that can encourage and bless others and impact future generations of mothers and fathers!

We look forward to this special journey with you, and as Linnie says, become partners with you in Above Rubies SA as we join hands to keep Above Rubies coming to South Africa!

CHAMONIX BOLAND
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www.aboverubies.co.za

Cell: 083 740 3827 (signal on the farm such a problem so when trying to get hold of me, a text message or whatsapp may be a better option).

And now Chamonix has five happy children!

Chamonix

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CAN YOU DO IT?

HeChoseYes, you can. Not in your own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How do we raise godly children in an evil world? The Bible gives us many examples. Moses was taught to worship the pagan gods of Egypt. For nearly 40 years he lived in luxury and all the worldliness of Egypt. History tells us that he would have been raised in the royal harem along with other children of royal blood and trained to become one of the high-ranking nobles of the land (or maybe even a Pharaoh). And yet the Bible tells that Moses "refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" (Hebrews 11:24-27).

The early years he spent with his mother (three to five years), as she nursed him from her breast and daily instilled him with the knowledge of the God of Israel influenced his future life. Such is the power of a mother.

Joseph, who became next to the Pharaoh of Egypt in power, married the daughter of the priest of On (one of the most influential and noble families in Egypt) who led the people in worshipping pagan gods. And yet, in the midst of idol worship, wealth, fame, and prosperity, he never forgot his family and his God--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

His final destiny was not in Egypt, but with the people of God. When dying, Joseph took an oath saying, "God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence" (Genesis 50:24, 25). He did not want to be left in Egypt but wanted his bones to be buried in the Promised Land with his people.

With corruption and violence all around him, Noah raised children who refused to succumb to wickedness (Genesis 6:9-13 and Hebrews 11:7).

We are also raising children and grandchildren in the midst of deception, evil, and corruption where abortion is considered normal and homosexuality is promoted as a "normal" lifestyle. Judgment is turned backward and justice stands afar off (Isaiah 59:13-15). But as you seek God for the anointing of His Holy Spirit to mother and train your children, to daily fill them with God's Word, and to pray fervently for them, you can also raise righteous young men and women who will not be lured by the deceptions of the father of lies. You can train godly children who will not be tempted by the gods of this world, but will stand true to the God of the Bible.

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

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YOUR HUMBLE, BUT MIRACULOUS ROD

SlingshotAs Moses wielded his humble rod before Pharaoh, he received resistance, ridicule, and rejection. Yet in spite of this mockery and derision, he wrought mighty miracles--some of the most outstanding miracles the world has ever seen.

As you embrace motherhood and give your life to nurture and train the precious children God gives to you, you often receive resistance and ridicule too. “What are you doing staying home with your children when yo could be out in your career?”

Be encouraged. Your rod of motherhood may seem insignificant, but it produces great miracles. The career of motherhood is full of miracles. Every child God gives to you is a divine miracle. There never has been another child like your child in the history of the world, and there will never be another one like him or her again. Your child is a unique miracle, divinely created by the hand of God for specific purpose that none other will ever do. Your children are “for signs and wonders . . . from the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 8:18).

Every day God gives you miracles of His wisdom, guidance, and protection as you mother your children. You may not even be aware of all the times God compassionately sends His ministering angels to save your children from disaster. I acknowledge that my children and grandchildren are only alive by the miraculous protection of God.

You have not yet seen all the great things God is yet to do through your children to bring salvation to people and to reveal God's image in the earth. At the beginning of my motherhood I could not have even dreamed of how God is using our children today.

Sometimes we have to take our head out of the sand to see the miracles. Don't miss them. Thank God for them.

Take hold of your rod of motherhood--your humble, but miraculous rod! Don't run from it. Embrace it. Wield it for the glory of God as you impact this earth and the eternal world. Amen!

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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THE REAL WORLD

KingdomNoEndIt’s amazing, isn’t it, to look out on a New Year that unfolds before us? We have no idea what it will hold. We ourselves enjoyed blessings and extreme challenges last year. What will we face this year? How wonderful that we can face each new day with absolute trust in our Heavenly Father.

No matter what happens we belong to an everlasting kingdom, a kingdom that WILL NEVER END! If we could truly grasp this truth, we would not be rocked by whatever experiences we face. God promises that no matter what is shaken that we belong to a “kingdom which cannot be moved” (Hebrews 12:28).

Daniel reminds us in Daniel 7:14 that God’s “dominion is an EVERLASTING DOMINION WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.”

Daniel 7:18 says: “But the saints of the Highest shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, EVEN FOREVER AND EVER.”

The angel told Mary that the Son who would be born form her would “reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom THERE SHALL BE NO END” (Luke 1:33).

Not only do we belong to an everlasting and unshakeable kingdom, but every word of God is also eternal and will last forever. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:25 states: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words SHALL NOT PASS AWAY.”

Truly we are only sojourners here, looking “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Kingdoms on this earth come and go, but we belong to a kingdom that will never end. Let’s live our lives in the light of this truth. Let’s teach our children to live in the experience of this truth. We dare not let them become rooted in this world. We must teach them that they are only pilgrims here and that the real world is the eternal world.

Have a beautiful day,

Nancy Campbell

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40th BIRTHDAY

40thI'm a little behind in birthdays this week. It's hard to believe that my little baby, Serene Charis was 40 years old this last week--4th January. Notice the thick flannel "nappies" we used in those days. No disposable diapers then! I folded them on the baby and fastened them with a safety pin. And then washed them each day and hung them out on the line. It was lovely to have the sun naturally disinfect and bleach the "nappies." What an amazing blessing Serene has been to Colin and me, to her beautiful family, and to the whole world! How many more thousands and thousands will yet be impacted by her life?
~ Nancy

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THE SOURCE

ChristAloneWhere do you go when you need help and support? Where do you go when you don't understand why you experience hardships and problems? We usually resort to people for help, but the Bible tells us the ultimate source--the SANCTUARY.

Psalm 20:2 (ESV) says: "May he send you help from the SANCTUARY and give you support from Zion." The sanctuary speaks of God's divine presence. In Old Testament days God dwelt in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. Today we have direct access into His presence through the blood of Jesus. Let's get into the habit of going directly to Him for our strength and support--spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

We must do this individually, but we must also do it corporately as a family. We must lead our children to the Sanctuary. We must lead our children to the family altar each morning and evening. This is where they also find God's strength to fight the battles in this life.

Sometimes you feel confused and even in despair at what is happening in your life. You can't understand why you have financial problems and difficulties and yet everything seems “dinky dory” for those who don't walk with the Lord. The psalmist wondered about this too until he went into the SANCTUARY. It's in the sanctuary that we see the eternal picture.

Psalm 73:16, 17 says: "When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the SANCTUARY OF GOD; then understood I their end."

When you go into the Sanctuary you will find your answers for God's way is in the SANCTUARY (Psalm 77:13).

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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HOW SHOULD WE LIVE?

AllForGloryHow does God want us to live in this deceived and evil world? What should our lives look like to the people around us? What kind of a testimony should we have in our speech, conduct, and dress? As I thought about the answers to these questions recently, I was amazed how abundantly God shows us the way. He does not leave us in the dark. I found so many ways God has given us, but thought fifty would be enough for you for a start!

In the following Scriptures God shows us clearly how He wants us to live.
1. Abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
2. Abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Of course, motherhood is the greatest work God has given to us. Let’s abound in it!
3. Blamelessly (Philippians 2:15).
4. Conforming to the image of God's Son (Romans 8:29)
5. Earnestly contending for the faith (Jude 1:3).
6. Doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
7. Fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
8. Filled with the knowledge of God's will (Colossians 1:9).
9. Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
10. Forgetting those things which are behind (Philippians 3:13).
11. Forgiving one another (Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32).
12. Given to hospitality (Romans 12:13 and 1 Timothy 5:10).
13. Glorifying God in our body and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:20 and 10:31).
14. Glorying in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14).
15. Holding faith and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:19).
16. Holding fast our confession without wavering (Hebrews 10:23).
17. Holding forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16).
18. Holily (1 Thessalonians 2:10 and Titus 3:5).
19. Honestly (1 Thessalonians 4:12).
20. Humbly (Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:12; James 4:10; and 1 Peter 5:6).
21. Increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).
22. Justly (Micha 6:8 and 1 Thessalonians 2:10).
23. Keeping His commandments (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:14; and 1 John 5:3).
24. Keeping myself in the love of God (Jude 1:21).
25. Laying down my life for the brethren (1 John 3:16).
26. Looking for His coming (Titus 2:13).
27. Lovingly (John 13:34, 35; 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Galatians 5:22; and 1 John 4:7).
28. Meekly (Matthew 5:5; Galatians 5:23; and 1 Peter 3:4).
29. Patiently (Romans 12:12).
30. Purely (1 Timothy 5:22 and Titus 2:14).
31. Reaching forth for the prize of the high calling of God (Philippians 2:13, 14).
32. Rejoicing always (Romans 12:12 and Philippians 4:4).
33. Pleasing God in all things (Colossians 1:10).
34. Putting on the new man (Colossians 3:10, 12).
35. Praying continually (Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; and Jude 1:20).
36. Presenting my body a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
37. Redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5).
38. Renewing my mind (Romans 12. 2).
39. Righteously (Ephesians 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:11; and Titus 2:12).
40. Richly filled with God's Word (Colossians 3:16).
41. Separately (2 Corinthians 6:17).
42. Setting my affection on things above (Colossians 3:1, 2).
43. Shining like stars in this dark world (Philippians 2:15).
44. Soberly (Titus 2:12).
45. Speaking with grace and truth (John 1: 17 and Colossians 4:6).
46. Unblameably (Colossians 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:10; and 3:13).
47. Walking in light (1 Thessalonians 5:5, 6 and 1 John 1:7).
48. Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5).
49. Without spot (Ephesians 5:27 and 1 Timothy 6:14).
50. Worthily (Ephesians 4:1; 2 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11).

You can also teach your children the above ways God wants us to walk in this world.

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

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OUTDO ONE ANOTHER

LetUsOutdoIsn't it the most boring thing in the world to get into a rut? You're stuck. You're going nowhere. This often happens in our marriage relationship. We go from day to day in the same old fashion. We are quite happy with one another and there are no problems. But there's no spice.

Sometimes we need to stir ourselves out of the rut. The good thing is that you don't have to stay in the same old routine. Nothing ever happens without making it happen, but you can start to make it happen. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB) says: “LET US OUTDO each other in being helpful and kind to each other.”

I am sure you tell your husband every day that you love him. Even this can be a rut. Can you think of more exciting ways to remind him that you love him? Don't say it once a day--perhaps ten times a day and in all different ways. Prepare his favorite meals. Do and say loving and kind things to him that you never have before.

OUTDO ONE ANOTHER. If he is especially loving to you, find a way to be even more loving back to him.

Begin this fun stimulating one another to love and good deeds among your whole family. Encourage the children to be competitive in showing love and doing nice things to their brothers and sisters.

Can you imagine the change of attitude in your marriage and family life?

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

AreYouListenI love discovering the rhetorical questions in the Bible. We read in our Bible reading this morning, “Who teacheth like him?” (Job 36:22). Of course, there is none who teaches like God. All wisdom, understanding, and knowledge comes from Him.

Do we believe this? If so, we’ll listen to His Word which is true from the beginning before we listen to the nice-sounding wisdom of man. God laughs at man’s wisdom. And yet how easily we listen to the voices all around us. What everyone else is saying? What everyone else believes. We don’t like to be different.

Romans 3:4 always challenge me: “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” Am I prepared to listen to God even when it is different to what everyone else thinks?

As we begin this year of 2017, let’s press in to hear God’s truth. Let’s not be conditioned by the secular worldview all around us. Psalm 119:89 tells us that God’s word is “settled in heaven.” It was purified in the fire seven times before we ever received it (Psalm 12:6). It should therefore be settled in our hearts too.

As mothers, we have a responsibility to know the truth. We have been given the mandate to pass on truth to our children (Proverbs 6:20-23). What are we passing on? The general belief of everyone around us? What everyone else does? Or do we seek to know God’s eternal truth to pass on to our children, our grandchildren, and future generations?

There is no greater teacher than God and His infallible Word. Let’s make His Word the plumbline of everything we believe, even if it is contrary to society around us.

When Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into the mountain, He was transfigured before them and Moses and Elijah also appeared and talked with Him. Peter, impetuous as ever, said, “Lord, let’s make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But while he spoke, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM” (Matthew 17:1-8).

Who are you listening to? Who are your children listening to?

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU

HNY16I look back on last year with overwhelming thankfulness for God’s great faithfulness and goodness to us.

The greatest blessings, of course, are the joys of family life. I remember my children asking me when they were younger, “What was your favorite time of motherhood?” I answered that I loved it when they were little babies. How I loved those precious times and they passed far too quickly.

But I have enjoyed every season of motherhood. My husband and I are now in a season of reaping the blessings of our years together (our 54th wedding anniversary coming in March). This year we enjoyed three family weddings (Arden and Esther, Meadow and Kendall, and Josiah and Shelby) and one engagement (Bowen and Kahoru) who will be married in May. That’s another wedding already planned for this coming year and we secretly hope there will be more. I love weddings!

And from weddings come babies. We were blessed with a new grandson this year (Canaan) and three great-grandbabies (Ezzie, Kyrah, and Lilliana). And we pray that God will pour out His blessings upon us and bless us with more great-grandbabies this year! Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild is another opportunity for God to reveal His image in the world; to proclaim His love and salvation to a hurting world; and to reveal His truth to a deceived world. There’s no more powerful thing that we can do than bring life into the world, for each new life is not only for this world, but for the eternal world!

I love the words in John 1:9 where it tells us that “Jesus was the true Light, which lighteth every man than cometh into the world.” I believe that every new baby is born with a God consciousness, the light of God in their spirit. What a privilege to be born into a godly home where that light can be fueled to a great flame for the glory of God. Conversely, children born into unbelieving homes can have this light squashed and dampened. But it is always there and the Holy Spirit’s power can ignite that light again by His moving in the heart.

We also faced great challenges this past year, but they were times of drawing closer to the presence of God. Arden (Serene’s son) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma shortly after his wedding in February. The whole family joined him in the fight of faith as we faced this battle. In his most crucial and desperate times we met every consecutive night for 13 weeks to pray for him—often over 30 of the family members praying around him each night. God is so good and has brought him from the depths (where we did not look at what we could see by the natural eye but hung on to the promises of God by faith) to great health. We still wait for the final test, but rejoice in seeing him look so well and healthy.

During this battle, Serene’s 20-year-old son, Isaiah had a traumatic accident with brain trauma. It took two hours to extract him from the car and his ear was also severed off. They neurosurgeon said he would never come out of a nursing home, but as we prayed and sought God we saw another deliverance. Isaiah is a walking miracle and a joy to us all. He has come into a greater place in God and the joy of life. He laughs all the time. He is such a tonic to have in the family. In fact, about three weeks ago, Isaiah, Colin, and I all got the ‘flu. Isaiah was over his in two days. Colin and I are still struggling! I think it is because he laughs so much!

Now we begin a New Year. I pray God’s blessings upon you and your family. May we all come increasingly into the light of God. May we all come increasingly out of the shadows into His glorious light. And may we also come out of shallowness into the depths of God’s love and truth. I hate the shallow places, don’t you? I long for the depths. I long to know God more. I long for more and more revelation of His truth and understanding of His plan for us. I long to be like the children of Issachar who Had “understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). How we need true discernment in this hour of deception. This is my personal prayer and my prayer for you too.

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth MORE AND MORE unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).

A blessed New Year to you.

Nancy Campbell

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FULL TIME HANUKKAH PARENTING (Day 8 of Hanukkah)

FullTimeAN IMPORTANT POST FOR ALL PARENTS TO READ!

Apart from the official Hanukkah celebration which we finish celebrating today, we read about a number of dedication celebrations in God's Word.

1) Dedicating the tabernacle for 12 days. Each prince of Israel dedicated the altar for a day each (Number 7:10-11, 84, 88). This was the first dedication we read about.
2) Dedicating a new house (Deuteronomy 20:5). It is biblical to dedicate a new house.
3) Dedicating Solomon's temple which he built for the Lord (1 Kings 8:62 and 2 Chronicles 7:5, 9).
4) Dedicating the rebuilt temple when they came back from Babylon--Zerubbabel's temple (Ezra 6:16).
5) Dedicating the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:27).

And there is one more! You'll never guess!

It is found in Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The word "train" is "hanuk," the verb of hanukkah, meaning "to initiate, dedicate, consecrate." It is not enough to celebrate Hanukkah for eight days. As parents, we are FULLTIME HANUKKAH CELEBRATORS!

When we realize that training our children means to dedicate them to the Lord, it gives us a much larger and loftier vision. Everything we do and plan for our children should be done in the light of dedicating our them to the Lord and setting them apart for His service. It's not a one-time dedication. It is a verb which requires daily action.

When our children are disobedient or don't complete what we have asked them to, we can sometimes be lazy and let it go. But not if we understand we are daily dedicating them to the Lord. How can we let things go when we consecrating them to God's holy service? We have the responsibility to train them to obedient so they will be obedient to the Lord!

As children get older, they can become more worldly and want to do what other worldly teens are doing. We could think, "Oh that's the stage they are going through." But not if we understand that we are daily consecrating them to the Lord. We will pray up a storm. We will fight the devil. We will work with our children to keep them on the narrow road that leads to life. We will do everything to save them from the broad road that leads to destruction. WE ARE PROVERBS 22:6 HANUKKAH PARENTS!

When we "hanuk" our children, it determines how we educate our children. It would be ludicrous to send our children into an ungodly education system each day if we are daily consecrating them for God's purposes.

As we consecrate our children to the Lord, we recognize that they totally belong to the Lord for whatever time God has for them on this earth. Above everything else, we know that we are ultimately preparing them for eternity.

Blessings from NANCY CAMPBELL

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THE WAY TO VICTORY (Day 7 of Hanukkah)

LordGreaterJudas Maccabee and his brothers continually fought battles to save Israel and every time they faced armies far larger and stronger than themselves. But their trust was in God.

Listen to Judas' confession on one occasion: "When all his followers saw the host coming against them, they said to Judas, 'How can so few of us fight against so many? Besides, we have had nothing to eat all day, and we are exhausted.' Judas replied: 'Many can easily be overpowered by a few; it makes no difference to Heaven to save by many or by few. Victory does not depend on numbers; strength comes from Heaven alone . . . Heaven will crush them before our eyes. You need not be afraid of them'" (1 Maccabees 3:17-21).

The Israelites also had to face enemies far bigger than them. Deuteronomy 9:1-3 says: “Hear O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations GREATER AND MIGHTIER than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, a people great and tall, the children of the Anakims (giants), whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak! Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.”

I know that you, too, often face dilemmas that loom much bigger than you can handle. Don't focus on your difficulty. Look to God. He is your Strength. He is your Source. He is your Sufficiency. He will always do what you cannot do. When we try to handle our problems we usually make a mess of the job. Put them in God's hands for He knows what is best to do.

Victory does not come by intelligence or fleshly strength. It only comes from God. Just as God delivered the Maccabees time and time again as they faced insurmountable armies, so God will deliver you as you trust in Him. Make sure you have the right confession. Don't confess your problems; confess your trust in God. It's the way to victory.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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RELIGHT YOUR LAMPS (Day 6 of Hanukkah)

RelightHanukkah is also called the "Festival of Lights" because of the relighting of the Menorah. This was a huge thing that happened that day, because the Jews knew that God had commanded the lights in the Holy Place to BURN CONTINUALLY. They were to never to go out--and they had been out for a long time! God said it was a statute that must continue for all generations (Exodus 27:20-21 and Leviticus 24:1-4).

How did they keep the lamps burning day after day, year after year? God said they had to attend to the lamps every morning and every evening. They had to trim the wicks and pour more oil into the lamps, the oil speaking of the Holy Spirit. Once a day was not sufficient. It required attention two times a day to keep the light burning

This is a type for our lives today. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, He fills us with His light, but it is very easy for the light to dim or even go out. There are many temptations, deceptions, and evils around that diminish our light. To keep the light burning, we must tend to it every morning and evening. We need to do this individually and as a family.

A powerful way to keep God's light burning in every member of our family is to have Family Devotions (or whatever you call it in your home) every morning and evening. Each time we come together as a family, read the Word, and spend time in prayer, we relight our lamps. If we fail to do this, our light can go out very quickly.

How big is the flame in your family? We are not meant to be a flickering light, but a great light. If your flame is only smoldering, get back to God's "morning and evening" principle. It's the only way that works. Let the light in "the holy place" of your temple and your home shine for all to see God's light.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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A MOTHER'S COURAGE (Day 5 of Hanukkah)

MothersSonA brave mother watched her son being killed. No, not just killed but cruelly tortured. They cut out his tongue, scalped him, cut off his hands and feet, and then maimed and helpless, fried him alive! In the same manner, they tortured and killed her second and third sons. The third son cried out, "I have received these limbs from heaven, and I give them up for the sake of God's laws." Another cried out, "We are prepared to die rather than sin against our ancestral laws" (2 Maccabees 7:2, 11).

Because they would not bend and turn from God's laws this dear mother watched as Antiochus tortured her fourth, fifth, and sixth sons the same way. The mother had only one son left, her beloved youngest. Antiochus tried to influence the mother to save his life. He promised he would make him rich and prosperous and even a political advisor. She obliged by turning to her youngest son saying, "Son, pity me who carried you in the womb nine months, nursed you for three years, nurtured you, and brought you into this stage of life with care. I beg you, child . . . Don't fear this killer but prove worthy of your brothers. Accept death so that in God's mercy I should recover you with your brothers" (2 Maccabees 7:27-29). She watched her last son die before she was put to death herself.

This mother was a nurturing and caring mother. But she had a vision for her children beyond this earth. She raised her sons to fear God rather than man. She raised them to stand for truth, no matter what the consequences. She raised them to see beyond this earth to the endless life of the heavenly.

May God help us to be courageous mothers. May He save us from raising wimpy, mediocre children who are seduced by the humanist trend of an ungodly society. May He anoint us with the mighty power of God to raise children who will have the courage to stand for God and for truth, no matter what persecution they face.

(You can read the whole of this amazing story in the Apocrypha in 2 Maccabees chapter seven).

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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FAMILY DEDICATION SERVICE (Day 4 of Hanukkah)

FamilyDedServiceWhy do we call this celebration "Hanukkah"? Because "Hanukkah" is the Hebrew word for "dedication." When Judas Maccabee (the hammer) and his army eventually crushed their enemies, Judas and his brothers said, "Let's go up to cleanse and rededicate the sanctuary" (1 Maccabees 4:36). The temple was desolate, the gates burned, and even shrubs were growing in the courts like a forest! But they restored the sanctuary, built a new altar with whole unpolished stones (because the altar had been desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes), brought in the Lampstand, the Altar of Incense and the Table of Showbread, and offered sacrifices as God originally commanded. "So they celebrated the rededication of the altar for eight days" (1 Maccabees 4:56).

How does this affect our lives? God no longer lives in the Holy of Holies in the temple, but in our bodies, which are the temple of His Holy Spirit. We not only the temple of the Holy Spirit, but the "naos" which speaks of the Holy of Holies. This is the very word which is used in 1 Corinthians 6:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:16. What an indescribable truth!

Our temple may not be desolate, but it is very easy for us to allow things to come into our lives which grieve the Holy Spirit and spoil and dirty our “naos.”

It is a lovely idea to have a rededication service one night during Hanukah and dedicate our temples again to the Lord. Choose which morning or evening you would like to do this together as a family. Explain to your children about it, and then ask each one of them to confess to the Lord anything in their lives that grieves the Holy Spirit and to rededicate their "body temple" to the Lord. This includes mom and dad too, of course. Each one can do this silently or orally as you feel led of the Holy Spirit.

When we have all dedicated ourselves individually, then the father can rededicate the whole family to be a living sacrifice to the Lord and to be set apart for His purposes (Romans 12:1-2).

I know that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily as you experience this dedication service in your home.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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MORE AND MORE LIGHT (Day 3 of Hanukkah)

GodisLightAre you reading the Scriptures I posted for you? If not, you can still print them off. Go down a few posts and you’ll find them. We loved talking about the Scriptures we read last night, especially how Jesus Christ is the One who lights every person who comes into the world.

John 1:9 tells us that Jesus is “THE TRUE LIGHT, WHICH LIGHTS EVERY MAN THAT COMES INTO THE WORLD." Every person who is born into this world is without excuse regarding their relationship with God. Every new baby is born with a God consciousness, a light from God our Maker. We have a conscience that knows what is good and evil. This only comes from God.

Proverbs 20:27 says "The spirit of man is the candle (light) of the Lord." Have you noticed that when a new baby is born into a family that a heavenly atmosphere fills the home? There is an "awe" that we only experience with a new babe. It’s a new light from heaven. Little children are so open to God. I loved to watch my three-year old grand-daughter sing all day about how Jesus is in her heart and how she loves God.

Why then, do many walk in darkness? The answer is in John 3:19-21. We are all born with a light from God, but we can either push back the light or open to the light. It is a privilege for children to be born into a home where parents love God. These children have an opportunity to receive more and more light. In an ungodly home, the light with which they are born can be gradually extinguished or often smothered completely.

I believe that every time we say Yes to God and obey the prompting of His Holy Spirit within our hearts, we experience more light in our lives. Every time we say No to God and are disobedient to the Word, we accept darkness. Teach your children this principle, dear mother. Teach them that saying Yes to you and Yes to God will bring them to further light (Proverbs 4:18). Teach them that when they say No to you and No to God's ways, their minds and hearts will cloud with darkness.

Job 18:5, 6 says, "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." I don't want it to be dark in my home, naturally and spiritually. I hate to have curtains and blinds pulled over and everything looking dark. My curtains are always open (just as well I live in the country!). I love the light and the more the better. And it’s the same spiritually. I want more and more spiritual light in my home and less and less of darkness. I'm sure you don't want it to be dark in your home either.

Let's open our hearts and minds MORE AND MORE to the light of God. Let’s encourage our children into more and more of the light and revelation of God. Begin each day by praying, "Oh Lord God, please flood my mind, my heart, and my home with your light, today. Amen."

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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STAND FOR TRUTH (Day 2 of Hanukkah)

HanukahD2Jesus Christ, the Son of God was never reticent to speak the truth, even in the face of death. When he came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Dedication, he walked in Solomon's Porch (on the eastern side of the temple) and people gathered around him.

Jesus knew the Jews would be remembering more than the rededication of the temple and the lighting of the Menorah again. They remembered the great victory over Antiochus Epiphanes, but also how he lifted himself to be god over them. It was Antiochus himself who added "Epiphanes" to his name, which means "God manifest" which was utter blasphemy to the Jews.

In the midst of this thinking Jesus boldly and publically declared, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). In other words, He confessed that He was God, which of course, He was! This was too much for the Jews who, remembering Antiochus Epiphanes the evil blasphemer, took up stones to stone him (John 10:22-33).

It was no coincidence that Jesus chose this timing to speak these words. Everything about Hanukkah speaks of standing up for truth even in the face of danger.

May we never cringe to speak the truth, no matter what the consequences. "The righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).

Love from Nancy Campbell

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MY FAMILY AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP

candleWe are coming to the end of another glorious Christmas Day as we celebrated family togetherness and the birth of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. As we end our big Christmas Dinner we always have sharing. Whoever wants to may give a toast to someone they want to appreciate or speak of revelation on their hearts. The sharing this year was very insightful. Later in the day, after dessert, we ended with a family concert. We love to give opportunity for the upcoming talent amongst all the children and see their different gifts develop.

And now, here is our first post for the Hanukkah season.

MY FAMILY AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP (Day 1 of Hanukkah)
Hanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication as it is called in the New Testament (John 10:22-23) is a festival of lighting candles for eight days to remember the dedication of the temple and the relighting of the lampstand which God commanded should never go out (Exodus 27:20-21).

It all happened because of a very brave family. Antiochus Epiphanes ruled over Israel and commanded all Jews to renounce their way of life, practice pagan observances, and live like the Greeks. He erected the "abomination of desolation" in the temple. Many Jews assimilated to avoid persecution and being killed. BUT NOT THIS FAMILY!

Mattathias was a godly older man with five brave sons--John, Simon, Judas (known as Maccabeus), Eleazar, and Jonathan. When the officials came to their town of Modein, they tried to get Mattathias to influence the people of his town to turn away from God.

Listen to his reply, "Mattathias answered in a LOUD VOICE: What do I care if everyone in the king's entire kingdom turns from their own religion and starts obeying his laws? MY FAMILY AND I WILL ALWAYS KEEP THE PROMISES OUR ANCESTERS MADE TO GOD. WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP OUR FAITH OR DISOBEY EVEN ONE OF GOD'S LAWS. WE WILL NOT OBEY ANTIOCHUS!" (1 Maccabees 2:19-20).

When a cowardly Jew stepped forward to obey the king by offering a sacrifice, Mattathias was so furious that he rushed over, killed the man, destroyed the altar, and killed the official who ordered the sacrifice. He and his sons then ran to the hills leaving everything they owned behind. This began the bravery of the Maccabee family who conducted continual battles against the enemy and eventually delivered Israel and Jerusalem and the temple of God.

We don't face being killed for our faith today here in our Western countries, although this is currently happening in many countries of the world. Will we be those who give in or will we have courage, individually, and as families to stand true to God, even if no one else is standing? The Scripture says, "Let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).

May God give us the strength and anointing to be bold and courageous and to raise children who will have courage and boldness to stand up for truth and never give up their faith.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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HE SHOWED THE WAY

HeShowedWay* Jesus didn't come with pomp and ceremony. He came as a babe. Luke 2:12 tells us: "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a BABE wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." Yes, a baby! God chose the One who will rule over all kings and nations to come as a baby. No wonder the devil hates babies, for this is the way Jesus came.

* He didn't come with riches, but in poverty. Instead of bringing a lamb to the temple when they dedicated Jesus, Joseph and Mary could only afford pigeons (Luke 2:22-24 and Matthew 8:20).

* Although He was divine, He took on our humanity to feel our infirmities (John 1:14; Romans 1:3 8:3; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14, 17 and 4:15).

* He didn't hold on to His glory but made himself of no reputation. He became a servant. He humbled himself and submitted himself to the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7.

In coming in this way, He showed us the way to live. The birth of Jesus shows how to live in humility and lay down our lives for one another.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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SCRIPTURES FOR YOU TO READ EACH DAY FOR HANUKKAH

HANUKKAHDay 1

God is the Source of Light and gives Light
Genesis 1:3-5
Exodus 27:20-21; 40:24-25; cf. Leviticus 24:1-4; Numbers 8:1-3
Exodus 13:21; Nehemiah 9:12,19
Psalm 36:9
Psalm 104:1-2
Matthew 17:2 (You can read the whole story in Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-13; and Luke 9:28-36).
1 Timothy 6:16
James 1:17

Day 2
Jesus is the Light of the World
Isaiah 9:2, cf. Matthew 4:12-17
Luke 1:76-79; 2:27-32
John 1:4-9, cf. Job 18:5-6; 21:17; Proverbs 13:9; 20:20; 24:20.
John 3:19-21
John 8:12
John 9:5
John 12:44-46
Acts 26:22-23
Ephesians 5:14

Day 3
Shine the Light of Jesus to the world
Proverbs 4:18
Isaiah 58:6-8, 10
Isaiah 60:1-2
Matthew 5:14-16
Luke 12:35
John 5:35
Acts 13:47
2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Philippians 2:14, 15

Day 4
God's Word is our Light
Ezra 9:8
Psalm 19:7-11
Psalm 119:18, 105, 130
Proverbs 6:20-24
Luke 24:30-32 (You can read the whole story in verses 13-32).
Ephesians 1:17-18
2 Peter 1:19-21

Day 5
Walk in the Light
Psalm 89:15
Isaiah 2:5
Romans 13:12-14
2 Corinthians 4:4-7
1 John 1:6-9
1 John 2:8-11
Ephesians 5:8-20

Day 6
Out of Darkness into Light
2 Samuel 22:29 (Psalm 18:28)
Isaiah 42:16
Isaiah 50:10
Acts 26:17-18
1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Thessalonians 5:5
1 Peter 2:9

Day 7
Living in God is to live in Light
Psalm 4:6
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 37:3-6
Psalm 43:3-4
Psalm 112:4
Micah 7:8

Day 8
God is the Light of Heaven
Isaiah 24:23; 30:26
Isaiah 60:19, 20
Revelation 21:22-25
Revelation 22:3-5

Love from Nancy Campbell

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Above Rubies Address

AboveRubies
Email Nancy

PO Box 681687
Franklin, TN 37068-1687

Phone : 931-729-9861
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