Look At His Heart

We have all of these ideas about what a godly wife should be. Proverbs 31:10-31 is dedicated solely to defining a godly woman. And this is really great for men, if they are seeking a wife, and for women, as they prepare to fill that role. But my question is this: What does a godly man look like? And, I guess another question is: Is he husband material?

It seems as though this question is sometimes overlooked. Girls tend to rationalize when it comes to guys. We see a pretty/handsome face and think "Wow, I'm gonna marry him!" (Hopefully my family isn't the only one that does that!) But, my challenge for all of you girls out there (and guys, too. But, I'm aiming this more towards girls.) is: Look past his face and try to see his heart.
I was convicted of this during church last week. The sermon was about repentance, and to make a long story short, the preacher said this about how we are to change the way we see people:
"As Christians, we should look past all the exterior and see each person for who they truly are: Created in the image of God. No one is in any place to judge someone for who we think they are."

I thought this was great, because I've always loved the end of I Samuel 16:7~ "...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

So, if God looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance, what does that mean I should do? An answer from Scripture is:

Ephesians 5:1-2~ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
We are to imitate God as children. Isn't that a sweet comparison? You know how little girls play with baby dolls and treat them so special, as if they are real? Or how little boys will play with toy tool sets or walk around wearing Daddy's shoes? Children look up to their parents. They imitate them. As Christians, we are to look up to our Heavenly Father and imitate Him. It also says to walk in love. According to I John, God is love. Yet another reminder to imitate God. :)

So, that is my challenge. Look past the face. Now we can go into what a godly man actually looks like. Now, just as a reminder, all of the things that I ever write are my thoughts and beliefs that I have gathered from Scripture, myself. You may have different thoughts, and I encourage you to explore them and draw your own conclusions. I'd even love for you to share what you find with me! :)

• First of all, a godly man should love the Lord with all his heart.

That is a command in Matthew 22:37. I, personally, believe that this is the most important standard that EVERY girl should have. If he doesn't love God, he CANNOT truly love you. Why do I say this? Because, like I said earlier, I John says over and over again that God is love. God is true love. Always. He demonstrated that love for us by sending His only Son to die for us (Romans 5:8.) It also says in I John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." A man has to accept God's love first, and only then can he love others.

• A godly man should be strong and growing in his faith.

There are several examples of godly men in the Bible, but I'll just talk about one: Abraham. Abraham was a godly man that followed the Lord completely by faith.
Romans 4:19-21~ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with repect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

Abraham is a good example of a man who was strong in his faith. I believe he is a great example for all men to follow.

I Corinthians 16:13~ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
This verse talks about standing firm in faith and being strong. :) You know what's interesting? The very next verse says "Let all that you do be done in love." Showing love to people is also a sign of strength.

Now, for a person to be growing in their faith, they must be in the Word daily. We are not meant to just pick up our Bibles on Sunday for church and then put it back on the shelf at home until the next week. We are not meant to just take our preacher's word for it when he preaches a sermon on any topic. We are supposed to read/study the Word daily for ourselves. We need to completely satiate ourselves with the Word.

Acts 17:11~ Now these were more nobleminded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Colossians 3:16~ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in you hearts to God.
II Timothy 3:16-17~ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
I like that last verse. All Scripture is profitable, so that we may be adequate and equipped for every good work. It is sooo important to be in the Word, for this very reason!

Ephesians 6:10~ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

If you go on through Ephesians 6:11-17, it explains exactly how to be strong in the Lord. It is all by, basically, staying in the Word! Amazing. :)

One last passage for this section:

Colossians 2:5-7~ For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

• A godly man should be committed to the Lord. He will do the right thing, even when it's not convenient or easy.

I Thessalonians 2:1-2~ For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

II Timothy 3:12~ Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

These are examples of Paul being so committed that he would go through persecution and he still chooses to share the Word, preaching and teaching. An example that we should all follow. :)

• A godly man should be a man of integrity. The definition of integrity is: honesty/truthfulness. He should be a man of his word. (To me, being honest also means being the same person no matter what crowd you're in. Being yourself no matter what.)

James 5:12~ But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Psalm 25:21~ Let intregrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

Proverbs 2:7-8~ He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Proverbs 11:3~ The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will desrtoy them.

Job was an example of a man with integrity. Job 2:3~ The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause." Job stayed true to the Lord even after he lost everything!

• A godly man should be devoted to prayer. He must be devoted to prayer, but also believe "For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37.)

I Thessalonians 5:17-18~ ...pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:5-6~ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Philippians 4:6~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God.

• A godly man must be a hard worker. In whatever the Lord may have you doing, work hard at it. Whether it's school, work, hobbies, or whatever... Work hard.

Colossians 3:23-24~ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the ingeritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Ecclesiastes 9:10~ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might....

Proverbs 14:23~ In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Ok, that was my very basic checklist of what a godly man should be. Those are the top characteristics on my list. But, I have several more verses to share that are also very important characteristics that I look at. These verses have a lot in them, and no one will ever be able to follow them all perfectly. But these are the things that all Christians should be striving for.

I Timothy 4:12~ Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

Titus 2:6-8~ Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyong reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Colossians 3:12-14~ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Romans 12:9-21~ Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

That's about all of the verses I'm going to use there.... I think. I want to touch on my idea of "husband material" for just a minute. Or two... Or more. These are just some things that you need to know before you marry someone. I believe that the most important things to know (after you know what a godly man is) are that:

• Husbands MUST love their wives.

Ephesians 5:25~ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her...

Ephesians 5:28-30~ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.

• Husbands should be able to "wash their wives in the Word." I believe this to mean that they should make sure that their wives are in the Word daily, they should constantly encourage their wives with Scripture, they should challenge their wives, and stimulate their minds to think about Scripture, in different ways.

Ephesians 5:26-27~ ...so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

• Husbands should be able to lead, but not lord over their wives.

Ephesians 5:22-24~ Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

I Peter 3:7~ You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Husbands should accept their role as the head of the family, only under Christ. And, they should not take advantage of this role by abusing their authority. Husbands should lead their family under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26.) They should lead, alongside their wives, but also be able to make final decisions for their families.

• Husbands MUST be able to provide for their families.

I Timothy 5:8~ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

That's a pretty intense verse, right there!

• Husbands should want to have and raise a godly family, walking in the Truth.

III John 4~ I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

• And, last but certainly not least, husbands should know that when they get married (given that they marry a godly woman,) they are receiving a good thing.

Proverbs 18:22~ He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14~ House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 31:10~ An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

Girls, you are priceless. You deserve a man that knows a good thing when he has it, and that treats you as such. No excuses. You are worth it. A man like this is worth waiting for.

The last passage that I'm going to share is out of I Corinthians 13. I'm going to share the definition of love. This is something that everyone needs to know, so that they will be able to recognize it.

I Corinthians 13:4-8~ Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.....

Thanks for reading all the way through this! I know it's long, and it took me forever to work on... And, I probably should have done a study on what a godly woman is first, but this came to my mind during the middle of the week, and I wanted to get it all down before I forgot! So, it is what it is. Please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts. I would appreciate your encouragement or [constructive] criticism. :)

Giving the Gospel

Hey guys! So, I've decided to start a blog (again!) And, this time, I'm going to try really, really hard to keep up with it. I've had photography blogs in the past that I never keep up with after about 2 months... Although photography is one of my main passions, my first priority (or, what I try to keep as my first priority) is God. I try to work on a few Bible studies a month, and I wanted a place to be able to write down all of my thoughts and my findings. And, hopefully, people will comment back and share their thoughts with me. :)

Another thing that you will probably learn about me as you read my posts, is that I type what I think as I go. I'm not incredibly eloquent with my words, but for me, most of the time it's easier to understand things when they're written out in plain English, the way that people speak everyday. I'm warning you now, I won't be writing like Jane Austen or Shakespeare (I only wish I could understand their literature...) But, you should be able to understand me. Hopefully. If you can't.... I'm sorry. This is just the way I think and talk. So, here's my first blog post!

The topic of this post--Giving the Gospel or How to Give the Gospel--took me weeks to study. Something that I have noticed is that usually when giving the Gospel or learning how to give the Gospel, people only give the basic verses: John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23. But, I think that it should be a little more in-depth than just the basics.... It should really be put on a more personal level than it usually is. Salvation is the most important decision you will ever make in your life! You need to understand it fully! Now, I'm still going to add the basics in here, but I'm also using some other verses that aren't normally used. So, this is what I have found in my studies.....
We deserve death, but God offers us salvation. All we have to do is accept it. He loves us, and He just wants us to love Him in return. We are valuable in God's eyes. He paid a high price for us.
•Isaiah 59:1-2~ Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.•Romans 3:23~ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,•Romans 6:23~ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
•John 3:16~ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
•Romans 5:8~ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
•Matthew 11:28-30~ "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
•I Corinthians 6:20~ For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
We are saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot earn salvation in any way. We can never be good enough to earn salvation. We just have to accept it.
•Ephesians 2:8-9~ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
•Romans 4:4-5~ Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.
It isn't always easy being a Christian. You will be looked down on for your beliefs. And, just like anyone else, you're still going to have trials and tribulations, but you will know that God is watching you, and that He is going to take care of you if you commit yourself to Him. God will bring you through any hard times. You just have to believe that He can and will.

•Matthew 5:10-11~ "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
•Romans 5:3-4~ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;•John 16:33~ "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."•Romans 8:18~ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
•Romans 8:28~ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
One day, all trials and tribulations will be done away with. In heaven there will be no tears, death, mourning, or pain. It is up to you which fate you choose. If you choose to believe, you will have eternal life in heaven with our Lord and Savior. If you choose not to believe, you will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
•Revelation 21:3-4~ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among me, and He will wipe away ever tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
•Revelation 20:14-15~ Then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.
ONE MORE VERSE.....

If you're like I am (or used to be,) there will be times that you doubt your salvation, and you ask yourself, "Am I really saved?" This is my favorite verse of assurance.

•I John 5:11-13~ And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son, has the life; he who does not have the Son of God, does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Well, those are just my thoughts and verses for giving the Gospel..... If you have anymore really good ones that I missed, please feel free to share them with me! :)