5 Traits Women Should Look for in a Godly Man. Unthankful to Our Creator. In Everything Give Thanks. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday” and Thanksgiving Day:

5 Traits Women Should Look for in a Godly Man

“A godly marriage requires a godly man and a godly woman. What are the essential traits a woman should look for in a man she would consider dating or marrying? 

Today most stores employ surveillance cameras. It’s common to see a camera mounted in the corner or the ominous black half-spheres embedded in the ceiling. Whether or not the cameras are on and recording, they are designed to make the general public a little more careful, knowing someone may be watching. But, of course, security cameras still often catch people doing all sorts of illegal things.

These cameras reveal something we know already: People’s character is revealed by what they do when they think no one’s looking. That’s not a new concept. Thomas Macaulay (1800-1859) once wrote, “The measure of man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.”

If you are a single woman and are looking for a godly man to date and possibly marry, what should you look for? How do you measure a godly man’s character?

If you are a man who desires to faithfully follow God, what aspects of your character should you work to develop?

Let’s look at five basic character traits of a godly man.

1. Whom does he follow?

An important consideration is to look at those who have influenced his life. Is Jesus Christ the primary influencer in his life? A godly man will make it his highest priority to follow the example of Christ (John 10:27; 1 Corinthians 11:1). Whether he does so will become evident as you observe his daily conduct. No matter his cultural background, his level of education or his depth of experiences—if he follows Jesus Christ first, you will recognize it.

What about the people who have influenced him? This may include his father or grandfather, a mentor at school or work or even his buddies. Any of those influences can be positive or negative. But once you understand who those influences are, evaluate the character of these people and how they have rubbed off on him. The apostle Paul wrote, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

2. Is he humble?

Sometimes, humility is (incorrectly) viewed as a mind-set of weakness and self-loathing. But that is neither a biblical nor a healthy frame of mind. True humility is a strength, not a weakness (Philippians 2:3-4).

Proper humility is an important element in the heart of a man who will build and nurture strong and positive relationships. It means he’s willing to listen and not arrogantly step on the feelings of others. Peter admonishes us to “be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5).

You see, a humble man will be a good husband because he will forgive more easily, will be more patient and will work toward being a peacemaker.

3. What does his communication say about his character?

Is he careful with the type of language he uses? Profanity and taking God’s name in vain are all too common today. Rather than allow dirty language to infiltrate his own speech, a godly man will be careful with his words and follow the biblical advice to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29).

A rather easy measure of a man’s words is to take note of how he speaks to his mother, to children or to someone he doesn’t even know (like a waiter or waitress at a restaurant). Solomon noted that a soft answer can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1), and also that the right words at the right time are like valuable artwork of silver and gold (Proverbs 25:11). Does he show appreciation, or is he sharp and critical, viewing other people as existing only to serve him?

Or does he have no words for them at all, simply ignoring them? Walt Bettinger, the CEO of Charles Schwab, related one of the most stinging experiences in his life. He had maintained a 4.0 GPA in college and wanted to graduate with a perfect GPA. The final exam for a business strategy course was a blank piece of paper. The professor said he had taught them everything he could about business, so he only had one more question: What is the name of the lady who cleans this building?

Mr. Bettinger said that was the only test he ever failed. He had seen her, but never taken the time to speak to her or find out who she was. He learned the lesson to always get to know the people who can seem insignificant to us.

4. Is he generous?

Generosity is not necessarily tied to how wealthy someone is. Some of the most generous people I’ve known have been those who have the least, but who willingly share what they have with others. I once knew a widow who didn’t have a great deal, but she always told visitors if there was anything she had that they needed, just say so and it was theirs. Her offer was genuine!

But generosity is far more than just money and possessions. A godly man needs to be generous with his time as well as with his praise and encouragement. Is he willing to give the time and effort to help where there is a need?

5. Does he get angry easily and frequently?

Another thing to watch for is how he handles frustration or difficult situations. Does he have a temper? It is difficult to overestimate the damage caused when we lose our temper. Feelings can be hurt, relationships destroyed, property damaged—all due to uncontrolled temper. Solomon warned, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go” (Proverbs 22:24).

A godly man works to maintain control of his emotions and applies the wisdom written by James: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

Of course, a woman who wants to marry a godly man must be developing godly character herself—becoming a Proverbs 31 woman.

And if a man wants to marry such a woman, then he needs to become a Proverbs 31 man. These five aspects of godly character are a good start and are essential ingredients of a Christian man of character.”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/marriage/5-traits-women-should-look-for-in-a-godly-man/?

To learn more characteristics a godly man will exhibit, read “3 Characteristics That Define a Real Man” and “Jesus Christ: The True Model for Manhood.”

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Unthankful to Our Creator

Romans 1:21

“Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

In the early chapters of Romans, Paul shows the sinfulness of all men, gentiles and Jews. This verse follows the powerful statement that “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (verse 20). God’s creation itself is proof that God exists, so even those without any biblical background are without excuse.

But the gentiles of Paul’s day put God out of their minds and didn’t give Him glory or show Him thanks. Many people today follow this same poor example. Ingratitude is a hallmark of human nature and especially of this end-time perilous age (as Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 3:2).

Psalm 100, “a Psalm of Thanksgiving,” provides the cure for this common ailment. “Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. … Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name”” (Psalm 100:3-4).”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/unthankful-to-our-creator/?

For more about gratitude, see “In Everything Give Thanks. below.

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In Everything Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This week on the Daily Bible Verse Blog we have been looking at the importance of thanksgiving. Thankfulness is a hallmark of a true Christian. Almost anyone can be thankful when everything is going well, but Christians are to be growing in an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation.

This takes a spiritual perspective—the ability to see things more as God sees them. Though not everything that happens is something to be thankful for, a Christian is learning to see beyond the present suffering and to thank God for His eternal goodness and the end result of His great purpose and plan. This allows us to give thanks in everything.

When we truly believe that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) and that “the testing of [our] faith produces patience” that makes us “perfect and complete,” we can “count it all joy” (James 1:2-4) and give thanks even when we face various trials.

An Old Testament example of this was when Job lost his money, his children and his health. He blessed the name of God in spite of his personal tragedies, not because of them. Nothing speaks more powerfully of a walk with God than continuous thankfulness” (The NKJV Study Bible, note on 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Why is it God’s will that we give thanks? Because it helps us to become more like God and helps us develop His perspective and His character. Ingratitude and covetousness are the antithesis of God’s nature. Thankfulness grows out of a godly mind-set.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/in-everything-give-thanks/

For more about the meaning of life that helps give us God’s perspective, see our article on the “Purpose of Life.”

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Update.

There was the usual Bible study in the Community Room at the apartments on Sunday, which is always interesting.  Then on Monday, Joe, my helper/ neighbor and I went to Conroe, to pick up his glasses at America’s Best.  They advertise 2 pairs of glasses and a FREE eye exam for $69.95, and that is what Joe got, BUT not the frames that he had picked out.  He ordered one pair for distance/driving, and one pair for reading, but both pairs had the same frames, not what he wanted.  He had picked one pair with a metal insert on the “wing”, so that he could differentiate between them. But as we live so far away, we didn’t ask for them to be remade.

The next day Joe and I emptied my little upright freezer and put it outside to defrost.  While that was going on we cut the legs shorter on an old wooden drawer cabinet so that it would fit under, and help hold up, a long cabinet that I had put in my bedroom.  So that enabled me to empty and get rid of two more plastic chest of drawers.  I had given away all my saws except an old jigsaw, so we had to use that.  With the sun shining on it, it didn’t take long for the freezer to defrost, it didn’t make a mess in the kitchen, and the grass welcomed the water.

Sheila, a resident here at the apartments, offered to go with me to Brenham because she knows how scared I am of getting lost in this new area, and she knows the way.  Brenham’s Social Security and Drivers License offices are not crowded like the other places.  The SS office copied my papers and said that they would fax them to the Bryan office, because they were handling my claim.  So I might have to try to find my way to the Bryan office again.  Joe passed the eye test, and then missed the written test by one point!  He later got his nephew to take him to Bryan and passed, so he will have his road test on the 11th.

While we were there in Brenham we went to the HEB store and I bought a lot of veggies, including a spaghetti squash.  Sheila had never had any, so I cooked it and invited her over to eat some.  We couldn’t decide which topping to make, so just had garlic butter on it.  She liked it and said she would make it for her son who needs to eat more veggies and less pasta.

The apartment handyman installed a new faucet at my kitchen sink, now I can have hot water again.  The one he took out was very old and all clogged up by the hard water. 

My dear friend DD of Conroe, http://dizzydick.blogspot.com/ , lost his wife of over 50 years this week, and prayers go out to him for adjusting to his new life without her.  Tragedy seems to happen to us all at some time or another, and we just have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and carry on because they would want us to be happy.   Yes, you miss them terribly, but life goes on, and there are other relatives to focus on, and life is good even on your own.  We should be grateful that we had them in our life and that we are still on this side of the grass.  The sudden or untimely death of a loved one—is there anything that rocks human emotions more? Here’s a look at grief and how to deal with loss.  See: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/evil-and-suffering/how-to-deal-with-grief/

Still with a big block of cheese, I took more Nacho Cheese Dip to the church potluck, and also more Cheese Chipotle Salad, both are very popular there. The Bible study is still in Nehemiah, about the covenant, and the theme this week was “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” Phil. 4:13. God’s Word given by our pastor was “Remember”.  Remember to keep his Commandments.  Do not forget the Sabbath.  Don’t be proud of where you are now, lest you forget where you came from. Remember the LORD your God as it is He who gives you power to get wealth…. you get the idea.

We still have see-saw weather.  First it’s the furnace getting a workout, then the AC the next day.

Another Chick-fil-A Controversy? Maintaining My Own Spiritual and Emotional Health? "Live Long and Prosper". Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Another Chick-fil-A Controversy?

“The last Chick-fil-A store is closing in the United Kingdom. What’s behind this controversy?

Transcript of YouTube: https://youtu.be/m-Ireix0WRk

[Darris McNeely] “Who would ever think that a chicken sandwich could be controversial? Well, it has been. In the United Kingdom, they’re shutting down the last and the only Chick-fil-A franchise. Let me read to you a headline that came out of the New York Times, it says that, “Just days after Chick-fil-A’s first restaurant in the United Kingdom opened amid protests by activists from the company’s opposition to same-sex marriage, the chain, the Chick-fil-A chain, said it will close the site in six months.”

So if you go to the United Kingdom, you’re not gonna be able to get a Chick-fil-A sandwich. It’s a sad situation because it’s a sad commentary on the culture wars that we are involved with and what has happened here by shutting down the last one in the United Kingdom is not unlike what has happened in the United States.  Even though we haven’t shut down the Chick-fil-A franchise in the United States, they have been prevented from opening up additional outlets in places, certain cities like New York City, as well as certain airports, all because this particular franchise has supported, openly, faith-based organizations and traditional values, and frankly, their view of the Bible.  This runs counter to the culture of many who are promoting same-sex marriage, LGBTQ issues and gender issues and identity matters in our culture today. And Chick-fil-A has become the kind of the poster boy to attack on this situation.

It is a difficult matter to deal with. We’ve seen this happen in the United States, and it makes you wonder where it will go from this point.

I look at a scripture, it reminded me when I read about this in the United Kingdom, because of a lot of other issues that that nation and America deals with as well. It reminded me of a scripture in the book of Hosea 7 beginning in verse 8 where it talks about the attitude of the people of God and the particular tribe of Ephraim and their inability to really discern their state, their moral condition. And God says about Ephraim in Hosea 7, “He has mixed himself among the people.” Ephraim, it says, “Is a cake not turned.” And what he’s showing is that they’re in decline, they have some very serious problems.

Talking about the ancient nation of Ephraim. It says, “Strangers have devoured his strength and he knows it not. Yes, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knows not.” In other words, their time has passed. They are in a state of transition and change from which it’s going to be hard to come back. And it concludes by saying, “And the pride of Israel testifies to his face and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all of this.”

Interesting words to the ancient nation of Israel, and particularly the tribe of Ephraim within the nation of Israel. Those words could apply to Great Britain today. A cake not turned, gray hairs there, their strength devoured. The situation with such cultural clashes that is closing down a franchise like Chick-fil-A because of these cultural differences and issues is a sign of the times to understand and to realize, if it’s chicken sandwiches today, what will it be tomorrow? That’s something for us all to think about.” From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/another-chick-fil-a-controversy

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Just a reminder about their beliefs  : https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Man-Shall-Not-Lay-With-Man/

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How Do I Balance Serving Those at Church With Maintaining My Own Spiritual and Emotional Health?

“When you take care of your relationship with God first, you are in good shape to help others.

Gift Habeshaw/Unsplash

The first and most important responsibility of a Christian is to keep a close relationship with God. That is done through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting and by applying God’s commandments to all aspects of your life.

You’ve probably heard the standard pre-flight safety session when the airline flight attendant gets to the part about oxygen masks. The instruction is to give oxygen to a child or another person after you put on your own mask. Why is this important? Because if you are without oxygen at a very high altitude, you will quickly become unable to help another person. So, you first take care of your own oxygen mask before helping another person with theirs.

This serves as a metaphor when it comes to balancing service to others at church with your own spiritual and emotional health. In order to be a good servant to others, you must first take care of your personal relationship with God.

A perfect affirmation of this is the answer Jesus Christ gave when He was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36). He replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Then He said, “the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:39).

Thus, the first and most important responsibility of a Christian is to keep a close relationship with God. That is done through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting and by applying God’s commandments to all aspects of your life. Like the oxygen mask metaphor, after you first make sure you are in good shape spiritually, then you can begin to take care of others.

Your physical and emotional needs are important, and you must take care of them if you are to be a help to others. Notice the apostle Paul’s instruction: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). He does not in any way diminish our personal needs, but makes them as important as the needs of others. This follows the second great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

The greatest responsibility of a Christian is to love God first. Jesus Christ set the example by keeping His relationship with His Father His chief priority. He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34). Likewise, it is a Christian’s first responsibility to love God above all else. After this, we can line up the rest of our personal needs and our priorities for love and service to others.”   From: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/how-do-i-balance-serving-those-at-church-with-maintaining-my-own-spiritual-and-emotional-health

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"Live Long and Prosper"

The Bible shows us one of the main ways we can lead peaceful and productive lives.    

Transcript of YouTube: https://youtu.be/sQ-sjQypZtQ

[Darris McNeely] If you’re a “Star Trek” fan you know the phrase “live long and prosper.” But you know where that came from? Here’s where I think that it came from. Ephesians 6, where God is talking about honoring our parents. And He says, “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise. And He’s talking about the fifth commandment there, to honor your father and mother. What is the promise? In verse 3 it says, “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Honor your parents that it might be well with you and you will live long on the earth.

Now, that is a part of God’s Word, and that is a promise that we can claim.

I recently had a friend of mine whose father died. His father was almost 98 years old. He was a World War II vet, he was a Marine. He went through the…stormed through the South Pacific in World War II, and the man lived a long life. And he lived a good life. And in his last years his son, my good friend took really good care of him. And his death was a peaceful death with his family around and his son there, and it was as everyone might wish.

And reflecting about that, I was thinking, you know, this verse here is extremely important for all of us. If you still have your parents with you, no matter how old you might be, appreciate them. Look at this commandment, “Honor your father and mother that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Respect your parents, honor your parents, take care of your parents to their last breath. Do what you can. If there’s a problem, get it resolved. If there’s an issue that needs to be taken care of, make sure you get that taken care of. And then do what you can to talk with, to honor, to take care of your parents, so that in your life there’ll be no regrets. And you can claim that promise that God says, that it may be well with you and you will live long upon the earth.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/live-long-and-prosper

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Update.

We had the Bible study at the Community Room here at the apartments, as usual, at 4.00 pm on Sunday.  The Pastor has some videos, with questions after, that he plays on the big screen TV in there.  The same old folks come each time, and we have a good time and fellowship.

Wednesday morning, Health Quest brought us Chick-Fil-A for breakfast, and Thursday an HMO group brought us Thanksgiving lunch.  The very large gal (really obese) arrived with a lot of containers that had to be heated/cooked in the microwave, and it took her an hour and a half to do that.  It took so long that it burned up the microwave.  Next time our management is going to have Thanksgiving meals cooked on the stove or in the oven.  If all she knows is how to prepare processed food, usually full of chemicals, in a microwave, no wonder she is so large.

On Friday a nurse came from my new health insurance company to take my blood pressure, which was 116/60, check the circulation on all my extremities, which was normal.  She put packs which became warm on my big toes to do that.  After asking a lot of questions, surprised that I take no meds, she seemed happy with my state of health, so that is good.  As soon as she left I went to my usual Friday morning Bible study at my church friend’s apartment here.  We get ready for the Bible study that we have at church the next day, which is till on the doings of Nehemiah.

I had been given a really big block of cheese that I really didn’t know what to do with, so I made Nacho Cheese Dip with salsa, seasonings and coconut milk because I didn’t have the evaporated milk which was in the recipe.   It was very popular at the church potluck so I will make it again. 

The theme this week was “God is My Refuge and Strength” and the Sermon was very interesting about “Christ’s Object Lesson” and there were a lot of slides about how the temple and ark were built.

Another place where there is camaraderie and fellowship every Sabbath day.

5 Traits Men Should Look for in a Godly Woman. Kanye West's New Album. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

5 Traits Men Should Look for in a Godly Woman

“Too often men focus mainly on a woman’s appearance when they are considering whom they will date or marry. But there are more important traits to consider.

There is a folk tale of an elderly king somewhere in the heart of Africa. He had only one son, whom he adored. When the time came for the young man to find a wife, the king reminded his son she needed to be a woman qualified and capable of one day serving as his queen. So the young man began his search for such a woman of beauty and character.

He believed most young women would put their best foot forward if they knew he was the prince, so he chose to disguise himself as a peasant farmer. The beautiful ladies he saw around the palace regarded him with disdain, so he went on. Farther out he came across some young ladies who would stop to speak with him, but they were silly or rude, clearly not fit to be queen.

After several weeks, he came to a tiny village in the farthest reaches of his father’s kingdom. A beautiful maiden saw him looking tired and hungry, and she offered him food, water and a place to rest. He discovered she was kind, intelligent and wise.

He knew she was the kind of girl who could become a wise and helpful queen, and he wanted her as his wife. Her father voiced concern that his daughter would marry such a poor man, but the girl reasoned with wisdom and conviction, and her father relented. The prince in disguise returned home to prepare for the wedding.

Soon the young man returned, but this time as himself, the prince. They married, and years later he became king. His princess proved to be the wise and understanding queen he knew she would be, and together they ruled the kingdom with wisdom and justice.

The importance of character

The story emphasizes something too many men underestimate when looking for a mate: the importance of a woman’s character. It isn’t all about physical beauty or even personality. In describing the nearly perfect woman in Proverbs 31, Solomon wrote, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” (verse 30).

What are a few traits of character that a Christian woman should strive to attain? What are the traits of character that a Christian man should look for in a potential wife? Let’s consider five:

1. Is she a woman of God?

What foundational element of character could be more important? In describing how the wife of a congregational leader should be, the apostle Paul wrote, “Wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way” (1 Timothy 3:11, God’s Word Translation).

Such a woman will show by her words and actions that she submits to the rule of her Creator. Her relationship with God will come first in her life, and her faithfulness will shine through everything she says and does. As Ruth famously said, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16).

This basic attitude should be the No. 1 characteristic a man looks for in a wife: a woman who is committed to being faithful to God her entire life.

2. Who has the greatest influence on her?

We all have people who have a powerful influence on us, so considering whom she chooses to be influenced by is important.

When we were children, our parents were probably the biggest influence in our lives. But as we move through adulthood, others exert a heavier influence on us. To whom does she look to the most for advice? Are these people of solid moral character? Solomon also wrote, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).

Take a careful look at her closest friends and advisers and see what direction they influence her toward.

3. Is she tenderhearted?

Is she first and foremost attentive toward God and His laws? Is she also tenderhearted toward others, wanting to help and serve others when she sees a need? Is she first and foremost attentive toward God and His laws? Is she also tenderhearted toward others, wanting to help and serve others when she sees a need? Think of the father of the prodigal son, who saw his son coming from a long way off and “had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck [hugged him] and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

Among the fruit of the Spirit we find kindness, goodness and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). These are spiritual qualities that allow us to exhibit the characteristics Paul described in Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” 

4. Is she willing to learn and grow?

This is a reflection of her heart. Perhaps nothing reveals a person’s depth and genuine level of humility more quickly than having a heart that is teachable. Not everyone can see a need to learn more and accept instruction.

Business leaders recognize that some people have 20 years of experience, and others have one year of experience, 20 times over. A teachable person will be learning from his or her own mistakes, as well as those of others, and will be constantly growing and maturing. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:9).

5. Is she wise with her words?

Talk is cheap. Many people throw around words freely, saying whatever they believe you want to hear, but never really meaning it. Others liberally sprinkle their conversations with gossip and scintillating tales about others.

It used to be far less common for a woman to use vulgar or profane language, but that societal taboo seems long gone now. Women today are often as crass and crude as men can be in their speech.

But a woman of godly character will not allow her speech to become infected with anything that is improper or sinful.

God does not view careless and idle words as something of little consequence. The Bible instructs us to be always truthful (Zechariah 8:16) and to avoid gossip (Proverbs 20:19). Her speech should always be “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). A woman who uses her words wisely and carefully will fulfill what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

There are many more qualities of character we can and should consider, but these are a starting point. They are also more challenging and more difficult to attain than they might seem at first glance! You won’t find a woman who demonstrates all these traits perfectly, but look for the woman who is serious about trying to.

Of course, a godly man should never ask his wife to do and be what he isn’t himself. So he must be sure to be developing godly character himself.”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/marriage/5-traits-men-should-look-for-in-a-godly-woman/

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For further insight into male/female relationships, peruse our articles in the “Relationships” section of Life, Hope & Truth.

    

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Kanye West's New Album

“Recognizing “Jesus is King” is a great step for anyone striving to obey God. What else does the Bible say about following Christ?

Transcript of YouTube: https://youtu.be/zT9eFi1Q7Sk

[Steve Myers] “Kanye West has a new album out. In fact, it rocketed to Billboard number one almost immediately. Of course, Kanye West probably being one of the biggest rap hip hop stars in the universe, you might say. I mean, this man has amazing influence that goes beyond the music world. You know, the title of his new album? It’s called “Jesus is King,” and when I heard about that, I had mixed feelings. In one way, this is phenomenal. This is absolutely amazing. It’s encouraging to see someone that’s in the public, especially in the music world, to identify with the fact that Jesus is King, and that’s something that should be recognized.

In fact, it has had quite an impact across the countries, had rallies, different meetings, and the Word of God, in one sense, has gone out. That is such a powerful thing. I recognize that, and I would love to see even more from Kanye West. In fact, when you think about that, I hope it doesn’t stop there, because we can recognize that Jesus is King. But when we really see what the Bible has in mind, it goes beyond just the recognition of Christ as King, that there has to be more, more than just the recognition. There really has to be a changed life in a changed perspective that goes along with that recognition.

I’m reminded of a passage that we find over in the book of 1 John, 1 John 2, this whole section of scripture talks about what goes beyond just the mere recognition that Jesus is King. So when we look at 1 John 2:3 says this, “When we recognize Jesus as King,” it says, “Now by this, we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.” So there has to be a change in our behavior, in what we do, and the way we look at the world. In fact, a little later in verse six, it says, “He who abides in Him, ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

So our goal if we proclaim Jesus as King in our life, we have to walk as Jesus walked, and that’s a past tense statement. Looking back to the way Jesus lived his life. How did He talk? How did He walk? How did He live? How did He worship? When did He worship? You see, all of those questions come to mind.

So if we declare Jesus as King in our life, we have to recognize that and live our life and worship God in spirit and truth as we proclaim Jesus is King. So let’s be sure that’s exactly what we’re doing when we say those words.””  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/kanye-wests-new-album

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Update.

Thank you Veterans, for your service.  Thank you, just isn’t enough.

Another week of “swinging weather”.  One day it is cold and the next it is warm again.

There was Bingo at the Community Room here at the apartments and I was the only one who didn’t win anything, so the caller gave me the little plastic basket that had contained the prizes.   Though it did come in handy to carry small items like socks at the laundry.

My helper and neighbor, Joe, had gone to Bryan with me last week when I went to the Social Security office, because he needed to renew his drivers license.  They took his money and then said that he needed an eye test before he could get his license.  On Wednesday, as I was going to the Conroe area to meet my granddaughter, Michelle, I took him to the optician with the owl, America’s Best.   So he got an free eye exam with the purchase of 2 pairs of glasses for $70.00 total.   We have to back on the 20th to get his glasses, so Michelle and I can have some more time together then. 

Chris, Michelle, Joe, and I all met at Rancho Grande Mexican restaurant in Conroe, because I had won a gift certificate for four free lunches earlier in the year.  Chris brought me the four extra seats that go in my van, and some “catifying” shelves that she had been storing in her barn. I still hope to have an older, special needs cat to care for. 

The battery light came on in the van, the alternator checked good, but not the battery and so there was another expense, this time a new battery, not a rebuilt.

I took a green salad and grapes for the church potluck, and came home with two empty containers.  That was easy, I might do that again!  The theme for the week was “Be Still and Know that I am God”, Psalm 46:10. The sermon was “Talking With The King”.

Knowing that we were going to have a hard freeze I bought two big totes to house the largest pots of my Aloe Vera.  I didn’t want to bring them inside because some ants had been in them a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t know if any were still in there.  I put the other pots in on a trolley that I could take in and roll back outside.  I had sprinkled Diatomaceous Earth in and around the pots when I saw the ants and they disappeared, but you never know. 

In the mornings when the temperature is warmer I take the lids off and let them have some sunshine during the day.

What Does God Say About Witches and the Occult? Do the Souls of the Dead Live Forever? Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”.

What Does God Say About Witches and the Occult?

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

““There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

God outlawed witchcraft and other pagan practices that appealed to the evil spirit realm for their power. To God, it was an abomination for His people to seek help from Satan and his demons. Still, the Israelites were enticed by these practices again and again.

This was not just an Old Testament concern. The new converts to Christianity also took the subject of magic seriously ( Acts 19:19 ). The apostle John also warns that those who practice witchcraft must repent or they will end up in the lake of fire—the second death ( Revelation 9:21 ;21:8 ).

How did Western, so-called Christian nations get caught up in a holiday like Halloween that dabbles in the darkness of evil spirits, witchcraft and the occult? See our article “Halloween: Should Christians Celebrate It?””  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/what-does-god-say-about-witches-and-the-occult/?

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Considering Halloween: The Unfruitful Works of Darkness

Ephesians 5:11

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

God’s way is symbolized in the Bible as light, and darkness symbolizes sin and evil. Many times the apostle Paul encouraged faithful Christians to avoid the darkness of Satan’s lawless thinking and evil influences. For example, he wrote, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

He also wrote to the Corinthians: “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

The custom of Halloween, derived from popular pagan festivities to appease evil spirits, is definitely a time of darkness.

Paul continues by quoting from Isaiah 52:11 , “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

God’s people are to live no longer as the ungodly do in lewdness and greed ( Ephesians 4:17-19 ). How better to describe the risqué adult costume parties and the demands for treats of the younger crowd but as lewdness and greed?

God calls on us to draw near to Him and to resist the devil ( James 4:7-8 ). Should we not resist a holiday of darkness that celebrates evil?” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/considering-halloween-the-unfruitful-works-of-darkness/?

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Do the Souls of the Dead Live Forever?

Ezekiel 18:4

““Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die.”

The word translated soul is the Hebrew nephesh, which can even refer to animals ( Genesis 1:21 ) and corpses ( Leviticus 22:4 ). The Bible does not describe humans as having an immortal soul, but as being a living soul—a living creature. As God says in Ezekiel 18:4 and 20 , human souls can die. In fact, death—eternal death—is the punishment for sin ( Romans 6:23 ).

Only God has immortality ( 1 Timothy 6:16 ), and He offers it as a gift to those who believe and obey Jesus Christ ( John 3:16 ; Romans 6:23 ).

For a study of the subjects of the mortality of the soul and hell, see our article “What Is Hell?” Understanding what the Bible teaches about the mortality of the soul provides further reason for Christians not to celebrate All Saints’ Day and Halloween.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/do-the-souls-of-the-dead-live-forever/?

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Update.

It has been a very busy two weeks.  Including slow driving through pouring rain twice, once to Bryan to the Social Security Office, and once to Willis.  It was so cold in Bryan waiting for the Soc. Sec. office to open with the wind chilling us to the bone, that I think that is where I caught a cold.  

With the aid of my helper, Joseph, we have moved all the items from the storage in Willis to a storage here in Navasota. One day it was raining so hard you couldn’t see, then the next day the trip to Willis was in blazing sunshine.  With the sun being low in the sky this time of year, the visors wouldn’t keep it out of my eyes. They seem a lot more sensitive to bright light since I had the cataract surgery.  But at least that is all done.  Now I can start selling a lot of the stuff and empty that storage soon, I hope.

As I have so many lentils I have been trying to get them used up.  For one Sabbath potluck I made Chili Cheese Lentils, then this week I made a Lentil Loaf with shredded carrots, celery, onions and black olives in it . No meat is served at this congregation, and they seem to live a long time.  Our lady pianist is 89 years old and going strong.

The last Sabbath the theme was “His Mercy Endures Forever”  Psa. 136:1, and the Sermon was about Submission.  This Sabbath is was “This Is the Day The Lord has Made, Let us Rejoice and Be Glad In It”  Psa. 118:24, and the Sermon was about Detachment.  Phil. 3:78.  How we should be detached from earthy things.

It is so great to be in this senior apartment, they are sturdily made of brick and well insulated.  I am usually cold and my electric heating bills used to be 50% higher than my summer AC bills.  Now I am happy that I can economically run the gas furnace as much as I want night and day.