Happy and livin' in the most awesome Way! Been called an UBER-HORRIBLE GOLFER, but also a vertical motivator, a one-on-one people-fishin-coach of sorts, or just "HEY YOU!".. public speaker dude.. but not necessarily in that order. Are you into world-changing with the One who can? Perhaps you would like to check on Kurt's speaking availability? Simply call 214-810-6239.
"I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." ~ Isaiah 49:15-16
Man, praise God He has zero memory loss!
Indulge me for a sec as I brag on my excellent wife Liney who has taken it upon herself to remember and rescue stray dogs runnin' around our streets that many owners have simply forgotten or unintentionally lost. She has empathy for em and for neighbors and coworkers who often show up on our doorstep.
Often times I return home to find new and strange looking furry faces with whiskers and tongues hangin' out in my backyard (I mean the animals here) as she's inside on the phone trying to locate their owners.
Sure, as a little girl in Northern Colorado she has seen dogs and cats severely mistreated and hurt by callous teenagers throwing things at them etc.. and I guess that's where all started. And now ..among many other great things she does.. she so easily makes lots of friends when she simply takes time for their pets.
So, would you mind if I asked you.. Have ya ever felt abandoned, harassed, bullied, lost like a stray.. or like no one even cares about you? Hey, I'm not totally sure why people turn mean, get hurtful or abandon others, but God's great love certainly won't ditch you and His kind presence is assured. I assert that you can trust Him 24/7/365. Let's pray…
Lord God, I am so grateful for Your selfless rescuing kinda love, and for Your never-failing empathy that was actually turned into the most positive action when You sent Christ to Calvary's cross to address our greatest need—for forgiveness. Thanks that You then raised up Him alive from the tomb on the third day. I appreciate it that You protect us, and never bail out on us, or get negligent when some people have. Father, thank You for Your never-failing presence—help each of us come to rest in our relationship with You, and with Christ who genuinely cares for all people. Makes us the kind of tactful, pro-active rescuers that Christ perfectly exemplified when He walked the dirty paths of this earth. Yes do so please, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Never forget that God faithfully promises His kids that He will never leave us (Deut. 31:8). He will be close to us no matter wherever we go, no matter wherever He leads.. yes, "always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). As you give your heart to Christ and seek to know and serve Him, He indeed has your back.
You know that flawed men can falter in the area of commitments, but God won't ever falter or change in His eternal commitment to His children. Yeah, even if we've been abandoned by others, or have done the abandoning in the past He loves you. And each of us can find forgiveness and strong confidence in His Bible promise.. that nothin' nowhere will ever "separate us from [His] love" (Rom. 8:35-39). I say, Come as you are with a willingness to be cleansed and changed by Him. facebook.com/shareJesus
The Bible says, "The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" (Prov. 18:14).
"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:4-5).
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.." (2 Cor. 4:8-9).
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God.." (Gal. 2:20).
"Discouragement often comes when we don't get our own way or when things don't work out the way we want them to. The children of Israel thought that because they were God's children they should be spared adversity and trouble, that Canaan should be captured without a struggle. But this was not God's plan. It never is. We must be willing to die to self before we can know the real meaning of life. We must often bleed (so to speak) before we can be blessed, and a cross must be endured before the crown is to be worn. Discouragement is the very opposite of faith. It is Satan's device to try to thwart the work of God in your life. Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavorable circumstances." ~ Billy Graham
Christ boldly told us, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).
And God also gives us this prayer from King David to encourage us, "..O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me"..."Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!" (See Ps. 38:1-4 and it's context plus 21-22 nkjv).
Q: Would a fireman simply doin' his duty inside a burnin' house be for one second taken as "offensive" at all if he was merely pointing the endangered inhabitants to the only fire-exit? Naww he wouldn't.. not so much. And a fire-person doesn't even love (like God does us) the ones he's dealing with.
I would love to pray for you.. for sure and earnestly ..if you don't mind. Would be honored to. Simply comment back (below) or just send me a private message to let me know how I can intelligently pray for you ..and I will indeed keep it private. God bless you.
Who do you look to to meet your needs? Do you in part look to God and in part look to another? In unity, lets' ask Him together for you.. looking solely to the Lord as our Source cuz that's what on-fire Christians do and more importantly that's what He desires.
Even if you've gotten a "No" before, together let's ask again. God say's, "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jer. 33:3)
..and I'm thinkin' of Christian husbands some, who get fully rejected and basically excluded (not me..) due to a hypocritical partner's religiously justified (yes erroneously).. embraced-lie of "My spouse is mentally ill" along with an underlying but blatant root of bitterness that constantly pains deeply n torments thoroughly.. or something like that...
.. that self, and friends, and independence, and money, and no amount of personal busyness can comfort or get expelled and that no church affiliation anywhere will erase, or extinguish, or cover. But you know that God can certainly reward both sides equitably / accordingly, and can comfort and deliver and can certainly weed-out any such root when asked.
Also thinkin' of all the tears I've seen shed by believing parents whose kids outright slander, ditch, neglect and mock them.. perhaps due to the same root.. or something like that.. and who reject and literally longterm-replace their parents with fawning strange enabler-friends and worldly lovers for no good reason. But you know that God can certainly reward both sides equitably / accordingly, and can comfort and deliver and can certainly weed-out any such root when asked.
As the perfect parent.... He waits and teaches patiently when allowed to teach.. for each of us. He did and does for me.
Musin' over current fathers and parent-friends of mine locally (imperfect like me).. more than one set.. who have had the same type of thing happen to them.. or something like that.. due to a loved one's serious chemical abuse. Got a call regarding this last night. Heart-breaking story. Tears. Gulping and more tears.
Year after year they wait and pray and wait for that son or daughter to come to their senses a bit... and hope and try to compensate or fill-in somehow for perhaps a hurting little, innocent, abandoned grandchild who doesn't know why the most important person in their life who said they really loved.. totally bailed-out minus any explanation.
Some parents I know have had to slaughter the fattened calf multiple times and are there waiting again year after year. And I just wish I could hug and somehow encourage them with God's Word.
Feeling so very grateful here.. as I hunt and peck with scared index finger.. for a tender-hearted believing wife who has always been above reproach and above hurting, pettiness, abuse and self-seeking. These days good-example-parents are gettin' harder to find it seems.
But if this in any way kinda describes you (above) , just know that Christ understands, will indeed reward and can help.
"Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, 'God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours... God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh. What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.'" http://bible.us/116/LUK6.20.NLT
..if you were once an effective witness for Jesus Christ, but now ..somehow you are not.. if you once walked with the Lord, but then stumbled and fell down.. you know, got all bruised with skinned up knees so to speak but not really due to praying.
Then get back up. Run to the Word of God, not away from Him. Run to church, not away from a decent church ..yeah, even if the enemy accuses you and says you're way too hypocritical and dirty to run to Him again. Ignore. Shun. Resist. Reject Mr. Lu-Cifer.
Never allow what that loser says keep you away from your first-love, or from fellowship with other growing believers.
"Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." Mk. 9:50
Just confess, honestly repent, and go on tight with Jesus. "With Christ" as your leader, not you as His. He will indeed restore the joy, the harmony and the peace for you. He hasn't stopped caring.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 Jn. 1:9, nkjv
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Rev. 2:5
"Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" Lk. 9:62
Please remember that the Lord isn't surprised, or angry (..it's cuz of the cross) or like us. He is limitless in His Love for you and He is perfect too. He understands fully and will bless again. He shows flawless compassion as well as beautiful agape and mercy to you and me.. yes, in so SO many ways. If another believer or leader has let you down (and they will from time to time), it's no time for you to stay down. Forgive them just like you have been. Sure, it's time to get closer to God than ever before.. looking to Him to meet all your needs.
Stop and think about it. Was there actually a time in your personal history when you were more on-fire for Jesus.. more all-out in-love with Jesus.. more enamored and focused on Him? ..well, decide right now to get with Him again and get much closer than that. Don't wait or procrastinate. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and do things His way this time. Worship and serve on His terms (according to the Bible) instead of on your own.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Jam. 4:8
"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.." Heb. 12:15
"'My wayward children,' says the Lord, 'come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.' 'Yes, we're coming,' the people reply, 'for you are the Lord our God.'" Jer. 3:22
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9-11
I appeal in love. I'm not talking down to you, but it's no time for excuses, self-righteousness, or human rationalizations now. It's simply time to return as you are, to be free, cleansed, confident, absolutely fearless and go tell others about Jesus Christ.. while we still have some time. facebook.com/shareJesus
Sure, and we can be fruitful in Christ if we ask and remain faithful. Worship, and then witness of His great love.
"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."John 15:8
And remember this you who have been unfaithful. He, Jesus, remains faithful still. So confess and get back up all you weary with brushed or skinned up knees. He, the true vine, is our hope.
"Only the truth that in life we have spoken, only the seed that on earth we have sown; these shall pass onward when we are forgotten, fruits of the harvest and what we have done." ~ Bonar www.facebook.com/shareJesus
We all can enjoy His presence before all the distractions come our way.. God, help us seek and focus on You first. With You here is wonderful ...it's exactly where I wanna be. Yes, close, not far away. With no type of bars to impede.. that's holding me back. Nearer. Lookin' to... you, expectantly. Filled with wonder, filled to overflowing with Your Spirit..and.. in awe of You alone. I'd like that. Can I ask You a few questions too.. dear God?
What's on Your mind today?.. where would You have me be?..with whom.. and what would You have me to do?..and how?
Would love to know. Restore to me the JOY of my salvation. Lookin' in Your love letter - I see truth, and joy and love..and miracles, and good deeds post saving faith. Wonderful.. that You can still communicate with us in a way that we each can understand. Wanna please You, no ifs ands or buts about it. Listening. Please speak. Ain't so good at this... but my ears are attentive. Happy.. that You've never not been good, or present, or kind, or wise, or patient, or holy, or considerate, or Helpful ..and P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L! So wanting to be a part, Lord. Where will You be at it? Can I go?Amazing! You've never not been around me or us... never not had our best interests at heart. How super-cool is that! Glad ...that we don't have to make an appointment, or wait in a boring line, or act all sublime... and that You're always right on time! I've been late.. in more than one state. Blessed.. that You're always mine and meeting needs.. sometimes before I even see. Stoked ...that I'm Yours and always will be, and that Your grace sets me free. You will decree.. and others also ..will be. How smart! Grateful Lord.., that I can always run to You with anything that's on my heart and You will gladly impart. Yeah, so thankful Father, that You never freak... but are ever present and ready to hear us any moment, or minute, or time of week... Your power to display... whenever we call out to You and seek. O God of the universe, what are You thinkin' about today? And on this planet where are You working?... and how are You? Curious. Please revive and restore. I bow willingly...gladly. Will You put me in the middle of what You are doing? Sure can't hurt to ask You, trusting that You have the best response to my request. Always. Wanna make a difference. Do what You want in and through me.. as I enjoy your presence, Lord. No matter where we go or what time it is, we indeed can depend on Your presence, Jesus. When we come directly to the Father via the Son, there is no waiting line before us—God's ears are always wide open to our pleas for mercy.
1.) They need to see that in unity we genuinely love one another and that this great agape compassion is also directed towards them as well.
Jesus prayed, "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one.."
The Bible says, "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." Yikes, how do we do that? We go to the cross, die (to our own way and fickle opinions..) and to Him who on it demonstrated real love for all.
When they see this non-selfish type of love, they will indeed be drawn in.
2.) Might sound kinda religious, but they also need to see that we are joyously holy because we serve a very holy God.
"For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"
Holy is happy! And both aspects need to clearly be seen with us today, and even thoroughly taught on from the Word. Check out all the passages dealing with these two important topics.
Me thinks that in North America here, they've heard about God's love pretty often (..can't hear too much about this) from all kinds of so called Christians and others, but in our local churches do they actually hear about sin, about it's non-desirable consequences that God lovely warns us about, or about future judgment ahead and true repentance that cuts to the root..quite as often?
In our chaotic society it used to be illustrated that the family modeled these two wonderful aspects, but with the breakdown of the family, now those living in the world must see these things lived-out in local churches. That's how warm-hearted zealous churches are to shine!
P.S. The Bible speaks more about the spiritual unity needed in local churches than it does about either heaven or hell. Yup, it's way important for all us! One time I was in a church where the associate pastor was small in more than one way. And he maintained a "big church-boss" mentality. Sad. He sadly was a real divider and was one-on-one attacking innocent, hard-working but popular sheep if you will, and then throwing em out the door over non-issues. Over and over again, but he was the heir and a blood relative of the lead shepherd. Both were very ignorant and dim in thinking and both are still there working to wreck havoc on that now much smaller, dried up congregation. There were witness, but still there's no restitution or turning. Not God's will.
You know, unity is so important that the devil even had his crowd come up with a cult named the "Unity Church" that denies Essential Christian Doctrine. Yeah, I happen to talk to gay and non-gay people here in Dallas quite often who are a part of this aberrant group. Have I heard em talk about sin, repentance, or future judgement or about hell, or dying to their old fleshly selfish nature within? Never. But they are encouraged to be themselves in their ongoing sin ..that is not called that. I say, ditch your sin and be yourself in Christ who is holy. That's for all.
But you know, believer, how Christian churches are made up of different people from very different backgrounds today, and how none of us are perfect. Ya think? Sure. Therefore even the best of flawed people will at times get into conflict with each other. But, when someone constantly causes disunity in a church, a decent pastor who is out to protect God's flock really needs to humbly, but firmly work with that person behind it all, specifically addressing what's been happening. He needs to prayerfully listen to em with a heart to restore and see if there's something to learn. And if the learning needs to happen on the other end (I mean where the leadership is not blowing it in that case), but isn't at all received by the offender, the pastor simply needs to get rid of the person when they really are in sin as a troublemaker and refuse to repent. With witnesses and in a peaceful manner, not an easy thing to do at all. But a little yeast can leaven the whole lump of dough.
Meditate upon what God has to say about unity.
Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
John 17:23 - I in them and you in me (Jesus). May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Romans 6:5 - If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26 - The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Ephesians 4:1-3 - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-6 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:11-13 - It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Philippians 2:1-3 - If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Colossians 3:14 - And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
..from all His servants, as we keep a proper perspective ..even until we get a bit tired.
No prob with that. This is a good witness. Duh!
In fact He is working.
It's so cool how every Member of the Godhead has been and is being a good Example for us.
Jesus, our High Priest and perfect Example-witness of the Father's Message and love said this, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too, am working." John 5:17
And in a context of ministering God's Word to people, the Bible also says, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Gal. 6:9
Becoming tired from obeying.. you know, from doing good works as the Lord leads you, is different, so be encouraged not to become lazy or to work too much, but to take time out for the Lord and then work hard and smart even if you get tired.
"The world is run by tired men."
Most souls are won by tired people!
The best sermons are preached by tired men!
The best camps are run by exhausted youth ministers!
The Third World is being evangelized by tired missionaries!
Christian organizations are being run by tired men!
You show me a super Vacation Bible School and I will show you some tired women!" ~ Oswald Sanders
In a world where "lazy" is often reward by the Gov, let that not be you. Ask God to make you a diligent and good example for others. God see everything and you're also being watched by people. So it matters..being a good witness all the time.. in private and in public. facebook.com/shareJesus
Lin's a real good listener and she asks excellent questions cuz she likes the surprising stories that follow. Interesting stuff. A silver-haired lady started chucklin' at the Coop cuz she couldn't find her 55 year old husband there.
A few people looked around to help her.
When some of the people asked the woman what he looked like, the lady clearly described her husband as the silly one without the arm.
My wife Liney had already located the guy ..dawning the green camo Bass Pro-Shop hunting cap. Funny conversation followed.
She carefully asked him how he had lost his arm..."Was it while you were out fishin' somewhere?" And he said "Yes"..which made Lin proceed to ask.."What kind of creature got it?" "Well", the man responded "A long ugly crocodile on the Amazon tore it up" (huh..I thought he'd joke and say a big fat four foot trout.. exaggeration.. but he was tellin' the truth).
When it happened, he was just thankful to be with another doctor on that river who jumped to his rescue and sewed him up after the crock-attack...and stopped the fisherman from bleeding-out. Literally lost most of his blood that day..and yet they both wereC eighteen hours away from the nearest hospital and town. Took awhile..lots of paddling. There's of course more to the story, but when the two men arrived in town the medical workers were pretty impressed with the wilderness-sew-job. They couldn't believe that this wilde südamerikanische fischer actually lived.. but they still had to remove his limb cuz gangrene had set in. (Me thinks all kinds of fishin' has it's inherent risks, but we're proud of the man cuz he still goes fishing. Nothin' will stop him).
I say, Keep on fishing no matter what. Lately I've been thinkin' about following the ultimate Fisher (Christ), and going fishin' along with and for Him ..for other people who don't yet know Him. Yeah, it's so good to take part with Him in His Great Commandment and the Great Commission ..in that order. Why? Because... "Jesus called out to them [His followers], 'Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'" See Matthew 4:19. facebook.com/shareJesus
He is involved, close to you, and really cares more about you than that.
Got a question for you? Is God actually knowable today.. I mean in a very real personal sense like in the same way that you and I could know each another?
Many say, Naww, ain't possible. He is way too big, far away and too great to be known by man in that sorta way.
In fact deism, theism, and Islam are three views of God that set Him far beyond man's ability to know Him. Again, I mean in a real meaningful and personal sense.
Perhaps because of hard circumstances that you've been through, you as a believer have been living like a Christian deist who sees God as far away and not gunna get involved in your life and surely won't speak to you, even though you know you are supposed to go speak to Him every day. Please don't see Him like that, believer, even if you have been through some fiery painful or tragic trials of your faith.
So what does God in the Bible actually say? The Bible presents God to us and One who can indeed be known and One who actually desires to be known of us.
Gotta moment to check it out?
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13 esv).
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant … I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. … for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest …" (Jer. 31:31, 33-34).
"For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" (Hos. 6:6).
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true …" (1 Jn. 5:20).
God says that He is knowable, and you can stand on that all day, all year, and all you're your lifelong. When we see Him the way He really is, and relate to Him as He would like us to, then it won't be long before we experience that renewed joy inside and want to go share the Good News about Him with others.
Going and telling is basically the natural outgrowth of knowing, seeking and worshipping the Lord daily. Yes, witnessing of the Lord and gently leading people into this type of personal fellowship with God is the chief objective of the Christian's Gospel ministry. Christ said this in prayer to the Father, "You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as you have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:2-3). Let's pursue God in Christ and expect Him to make His Scriptures come alive to us. He can speak in different ways, but we need to be open to Him leading us in a most personal kinda way. facebook.com/shareJesus
You know that I can't redeem or sanctify even a little cockroach. No mere human tryin' to reform this sinner (me) saved me. And I've also foolishly tried to reform sinners and stiff non-biblical churches before—didn't work. Building relationship is important. I say appeal wisely and then bail on a sicko-church if they hold tightly to their sins. Find an imperfect, healthy one where you can be fed the Word n grow—none are perfect and life is short.
You remember how with lesser sight Pete recognized Elijah (Luke 9:33). And what about the Rich dude and Lazarus who knew each other while on earth. Plus the Bible seems to show us others as well.
I don't know what age we'll each appear like then. My guess.. we will all be in our early twenties or late teens before the anabolic reactions are overtaken by the catabolic phase when the dna telomeres in our physical bodies got shorter n shorter with the aging process (how you appeared in those days minus all deformities, zits or infirmities of course) before the catabolic jive and gravity went to work on you (uber-aging, which came about due to the fall of man - thank ya Adam). With regard to our transformed or glorified bodies, we will basically be patterned after the glorified body of our Lord Jesus following His resurrection. Cool huh. Phil 3:21, Luke 16:19-31. Be in Him.
Wenn wir sterben.. erkennen wir einander im Himmel? Doch!
Ich weiß nicht, wie alt wir alle dann aussehen werden. Meine Vermutung. Wir werden alle in unseren Zwanzigern jahren während der anabolen phase sein ..vor dem katabolen jive (Alterung) gestartet.