On Beauty

Prescription for True Beauty

         Adapted from Sam Levenson by O. Kris Widmer

"Let your beauty not come merely from outward adornment and salon processes, but also come from the beauty of your inner self, the unfading beauty of the gentle and generous person you are.  This is the way God's beautiful men and women have always attained true beauty"  1 Peter 3:2-4 - Paraphrase

For attractive lips - get those collagen injections, but also speak words of kindness and grace.

For lovely eyes - use your full palate of liners, mascaras and shadows; but also watch for the good in others.

For a perfect nose - by all means get that rinoplasty, but also keep it out of other people's business.

For pretty ears - in addition to those pearls, learn how to really listen when others are speaking.

For tight abs - get busy and do those crunches, but also sit up and pay attention to life.

For a slim figure - by all means, try that new fad diet; but also share your food with the hungry.

For perfect skin - sure, get out that wrinkle cream, but also flash your radiant smile.

For shapely legs - go on, shave, wax and No-No, but also be known for going the second mile.

For beautiful feet - brush on the sparkle polish,  but also run and tell someone the good news.

For gorgeous hair - get some new gel or a super cut,  but also let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise - walk with that book on your head, but also walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

For truly "Charm is temporary and beauty is brief, but the person that serves the Lord is really worth talking about!" -  Proverbs 31:30 Paraphrased

Will We Know Each Other in Heaven

Will We Know Each Other In Heaven?          by Pastor Kris Widmer

1.     Isaiah 65:17 - This text sais that the former things will not come to mind.  I believe this refers to the pains of earth.  They won't come to mind in glory.  But certainly we will remember the good things of earth...and the redemption of Jesus.  How can we sing the song of redemption in glory (Revelation 14:3) if we have no recollection that we once were lost...but then were "found" by God.

2.     2 Samuel 12:15-23 - David expressed the hope of going to his dead infant son, after he died.  This implies recognition.

3.     Luke 9:30 - Moses and Elijah went to heaven: one after death and one without dying.  Both were recognized by the disciples.

4.     Matthew 8:11 - When we get to heaven we will sit down (at God's wonderful dinner table.) with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  This implies we will know them.

5.     Jesus was recognized by those who saw him after the resurrection.  John 20:19-29 and Mary recognized Jesus voice!  John 20:11-18

6.     1 Thessalonians 2:19,20 - In the context of "the Lord Jesus at His coming", Paul says that these believers are his hope, joy and crown of exultation (I'm proud of you all." and look forward to being with you a that time.  You are our glory and joy.....(not just for now...but for the end/eternity.)

7.     2 Corinthians 1:14 - "You are our reason to be proud.....in the day of our Lord Jesus."   What a day of healthy pride it will be for all those who have worked for souls to see them redeemed in heaven!

8.     1 Corinthians 15:42-49 - Paul is teaching that there is a difference and a correlation between the natural body and the spiritual body.  We will still be "us" when we are raised.

9.     1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Paul's comforting point is that those who have fallen asleep will be restored to us in the resurrection.  There is no point in being comforted if we wake up to a group of strangers on the resurrection morning.

10. 1 Corinthians 13:12 - This text is often quoted out of context...but it does imply a "knowing" completely then in ways we only know in part now.

11. Revelation 20:4, 6 - Those resurrected in the first resurrection are priests of God...and are considered to be blessed and holy.  They reign with Christ.  It is assumed they will know Christ and know each other.

12. If there is no recognition than there can be no heavenly reunion...and if there is no reunion...what is the point of being comforted by the words of 1 Thess 4:13-16.