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Written by Nancy Ruegg for “From the Inside Out” @ http://nancyaruegg.com
View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/01/27/emblems-of-love/
Emblems of Love
January 27, 2022 by Nancy Ruegg
While exercising last Friday I listened to a podcast of Pete Briscoe’s sermon, “Every Day Jesus.” He made the point that we can actually see “tangible evidence of his intangible love” if we’re paying attention.
Pete told the story of a man who began looking for hearts, as emblems of Jesus’ love for him. He found them everywhere—heart-shaped rocks, shells, clouds, a heart-shaped stain on his jeans, even a heart-shaped dinner roll.
Pete told Jesus, I’d like to find tangible evidence of you too. That very afternoon he spotted a pile of grass clippings on the side of the road, shaped just like a heart. He shared a photo on the sanctuary screen, and sure enough, there was no mistaking it.
Oh Lord, I thought, while finishing a set of push-ups. That sounds like such fun. But I wonder if my emblem might be different than hearts—something personal. What could I look for?
No sooner did I get up from the mat than there it was: a star—a big one—blazoned on the wheel of our exercise bike. (Jesus made sure I didn’t miss it!)
The verse in Revelation came to mind where Jesus calls himself the bright morning star (22:16). And brief research delightfully expanded my understanding, so I’d appreciate more the stars yet to be discovered.
Just as Venus, the morning star, is always present whether we see it or not, so is Jesus. He is FAITHFUL and TRUE (Revelation 19:11), even when there’s no evidence in the moment.
Just as the morning star gives us assurance of approaching dawn, so Christ gives us assurance of approaching eternal life with him in heaven. He is our HOPE (1 Peter 1:3-5).
And just as the morning star cheers the night-weary soul, so Jesus brings JOY to the discouraged soul (John 17:13).
Each star then, would be a reminder of my Savior’s unfailing faithfulness, the confident hope I have in him, and the ineffable joy he provides.
Since Friday stars have been appearing with surprising frequency.
For example:
A friend posted a photo of her snow-covered garden. Right of center stood a small windmill –with a star on top.
While looking for an old photo on my phone I came across a springtime star from our own backyard.
We watched our Cincinnati Bengals squeak a win over the Titans last Saturday night. I’d never paid attention before to the NFL logo—with its stars.
The Titans’ helmets also include stars. See them surrounding the T?
In our refrigerator are a half-dozen stars or so. . .
. . . if you were to cut the apples horizontally, instead of stem to calyx.
A devotional reading this week just happened to be titled, “Star Gazing.”
In my office you’ll find paper clips shaped like stars. . .
. . . and on a table sits a Czechoslovakian, star-topped creche that I leave out all year.
On a shelf in the family room a crystal star adds sparkle . . .
. . . and even makes rainbows when placed in the sun.
With each star discovery, my heart sings. He is here—with us—revealing his extraordinary presence among the ordinary moments of our lives.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord God, after less than a week I’m already rich with stars! You’ve scattered them throughout my days with such creativity. Thank you that each one reminds me: my faith is not misplaced, my hope is assured, and every joy of life is enhanced—because of your loving presence.
God's group 
Thank you, Roland! As always, I praise God for his inspiration!
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