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.
Do you find tangible emblems of Jesus’ intangible love as you go about your day? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
P.S. Here’s a link to Pete Briscoe’s sermon: https://benttree.org/sermon/part-1-everyday-jesus/
(Art & photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.org (2); Nancy Ruegg (4); http://www.pxhere.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Hearts and stars . . . What could be better signs of Jesus’ presence among us, Nancy? Isn’t it amazing how when we decide to look, God shows up with a flourish? I don’t know that I have anything as tangible as hearts or stars as I journey through this recovery, but I do feel the Lord’s presence filling our home, filling me with hope, love and peace. I don’t think there is anything more for which I could ask.
Blessings!
Hallelujah for that sense of God’s presence, filling you with hope, love, and peace. I’m SO glad you’re on the mend, Martha, and experiencing such delights from your Heavenly Father as you recover!
Crazy-good Nancy. Now I will be looking for stars!
Oh, thank you Gary–and praise God! I’d love to hear about the stars YOU find. Do come back and share some examples!
We DO tend to find what we’re looking for. I think it says somewhere in Proverbs, “He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” Sorry, I don’t remember the address.☺️ I’m with Gary. Checking my house for stars now.✨
Proverbs 11:27 perhaps? (You made me curious; had to look it up!) As I said to Gary, please come back and share your stars with us. No doubt Jesus’ creativity will astound us once again!
Great s our Lord
AMEN, Brenda. Every day he manifests his greatness!
Thank you, Nancy, for this blog and the thoughts that came as you exercised. The stars I was seeing today were from the Planetarium at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky. Oh my, if you see those stars, it speaks to God being all powerful. It really is unfathomable how many stars there are in the whole universe. Keep on writing Nancy and keep on exercising. One day, I may also be able to do a push up! Yep, down from 35 clap you chest in minute to finding it hard to do one regular push up. 🙂
Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of God–his power, wisdom, creativity and more! Thank you for your encouragement, Sam. As for the push-ups, I should have clarified: I’m not doing full-body push-ups, just from the knees! That’s a goal you can easily achieve–no claps to the chest necessary!
Thanks Nancy! that is a goal I may be able to achieve! 🙂 I am still running around with my nephew and his family for one more day. Thanks for your encouragement.
Glad you’ve been able to enjoy time with your nephew and his family!
“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.” Amen! So inspiring, reading how God shows himself. He knows exactly what helps us draw near to Him.
He is a gracious and compassionate God! I’m delighted you found inspiration here, Lynn. Praise Him for that too!
Nancy, you’re right, signs of His love are everywhere. If we open ourselves up to see them, He blessed us all day. What a happy way to live! (I call it “divine perspective.”)
What a happy way to live for sure! And now you’ve given me new insight into the name of your blog, Seeking Divine Perspective! In addition to seeking God’s wisdom and ways, we’re also seeking relationship and intimacy with Him.
“tangible evidence of his intangible love”
Nancy, thanks for this nudge to choose to be aware of His ever-presentness around us. I’m taking this with me today, friend.
So glad to offer something worth taking with you this day, Linda, thanks to Pete Briscoe! Praise God for his inspiration!
wow what a great practice. Love this quote too: tangible evidence of his intangible love.
Because you appreciate and participate in spiritual practices on a regular basis, I thought this idea might be of interest to you! I agree–that’s a wonderful quote Pete shared. It came from a book, Beautiful Outlaw, by John Eldredge.
Oh Nancy, always such a joy to read your words. For a long time now I’ve collected the hearts of Nature, leaves, rocks, and shells. Now I’ll look for the stars! ❤️
Well done, Deborah! Let me know if another emblem grabs your attention!
Triangles and crosses! ❤️
Triangles! Now THERE’S a wonderful emblem (of the Trinity, I assume?)–sure to be found often! And the cross is obviously a worthy choice, a much-loved symbol of our faith that always fosters gratitude. Thank you, Deborah, for suggesting these possibilities!
Yes, the Trinity!
Great is our God that He surrounds us with His love and grace…stars and hearts!
AMEN, Pam! Such a gracious God to surround us in tangible ways that our limited sight can understand.
What a beautiful message, Nancy! I love your variety of stars examples, from the power of Venus’s ever-presence to the simplicity of NFL logos (and congrats to your Bengals). Proof positive He is everywhere in this world. We just need to trust our sight – and therefore our faith in Him.
Thank you, Dave. “Trust our sight” is paramount, isn’t it. God is revealing himself in countless ways–through scripture, other reading, songs, creation, each other, and more. The question becomes, will we put our faith in the evidence?
“Therefore my dear friends …children of God . . . you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Phil. 2:12a/15b). Nancy, I so enjoy following you as you follow your star (and bring back news). Thank you!
Isn’t that an incredible privilege God gives us–to shine like stars, scattering beams of grace to those around us? / It works out so nicely,Laurie, that you enjoy following my blog, since I so enjoy following yours!
I love this idea you have given us! And all the stars that God put in your view is amazing. Maybe I will think about what God impresses me to see all around my world, too. Blessings, my friend!
It’s great fun to see these signs of Jesus’ presence. They’re like love notes scattered here and there!
A beautiful illustration of how the Lord makes His presence in our lives tangible. All because He loves us!
It boggles the mind that he should love us. The tangible evidence reassures!
Nancy, I really like that creche. I have several that I leave out all year. Also, last week I started to walk at our mall, about two miles. I will keep my eyes open for ‘love notes’ from Jesus!
That creche belonged to Steve’s aunt who acquired quite a collection of them from around the world. This one happens to include the same colors of the quilt on the daybed in my office. Since they were created years and countries apart, the perfect match of colors is all the more astonishing. / I’ll be interested to see what emblem becomes your love notes at the mall. Kudos to you for those two-mile walks!
This is inspiring and hope-filled, Nancy. Thank you for the reminder to seek tangible evidence of God’s ever-present, bottomless love. I love finding hearts, but it’s amazing how God drew you into stars and taught you deeper lessons. Love and blessings to you!
Thank you, Trudy. I’m also loving what God brought to Deborah’s attention, and mentioned above–triangles–as emblems of the Trinity. Looks like you might also enjoy finding butterflies, representing our new and transformed life in Christ!
👍💗🕊😇
Thank you, Roland!