Scripture for Today: Psalm 8:3-4 “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?”

The night sky is not only seen by looking up!  The name of this deep purple petunia comes from their unique markings that call to mind the overhead sky.  With their petals sprinkled with white, they are sometimes called the “galaxy flower.”  As the season progresses and the temperatures become cooler, more white spots appear.  Just as the night sky does, these amazing trumpet-shaped flowers declare God’s glory!

Today’s verse expresses what so many humans feel as they gaze up into the night sky.  How is it that the Creator of the universe, the One with such power and creativity would ever think of me?  The moon and the stars in the heavens are just simple finger work for our God.  He spreads the heavens out like a tent over us. (Isaiah 40:22)  He even names each of those stars. (Ps. 147:4)   But He also cares for each individual.  Yes, our Maker stretches out the heavens but He also forms us in the womb. (Isaiah 44:24)  His power is seen on both a grand and small scale.

It is difficult sometimes to wrap my head around God’s infinite power.  Even so, it is easy and logical for me to believe in “intelligent design.”  What seems harder to believe is that this God cares and that He is mindful of me!  He has chosen to use His power to establish a relationship with me that lasts into eternity!  And He continues to use His creative power to change my heart to live for Him!

Thank you Lord, for the reminder in creation of Your infinite power and care!

Scripture for Today: Mark 7:15 “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

If one were to take a walk in the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest right now, this delicate wildflower might be seen.  It is a wildflower with petal-like sepals that being swept back make it look as if the flower were inside out!  Its official name is, “Vancouveria Hexandra,” named after the British explorer, Captain George Vancouver.  But I prefer the more creative name of “Inside Out.”

Today’s verse has an inside and an outside.  The Lord is speaking to the Pharisees who challenged Him about following their ceremonial laws.  These religious leaders had burdened the people with a crippling weight of laws.  Jesus pointed out that laws and policies do not have the power to change what is on the inside.  What sullies and makes one dirty is not anything on the outside of man.  It is the evil that comes from inside (verse 23).  One can change laws, leaders or levels of education and privilege but none of this will change the core problem; an unclean heart.

In a troubled world where social injustice is on everyone’s mind, I do not want to be “inside out.”  The core problem is not on the outside but on the inside of all of us.  Lasting change is only possible when Christ makes us a “new creation” in Him (II Cor. 5:17).  My most loving unselfish response is to point others to the One who can change a heart for all eternity.  What an incredible shame if in addressing the outside of man I miss the inside!  What good would it be to gain the whole world but lose one’s soul? (Mark 8:36)

Thank you Lord, for changing me on the inside.