More than just stars

Believe it or not, these two pictures are of the Orion nebula. One was taken using a standard telescope and the other infrared. Even though the second one is more beautiful, the top one is more meaningful to me. This is because my granddaughter taught me what it was. The stars became just a little more "personable" after that, because every time I see Orion in the sky I think of her. Each star was put there for a purpose, even though I might know what it is. I think the following passage from the book of Psalms will shed a little light on this.

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
Psa 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
Psa 19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psa 19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.
Psa 19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

The World English Bible

The heavens reveal God; now there's a thought!! They show HIS greatness, perfection, organization and beauty. I especially like the transition that begins in verse seven because from then on the Psalmist begins to make personal application. It shows HOW A CONNECTION IS MADE TO THE CREATOR! From the grandeur of the heavens to the depths of the human heart, God is there; we just have to look. There is far more than just stars out there; there is the testimony of greatness that can change your life in ways to beautiful to describe. Look up and then look inward; what you see may surprise you!

Do you see what I see?

Just an ordinary scene... right? Well, yes and no. It is an ordinary scene, but seen in an unusual way; through the spectrum of infrared. This light spectrum reveals heat, so everything looks a bit different. Followers of God see the same things as everyone else, but like the picture, in a different way. Read the first Psalm and as you do read it out loud as well.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
Psa 1:2 but his delight is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day and night.
Psa 1:3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
Psa 1:4 The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Psa 1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psa 1:6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.

The World English Bible

Those who follow God look at things differently because they see The God of Heaven (Yahweh) in their lives and in the life that follows this life. What HE has said is on their minds and inexorably linked to their daily life. No matter what happens, God is with them, guiding and comforting them throughout every aspect of their existence. Those who truly wear the name "Christian" have Jesus as friend, example and King. All this changes a person into something greater, something more attune with what they were truly meant to be, more genuinely human. Life is seen through new eyes; do you see what I see and hear what God says?