Starlight

Palmer Bailey, “the stars and rocks guy,” shares with us some fascinating information about starlight.  By carefully examining stars we can learn some amazing things. Did you know that the color of a star is determined by its surface temperature? The hottest stars are almost blue, less hot are white and even cooler are those that are red.  And while stars may look clustered closely together from our vantage, they may in fact be from entirely different galaxies.    

When we examine the details of light from a single star Palmer teaches that we can approximate its temperature, composition, motion and even use that information to calculate the size of our own solar system. 
 
Meditation
Psalm 147:4—He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.
148:3—Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.
 
The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian believers, “There is a splendor of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; for one star differs from another in splendor” (1 Co. 15:41).  Paul would go on to encourage the Philippian Christians to live pure lives so that they would “shine like stars in the world” (Php. 2:15).  He may have taken his thought from the prophet Daniel who hundreds of years earlier wrote, “Those who are wise will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).   

God intentionally made each star and set them in the heavens!  When we look up at night we see the awesomeness of His handiwork and it ought to be an encouragement to us that we too are part of His creation—made to shine and made to praise Him!  

What is your color?  Are you almost blue from the surface temperature of a life lived for God’s glory?  When people look at you what do they glean about your temperament, your composition, motion and proximity to your Maker?   May we follow the words of Jesus who said “let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Mat. 5:16).  
 
Inspiration
From this it is clear that to separate ourselves from the world today, and thus deprive it of its only light, in no way glorifies God.  It merely thwarts His purpose in us and in mankind.—Watchman Nee in Love not the World
 
©2014 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)