File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940420.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------



          OUR DAILY BREAD                        Wednesday, April 20, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  Psalm 147:1-11

                                 OUR CARING CREATOR

                         He counts the number of the stars;
                             He calls them all by name.
                                     Psalm 147:4

          Christian  astronomer  David Block tells us that  the  Milky  Way
          contains  100 billion stars--and that is just one small  part  of
          the  vast  heavens  of  which our planet is  but  a  tiny  speck.
          Considering the utter insignificance of our earth, it is hard  to
          believe that the Creator of the cosmos cares about what  happened
          to the human family that has been cynically described as a  semi-
          invisible  rash  on  the skin of a sub-microscopic  planet  in  a
          second-rate solar system.

          The  astonishing  truth is that God does care.  Long  before  the
          invention  of  telescopes,  David asked, "When  I  consider  Your
          heavens,...what is man that You are mindful of him?" (Ps. 8:3-4).
          And  not only does God care, He cares for everyone as if we  each
          were  the  sole object of His  loving  attention.  Psalm  147:3-4
          contrasts  the star-studded sky with the hurts of a single  soul:
          "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  He counts
          the number of the stars; He calls them all by name."

          Mind-boggling!  The  wisdom and the power that sustain the  whole
          cosmos   are  focused  on  every  believer.  What  a  source   of
          confidence and strength when we experience weakness and doubt!

          Author:  Vernon C. Grounds

                             I am the God of the stars,
                             Life up thine eyes and see
                                As far as mortal may
                                   Into eternity;
                             And stay they heart on Me.
                                   Amy Carmichael

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          He who holds the stars in space will surely uphold His saints  on
          earth.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Psalms 28-30












-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------