Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Strange rainbow appears in S'pore sky. What is it?

Source Website: https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/
By Julia Yee, Mothership, 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm



Mothership reader snapped a photo of the sky to share the 'extraordinary sight' with others.
PHOTO: Mothership reader snapped a photo of the sky to share the "extraordinary sight" with others.
Picture posted by Julia Yee, Mothership on 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxP7mwW9CRrRSi3rZJE2Py9IXENxUpgXgsxu6fro_57nkTCs0fyav0BDSyoi5Pcti5bsCNQ-NKa0p_E6AdMU7aUQjnHhyphenhyphenjr-zKEjsfSAuIkeYdzJTMMha95_9yx79oCIKd2OnQch7VvM1jU9ki72Z7jUSUdRfrjscM-nK3BvXgqnSqe4wnd6l0F-Oaas/s1000/Untitled-design-11.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2024/04/Untitled-design-11.png
https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/



A woman was enjoying a nice Saturday evening at East Coast Park, when her evening got a little strange.

Looking up, she was treated to the sight of an odd kind of rainbow hanging in the sky.

The sighting occurred at around 6:10pm on Apr. 13, 2024, after which the Mothership reader snapped a photo of the sky to share the "
extraordinary sight" with others.

Hello, strange rainbow
The strange rainbow inspired a flood of poetic adjectives from the awe-stricken reader, who called it a "breathtaking display".
 

Hello, strange rainbow
PHOTO: Hello, strange rainbow
The strange rainbow inspired a flood of poetic adjectives from the awe-stricken reader, who called it a
"breathtaking display".
Photo from Mothership reader
Picture posted by Julia Yee, Mothership on 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMEFFB1pCP8lMIPZ7zMPsd3p-raH56ogPE8OMTCyIJuLQ05kf7d3-f4UCncjvQD_l8RzZFskw4r9mssXTKwBcbs28lRcM5PM9iwm2z1tglMDY-ReIWCwq4UgnC3pgN6ZPMLezTgyUx1mC_UY8Scs8ECnVobch2FiJBwZgo3IDePc0QYTe-0Nr546OquU/s1292/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-10.51.18-AM.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-10.51.18-AM.png
https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/



"
Resembling a vibrant paddle of watercolour, the fire rainbow painted the sky with its stunning hues, leaving me in awe of nature's wonders," she gushed.

The rainbow stared back at the reader, but was unable to tell her what exactly it was.

But we can. Probably.

What is it?
The reader dubbed the rainbow a "fire rainbow", also known as a circumhorizontal arc.

A fire rainbow is not a rainbow on fire.

It is an incredibly rare phenomenon that happens when
sunlight passes through and is refracted by ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which are wispy clouds that resemble the tufts of hair on a baby's head.
 

It is an incredibly rare phenomenon that happens when sunlight passes through and is refracted by ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which are wispy clouds that resemble the tufts of hair on a baby's head.
PHOTO: It is an incredibly rare phenomenon that happens when sunlight passes through and is refracted by ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which are wispy clouds that resemble the tufts of hair on a baby's head.
Image via International Cloud Atlas
Picture posted by Julia Yee, Mothership on 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO4b4EIcrsKAarzN6-Z0sT_u46mAHppvaNRYBk25uU9M4HaJFGs6Z693Vnx3M7yb1EkhZm8L2xSXmOb4pVLSNPjoPCH3AuoaOYF2Mc7tLLM77US7saB60rY89ijb12Kb9me8Gnvf6efJVEUWb5b00XvjmSuGKxagsf3WlG6RXXE7TiAD5fnmmhUpZK0Q/s1984/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-11.06.22-AM.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-11.06.22-AM.png
https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/



Another sky gazer spotted the rainbow at around 6pm from Tampines.

He posted photos of the sight in a cloud-spotting Facebook group, but called the sighting "iridescent clouds", which is likely what it actually was.
 

Andrew Teo posted photos of the sight in a cloud-spotting Facebook group
PHOTO: Andrew Teo posted photos of the sight in a cloud-spotting Facebook group, but called the sighting "iridescent clouds", which is likely what it actually was.
Photo via Andrew Teo/Facebook
Picture posted by Julia Yee, Mothership on 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9nd62f-TjZJlOE1mC77Wk70OpXPHwd5uUAA1Fmi5ox-XegCrhcGpv3yZX9ITvx48aZ0lY130vDtrncfxWh1KKlx6fykZ4VtyNFPn7BD6C6J81mpkNRITvTrCXwEWCsc93TjuTc9vvujtSxmQ2NaAtmoxvhKkMby77xenEtdGpTE6XYkySWYLF40YX1k/s2052/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-11.22.01-AM.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-15-at-11.22.01-AM.png
https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/



Iridescent clouds are created when light passes through tiny ice crystals or water droplets and is diffracted, resulting in a rainbow-like effect in clouds.

Unlike fire rainbows, cloud iridescence usually takes place behind fluffy cumulus clouds that look more like that ones captured in the photos.

More cool skies
 

A woman was enjoying a nice Saturday evening at East Coast Park, when her evening got a little strange.
PHOTO: A woman was enjoying a nice Saturday evening at East Coast Park, when her evening got a little strange.
Looking up, she was treated to the sight of an odd kind of rainbow hanging in the sky.
The sighting occurred at around 6:10pm on Apr. 13, 2024, after which the Mothership reader snapped a photo of the sky to share the "extraordinary sight" with others.
Picture posted by iStock

Reference
[1] Julia Yee, Mothership, Strange rainbow appears in S'pore sky. What is it?, posted on 15 April 2024 at 01:45 pm, https://mothership.sg/2024/04/fire-rainbow-iridescent-cloud-sky/


Links
circumhorizontal arc - https://cloudatlas.wmo.int/en/circumhorizontal-arc.html

cirrus clouds - https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/clouds/high-clouds/cirrus#:~:text=Cirrus%20clouds%20are%20short%2C%20detached,the%20colours%20of%20the%20sunset

posted - https://www.facebook.com/groups/266900051167619/permalink/1152882205902728/

"iridescent clouds" - https://mothership.sg/2022/05/rare-iridescent-clouds/

cloud iridescence - https://mothership.sg/2017/02/did-you-see-the-sky-at-about-5pm-you-mightve-seen-a-splotch-of-rainbow-behind-a-cloud/












Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Reflection - Walking With Christ - If Christ Had Not Died . . .

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
 

A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently.
PHOTO: A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.

What if Socrates had died in a battle he fought in 424 BC, before he met his student Plato? What if Napoleon had invaded North America? What if Martin Luther had been burned at the stake in 1521? Such were the questions asked by the historians. One of them, Yale University Christian historian Carlos Eire, explores how things might have turned out if Pontius Pilate had spared Jesus and not sent Him to the cross. [1a]

In his imaginary narrative, Eire presents successive scenes: the trial of Jesus, one year, 30 years, and 60 years after the trial, and finally 230 years later, when Constantine was Roman emperor. He paints the picture of an aging Jesus and the emergence of a form of Judaism, a "Christianity without the crucifixion". But we all know that history did not turn out that way. Thank God!

As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.

It is possible, however, that this yearly season might degenerate into empty ritual. Or superficial experience when we, with preoccupied minds and distracted hearts, walk past the cross and empty tomb with practised habit, with little or no wonder and awe. The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.

One way we can conserve the wonder and depth of this holy season is to ask ourselves the "what if" questions. In fact, Scripture does the same thing.

What if Christ had not died on the cross? The writers of the New Testament respond by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Yes, it is true that Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to the cross to be crucified. But that is only part of the answer. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.

The apostle Peter declared that Christ "suffered once for sins" (1 Peter 3:18). The fact that Jesus died for our sins is further reiterated by Paul: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). But what do Peter and Paul mean? Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? Here again, Scripture is clear. We all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.

The author of Hebrews explained to his Jewish readers that Jesus made a "sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26). The Jewish readers, with their Jewish background, would have understood the author's point. Centuries of animal sacrifices, performed to atone for the sins of the people, all pointed to the one sacrifice that really mattered, the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus when He died on the cross to atone for our sins. No wonder that John Wesley testified that the blood of Christ is the remedy for the sickness in our souls. [2] Or as P.T. Forsyth summed up, the death of Christ is "the one final treatment of sin, the one compendious (short and to the point) work of grace, and the one hinge of human destiny." [3]

The crucifixion of Jesus was not a historical accident. It was a carefully planned event, as indicated by Paul when he pointed out that Christ's death was "according to Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.

Neither was Jesus the unwilling victim of Pilate's command. Scripture makes it clear that in the surreal scene when the Lord was judged by Pilate and sentenced to death, it was Pilate who was, like all of us, the condemned prisoner. He thought he was the judge. He had no idea that Jesus, whom he thought was the condemned prisoner, was in fact the one who would come to judge the living and the dead. At the trial, Jesus was the one in control, for He voluntarily went to the cross (John 19:10-11). John says as much when he wrote that "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). Jesus died willingly because He loved us, even "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).

What if Christ had not died on the cross? There would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from the certain and ultimate doom of every member of the human race.

Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead? Paul answers this question well when he writes: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith . . . your faith is futile: you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). While the cross atones for sins, the resurrection points to the divine power that gives new life, and to our future in eternity. Without Easter, Good Friday would neither be "good" nor complete. Our hope would be "only for this life" (1 Corinthians 15:19).

If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.

You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.

All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.

What if Jesus did not die on the cross? What if He had not risen from the dead? Eire's imaginary narrative was only a bad dream. Thank God it did not happen that way! Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. Sometimes, nightmares help us to appreciate what we have been given. May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.


A group of 
eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.
 

A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently.
PHOTO: A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.
Picture posted by Amazon
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKEaUxdZ0DGyed90kTTiFpBfHSORdk7ZCsF-b5b2oPajmaQGi4ePYeL1mdjEL9z2NhCSXKgf5XvEnScsnHOpFlm4esdedLZ3oCzIL9uBTJV3FIRWbWpBG5-QRN7uva3bEf0U3nRJVdf14h7DMxs7ed4Jh7a3u4XScYirWw416u_6ep_N8I3ewOb_JHWE/s1500/81fEdk9iYUL._SL1500_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81fEdk9iYUL._SL1500_.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Collection-Randall-Munroe-What/dp/B0BLSPTGMS



What if Socrates had died in a battle he fought in 424 BC, before he met his student Plato? What if Napoleon had invaded North America? What if Martin Luther had been burned at the stake in 1521? Such were the questions asked by the historians. One of them, Yale University Christian historian Carlos Eire, explores how things might have turned out if Pontius Pilate had spared Jesus and not sent Him to the cross. [1a]

In his imaginary narrative, Eire presents successive scenes: the trial of Jesus, one year, 30 years, and 60 years after the trial, and finally 230 years later, when Constantine was Roman emperor. He paints the picture of an aging Jesus and the emergence of a form of Judaism, a "Christianity without the crucifixion". But we all know that history did not turn out that way. Thank God!

As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
 

As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
PHOTO: As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
Picture posted by Vicky Sehgal

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg3e_7RPvPbWa-8dEHLjDnnYoKflgT6Q_cs8vC6Ln4Wv5p31rHAbzKuwETVIwSe0Gag11-DljzpfX20SsaR50_8oii8SGnLGgz00niLISEyYCIKgdDW2zlKvlv8HhpBCsAw8R_E0zXBMTimjSb6uhVaqnS-QOH1oTRnv1lmjtq2cb2nEPPLyY0cZDZoU/s1472/09bc25e1284c95732e849379a73beadc.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/bc/25/09bc25e1284c95732e849379a73beadc.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3096293488932201/



It is possible, however, that this yearly season might degenerate into empty ritual. Or superficial experience when we, with preoccupied minds and distracted hearts, walk past the cross and empty tomb with practised habit, with little or no wonder and awe. The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.

One way we can conserve the wonder and depth of this holy season is to ask ourselves the "what if" questions. In fact, Scripture does the same thing.

What if Christ had not died on the cross? The writers of the New Testament respond by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Yes, it is true that Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to the cross to be crucified. But that is only part of the answer. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.
 

The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history.
PHOTO: The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.
Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.
Picture posted by Hany Rady

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4PjT93V3kWLBU5TR9HDyl59OI6wPnQfXx8H9FG2NKYAsWxzWRzEMrL-YEjbJ8VllBqABoEWbYj8fQ_c-W1vFwI7FVMqa-aH_bEkTxbrDmiGf-i50KhkSrap5E8Qxrx0STTqR9niUzkRZQfYSsdk14-r0CTZOmrMfni7xhcKdXi0Z-E5GZIChVibySB0/s1229/eb63399556e41028b86bfb757763f8db.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/63/39/eb63399556e41028b86bfb757763f8db.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6544361951075732/



The apostle Peter declared that Christ "suffered once for sins" (1 Peter 3:18). The fact that Jesus died for our sins is further reiterated by Paul: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). But what do Peter and Paul mean? Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? Here again, Scripture is clear. We all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.

The author of Hebrews explained to his Jewish readers that Jesus made a "sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26). The Jewish readers, with their Jewish background, would have understood the author's point. Centuries of animal sacrifices, performed to atone for the sins of the people, all pointed to the one sacrifice that really mattered, the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus when He died on the cross to atone for our sins. No wonder that John Wesley testified that the blood of Christ is the remedy for the sickness in our souls. [2] Or as P.T. Forsyth summed up, the death of Christ is "the one final treatment of sin, the one compendious (short and to the point) work of grace, and the one hinge of human destiny." [3]
 

We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened.
PHOTO: We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.
Picture posted by Andy Pereira@gudmorder on 12 February 2024 at 10:09 am

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRds9OMB-g9lBcB1-dtq87U7UWa7X7N9Lcl5axsEO_9cB45NxJvVlTq1Xv2KDjFsFEGl_dW7G9AD6xLTKdeBqZJ1pMjlIzpPT-fIF-jTgWpkAA0ig-W-J__ICRaa3RjXizwJUUUVO0m7_DUvmpmwsr0bnIqK1aIjp6u8KH8Z4pWCSPP4pt9mPlYsC05ro/s1200/GGGhkUdaUAArVLU_1.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGGhkUdaUAArVLU?format=jpg&name=medium
https://twitter.com/gudmorder/status/1756862977817694656



The crucifixion of Jesus was not a historical accident. It was a carefully planned event, as indicated by Paul when he pointed out that Christ's death was "according to Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.

Neither was Jesus the unwilling victim of Pilate's command. Scripture makes it clear that in the surreal scene when the Lord was judged by Pilate and sentenced to death, it was Pilate who was, like all of us, the condemned prisoner. He thought he was the judge. He had no idea that Jesus, whom he thought was the condemned prisoner, was in fact the one who would come to judge the living and the dead. At the trial, Jesus was the one in control, for He voluntarily went to the cross (John 19:10-11). John says as much when he wrote that "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). Jesus died willingly because He loved us, even "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).
 

God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die.
PHOTO: God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.
Picture posted in Pinterest
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/6c/3c/9d6c3c8f1e37968eef0abd79181473b2.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/14003448835894576/



What if Christ had not died on the cross? There would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from the certain and ultimate doom of every member of the human race.

Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead? Paul answers this question well when he writes: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith . . . your faith is futile: you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). While the cross atones for sins, the resurrection points to the divine power that gives new life, and to our future in eternity. Without Easter, Good Friday would neither be "good" nor complete. Our hope would be "only for this life" (1 Corinthians 15:19).

If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
 

Christ died on the cross for our sins.
PHOTO: Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead?
If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
Picture posted by The Watchtower Online Libruary

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALSfiyLwhLqg1D0y6CQhP6ee-IiyBe-eUbCJoWqS-O3S8nSu7c5C8eiOAiSX0rqr0oV3a0xZVsuxFwgZGmCkbZWqoU0xD3hNOGq6deC3JFfjpvE0IpP3GdnPDKW_D3ce8wi5Kp_X87fyB5SUq86JjtCR1uyj5NImrshPRmWqz79LN76weu9LmFritZ08/s1800/883.jpg
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/w19/2019/883 - (883.jpg)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019683



You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.

All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.

What if Jesus did not die on the cross? What if He had not risen from the dead? Eire's imaginary narrative was only a bad dream. Thank God it did not happen that way! Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. Sometimes, nightmares help us to appreciate what we have been given. May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.
 

You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror.
PHOTO: You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.
All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.
Picture posted by IMDb - Nightmare

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt2JqIRODg31_tCx19jT4Ku1tzJmcuZqNPmaFTZQfKHzg3Krgbit9wQRq9wEa5GwLYN2y7QVmV8kysott2BBUqfbEAnigJi5KV4nMlJMRyN-O7GIA2neOdILgZGGhYgRnIxTiQV-HjngC6hIdqGUBB_yjniFjnh7LqHzmxNyL70nq9BswIsqzra6EFZg/s2731/V1_FMjpg_UY2731_1.png
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjI2MjA4NTEtMTcxOS00MzQ3LTkyYWYtNDJlNDMyZmJkZDM5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDM1ODc2NzE@._V1_FMjpg_UY2731_.jpg
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14807000/mediaviewer/rm992288769/
 

Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, thank You that Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. May we appreciate what we have been given.

May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by 💫♡Star Mother♡💫
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9r_5J_wmABi0Q9DrVVG4jYhsk4MB7ygI-D3CqZvGptsM2kd8SAHuiGv8CcSK2uiJjJ3dn5uFXdDh6dChsYjDC2fD8F8TAjg0NjUdHaItNbh24u3TGPcezGNxOzgxhaMu7-2rQ3ypRTBEjgGWziL5C7kcQB1hzOQTnfL02zzEK_jYgewp88G9uclZ-RU/s1024/bbc52c5c567f1433a6666c07cb767b4f_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bb/c5/2c/bbc52c5c567f1433a6666c07cb767b4f.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35888128279935105/


Reflection - Walking With Christ - If Christ Had Not Died . . .
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Other Books (Links)

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.

[1a] Carols Eire, "Pontius Pilate Spares Jesus: Christianity without the Crucifixion," in What If 2, ed. Robert Cowleyl (New York G.P. Putnam's Son, 2001), 48-67.

[2] John Wesley, "Christians Perfection," Christian Classic Ethereal Library, https://ccel.org/ccel/wesley/sermons.v.xl.html. See also Philip W. Ott, "Medicine as Metaphor: John Wesley on Therapy of the Soul" Methodist History, vol. 33, no. 3 (Apr 1995); 178ff.

[3] P.T. Forsyth, The Cruciality of the Cross and the Work of Christ (Weston Rhyn, England: Quinta Press, 2008), 13.


Links
Other Books (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html


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