#Mizar the mighty

[the-real-couchrat]

@toothpastecanyon proposed the idea of a post-apocalypse dragon Mizar, and it was too good to resist! May I present;

MIZAR THE MIGHTY!!!!!

Info and more versions below the cut!

Her name Mezra (might be changed later)

She hoards glitter

Lives in an abandoned “Michelles” (in-universe-Michaels”)

Sleeps in the yarn section

Sleeps with a few glitter bottles, they spill a lot

Keeps the feast of her hoard in a different section

Friendly

Always has glitter in her scales (she likes it)

Sometimes has yarn tangled in her horns

She paints her claws (all of them) with the gold acrylic paint

Those scale patterns under her eyes are natural

Her spikes are a little bit uneven (like in the headshot)

Literally leaves a trail of glitter when she drags her tail

She does not sleep like in the picture, she rolls constantly, which is how she gets so much glitter on her

Deep sleeper

Lonely :( all the humans are scared of her

Daydreams a lot

Likes exploring areas close to home (like forests, or deep caves with lots of space)

Loves the way her scales glint in the sun, but prefers night flying because she can see the lights of the human (and other) villages. She would say hi, but she knows they would probably attack her.

Loves cloud-gazing, and flying through fog

Very excited to meet Alcor, they get along great, and she’s happy to have a friend. He wingmans (?) for her when she’s trying to befriend villages

Alcor often uses a dragon form around her (like 50/50) because I headcannon that he will tweak his appearance if a Mizar is a different species, or just looks drastically different.

Mezra loves his humanoid form, because she can pick him up and make fun of him

Her favorite food are the goats that hang around a few minutes flight from the Michelles

Because she’s a dragon, and hasn’t had much socialization, she has a lot less reservations about killing people.

It’s more of a “I think we’re gonna have to kill this guy, Mezra” “Aw man” situation.

Notes on the current era:

The apocalypse happened around 12,000 years after the transcendence.

The apocalypse was caused by a magic storm, which wiped out a TON of humanity (and other sapient species), throwing the survivors into a medieval-esque era. ( think Wizard of Lanata, I love that fic btw)

Because of the magic storm, almost all man-made settlements (towns,cities,buildings,anything really) were destroyed, except for very few patches here and there there, which is how the Michelles still exists.

Mezra hatched around 200 years post apocalypse

Alcor is in a silly crazy cycle, so there’s not really much angst despite him being really old.

More versions:

Mezra’s personality is still a work in progress, but she’s basically the embodiment of my ADHD. She has similar traits of Mabel, but different behaviors.

[peoplefromheaven]

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[childrensbread]

Hope and Help When It Hurts

💜 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”

My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Why, my soul, are you downcast?Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. ~Psalm 42 ✝️

Devotional

"What will happen next? How long could this season last? I have no idea what my future holds."

We are good at articulating the prayer, but not sure what the answer is.

The psalmist in today's passage was exactly the same. He asked why he was discouraged, and why his heart was so sad. He didn't have the immediate answers, only the intentional resolve to put his hope in God. He declares emphatically that he will praise God again, his Savior and his God (verses 5-6).

Psalm 42 ends as it begins. Verse 11, mirrors verses 5 and 6: he continues tobfeel discouraged, depressed and depleted, yet he resolves to place all of his hope in God. There is no nice neatly tied bow to end the psalm. No impressive rhetorical flourish of hope. There is no certainty, and no restoration promised. Simply a psalmist that has the same questions, but finds comfort in the One who holds all the answers.

What is it that the psalmist decides to do in the midst of such uncertainty and in the middle of his unanswered questions? He chooses to put his hope in God. He decides to praise Him again (verse 11).

One of the most challenging aspects of not knowing what is ahead of us is it can make us feel powerless because we lack any sense of control. We forget that control is an illusion at best, we will never be able to control our circumstances, but we will be able to choose our response.

Instead of lowering God's power to the level of our current circumstances and experiences, we must raise our level of expectation to the level of His Word. The word that reveals who God is, reminds us who we are in Him, and reassures us that He will always be with us.

As you think about your adoption as a child of God, you will remember how much He loves you. As you think about your future resurrection, you will not be afraid. You can have confidence.

Your feelings are not what is happening to you, but what you tell yourself about what is happening to you. And who ultimately holds the answers to all you are going through?

Re-order your hope. Hope has a name, and his name is Jesus! 🙂

Source: Glorify App

Image: Diamond Painting

Photo Editor: ChildrensBread

My Glorify Referral Link: https://share.glorify-app.com/MRSPINO777 ✝️

[miajolensdevotion]

April 17, 2020

Verse: Psalm 42:1-6 Write/ Copy Gods words :

BOOK II Psalms 42–72 Psalm 42[a][b] For the director of music. A maskil[c] of the Sons of Korah. 1 As the deer pants for streams of water,     so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.     When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food     day and night, while people say to me all day long,     “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember     as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God     under the protection of the Mighty One[d] with shouts of joy and praise     among the festive throng. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?     Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,     for I will yet praise him,     my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me;     therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan,     the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

What is your Favorite verse(s):

4 These things I remember     as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God     under the protection of the Mighty One[d] with shouts of joy and praise     among the festive throng.

Explain in your own words what you just read: As the deer pantenth for water, so my soul longing after You, my God. My soul thirst for God, the living God. When I go & meet with God? My food have been tear day & night, while people tell me all day, “where is your God?” This thing I remember as I pour my soul; how I used to go in the house of God under His protection with joy & praise among all the festive crowd. Why are you dejected? Why did you disturb me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Saviour & my God. My soul is dejected in me; so I remember you from the land of Jordan, the height of Heron from the Mount Mizar

What is God saying to you/me : God is telling me to go in His house

Commitment / what will i do : I will continue to shout for joy among the crowd

Reference:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+42:1-6&version=NIV&interface=amp

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Longing for God’s Presence in the Temple

1 For the leader. A maskil of the Korahites.

2 As the deer longs for streams of water,    so my soul longs for you, O God. 3 My soul thirsts for God, the living God.    When can I enter and see the face of God? 4 My tears have been my bread day and night,    as they ask me every day, “Where is your God?” 5 Those times I recall    as I pour out my soul, When I would cross over to the shrine of the Mighty One,    to the house of God, Amid loud cries of thanksgiving,    with the multitude keeping festival. 6 Why are you downcast, my soul;    why do you groan within me? Wait for God, for I shall again praise him,    my savior and my God.

7 My soul is downcast within me;    therefore I remember you From the land of the Jordan and Hermon,    from Mount Mizar, 8 Deep calls to deep    in the roar of your torrents,    and all your waves and breakers    sweep over me. 9 By day may the Lord send his mercy,    and by night may his righteousness be with me!    I will pray to the God of my life, 10 I will say to God, my rock:    “Why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning    with the enemy oppressing me?” 11 It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me,    when they say to me every day: “Where is your God?” 12 Why are you downcast, my soul,    why do you groan within me? Wait for God, for I shall again praise him,    my savior and my God. — Psalm 42 | New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) New American Bible, Revised Edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 3:8-9; 1 Samuel 1:15; 2 Samuel 17:22; Job 3:24; Job 30:28; Job 35:10; Psalm 6:6; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 22:2; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 44:24; Psalm 84:2; Psalm 119:20; Jeremiah 4:20; Joel 2:17; Jonah 2:3; Matthew 16:16; Matthew 26:38; Matthew 26:63

[thatdisastrousfangirl]

I absolutely love @m-orgueous ‘s design for their Mizar Phoebe and felt a mighty need to draw her :3

[pinkielord]

RP things as Dreamsmp/tommyinnit mod vids quotes

Dex, about to die: take my remains and pollinate the earth. *Gives pinkie a sword*

Pinkie: okay. *Is given the sword as dex dies* oh- *notices Mizar*

Mizar: No, no, no-

Pinkie, doing an evil laugh with Two swords: Oh...oh hoh hoh hoh! You looking mighty fine there, Mizar! >:3

Mizar: *gets stabbed by pinkie, several times*

The Ciphers, to pinkie: Ma'am can you spell "economy"

Pinkie: A-

The Ciphers + other people: *laughs*

*after everyone finally killing Mizar*

Mizar: *somehow sips a protein shake from the grave as a Ghost* Flatty...patty...

Aaron: wha- huh?

Dex: Was that Mizar?

Quill: He said "Flatty patty." *looks up at the sky/air* ARE YOU GODDAMN KIDDING ME?!

*after the battle with Harold/during the coronation*

Bill: as we gaze upon the swaths of buildings, the red sky, and the borders that protect our fair Hell, I have one thing to say-

Pinkie, interrupting from her seat: YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SUCK IT FISH BOOOOYYYYYYYYYYY

[n64thstreet]

Mighty Mizar munches on missiles in Jet Force Gemini, by Rare.

[pastordrnseharry]

ULTIMATE CARE DEVOTIONAL ⛪

💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Today’s Theme: ⛪ THE FATHER’S LOVE

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you."

Text: John 15:9

MESSAGE

The Father, the Almighty God loves us and bestows on us “the sons of God” Hear Him in 1 John 3: 1:

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not”.

As the Father loves the Son, in the same manner Jesus loves his people. What is that divine method? He loved him from the foundation of the world. From the very beginning, thus Jesus loves his family members also.

The members of His body,

“I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” (Jer.31:3)

You can trace the beginning of human affection; you can easily find the beginning of your love to Christ, but his love to us is a stream whose source is hidden in eternity.

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jer.31:3).

God the Father loves Jesus without any change. Christian, take this for your comfort, that there is no change in Jesus Christ’s love to those who rest in him. Yesterday, you were on Hill Top Mansion, and you said, “He loves me:” today you are in the valley of humiliation, but he loves you still the same. For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley.

“On the hill Mizar, and among the Hermons, you heard his voice, which spake so sweetly with the turtle-notes of love” (Psalm 42:6); and now on the sea, or even in the sea, when all his waves and billows go over you, his heart is faithful to his ancient choice. The Father loves the Son without any end, and thus does the Son love his people.

Saint, thou needs not fear the loosing of the silver cord, for his love for thee will never cease. Rest confident that even down to the grave Christ will go with you, and that up again from it he will be your guide to the celestial hills.

Moreover, the Father loves the Son without any measure, and the same immeasurable love the Son bestows upon his chosen ones. The whole heart of Christ is dedicated to his people.

“He loved us and gave himself for us.” (Galatians 2:20) .

His is a love which passes knowledge. Ah! we have indeed an immutable Saviour, a precious Saviour, one who loves without measure, without change, without beginning, and without end, even as the Father loves him! There is much food here for those who know how to digest it.

May the Holy Ghost lead us into its marrow and fatness in Jesus mighty name, Amen.

PRAYERS

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for me and my family.

Father, on your account of love, you sent your only begotten Son to die for me and for all men. Lord today I am free from all manners of sins and griefs because of your love. I am free from all evil covenants and abominations because Christ hath redeemed me from the curse of the law, thank you Father.

Father, because of your love, I am a partaker of the blessings of Abraham. I decree that the love of the Father, which supposes all human understanding be made perfect in my life and soul in Jesus mighty name, amen.

FURTHER BIBLE READING

1 JOHN 4:8-18; 1 COR.13:4-7; ROMANS 3:35

BIBLE READING PLAN FOR THE YEAR.

MORNING: GENESIS, 21-22. EVENING: MATHEW, 21-22

💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Hammer Word Cares ♨️

[itskrissybelss-blog]

Psalm 42:1-11

💕

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

[3] My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

[4] These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

[6] My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon---from Mount Mizar.

[7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

[8] By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me---a prayer to the God of my life.

[9] I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”

[10] My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

[11] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

My soul will always thirst for You my God and my Redeemer.. Please make my fire burning and longing for Your presence always.

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient book of Proverbs and book of Psalms

for july 31 of 2021 with Proverbs 31 and Psalm 31, accompanied by Psalm 42 for the 42nd day of Summer and Psalm 62 for day 212 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 31]

[Inspired Word]

King Lemuel’s royal words of wisdom:

These are the inspired words my mother taught me.

Listen, my dear son, son of my womb.

You are the answer to my prayers, my son.

So keep yourself sexually pure

from the promiscuous, wayward woman.

Don’t waste the strength of your anointing

on those who ruin kings—

you’ll live to regret it!

For you are a king, Lemuel,

and it’s never fitting for a king to be drunk on wine

or for rulers to crave alcohol.

For when they drink they forget justice

and ignore the rights of those in need,

those who depend on them for leadership.

Strong drink is given to the terminally ill,

who are suffering at the brink of death.

Wine is for those in depression

in order to drown their sorrows.

Let them drink and forget their poverty and misery.

But you are to be a king who speaks up on behalf

of the disenfranchised

and pleads for the legal rights of the defenseless

and those who are dying.

Be a righteous king, judging on behalf of the poor

and interceding for those most in need.

[The Radiant Bride]

Who could ever find a wife like this one—

she is a woman of strength and mighty valor!

She’s full of wealth and wisdom.

The price paid for her was greater than many jewels.

Her husband has entrusted his heart to her,

for she brings him the rich spoils of victory.

All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil.

She searches out continually to possess

that which is pure and righteous.

She delights in the work of her hands.

She gives out revelation-truth to feed others.

She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies

from the merchant.

Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table

for hungry ones in her house and for others.

She sets her heart upon a field and takes it as her own.

She labors there to plant the living vines.

She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works.

She tastes and experiences a better substance,

and her shining light will not be extinguished,

no matter how dark the night.

She stretches out her hands to help the needy

and she lays hold of the wheels of government.

She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor,

for she always reaches out her hands to those in need.

She is not afraid of tribulation,

for all her household is covered in the dual garments

of righteousness and grace.

Her clothing is beautifully knit together—

a purple gown of exquisite linen.

Her husband is famous and admired by all,

sitting as the venerable judge of his people.

Even her works of righteousness

she does for the benefit of her enemies.

Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her

as she laughs with joy over the latter days.

Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness

as loving instruction pours from her lips.

She watches over the ways of her household

and meets every need they have.

Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues,

and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms.

“There are many valiant and noble ones,

but you have ascended above them all!”

Charm can be misleading,

and beauty is vain and so quickly fades,

but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe,

and fear of the Lord.

She will be praised throughout eternity.

So go ahead and give her the credit that is due,

for she has become a radiant woman,

and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired

at the gateways of every city!

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 31 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 31]

For the worship leader. A song of David.

You are my shelter, O Eternal One—my soul’s sanctuary!

Shield me from shame;

rescue me by Your righteousness.

Hear me, Lord! Turn Your ear in my direction.

Come quick! Save me!

Be my rock, my shelter,

my fortress of salvation!

You are my rock and my fortress—my soul’s sanctuary!

Therefore, for the sake of Your reputation, be my leader, my guide, my navigator, my commander.

Save me from the snare that has been secretly set out for me,

for You are my protection.

I entrust my spirit into Your hands.

You have redeemed me, O Eternal, God of faithfulness and truth.

I despise the people who pay respect to breathless idols,

and I trust only in You, Eternal One.

I will gladly rejoice because of Your gracious love

because You recognized the sadness of my affliction.

You felt deep compassion when You saw the pains of my soul.

You did not hand me over to the enemy,

but instead, You liberated me

and made me secure in a good and spacious land.

Show me Your grace, Eternal One, for I am in a tight spot.

My eyes are aching with grief;

my body and soul are withering with miseries.

My life is devoured by sorrow,

and my years are haunted with mourning.

My sin has sapped me of all my strength;

my body withers under the weight of this suffering.

To all my enemies I am an object of scorn.

My neighbors especially are ashamed of me.

My friends are afraid to be seen with me.

When I walk down the street, people go out of their way to avoid me.

I am as good as dead to them. Forgotten!

Like a shattered clay pot, I am easily discarded and gladly replaced.

For I hear their whispered plans;

terror is everywhere!

They conspire together,

planning, plotting, scheming to take my life.

But I pour my trust into You, Eternal One.

I’m glad to say, “You are my God!”

I give the moments of my life over to You, Eternal One.

Rescue me from those who hate me and who hound me with their threats.

Look toward me, and let Your face shine down upon Your servant.

Because of Your gracious love, save me!

Spare me shame, O Eternal One,

for I turn and call to You.

Instead, let those who hate me be shamed;

let death’s silence claim them.

Seal their lying lips forever,

for with pride and contempt boiling in their hearts,

they speak boldly against the righteous and persecute those who poured their trust into You.

Your overflowing goodness

You have kept for those who live in awe of You,

And You share Your goodness with those who make You their sanctuary.

You hide them, You shelter them in Your presence,

safe from the conspiracies of sinful men.

You keep them in Your tent,

safe from the slander of accusing tongues.

Bless the Eternal!

For He has revealed His gracious love to me

when I was trapped like a city under siege.

I began to panic so I yelled out,

“I’m cut off. You no longer see me!”

But You heard my cry for help that day

when I called out to You.

Love the Eternal, all of you, His faithful people!

He protects those who are true to Him,

but He pays back the proud in kind.

Be strong, and live courageously,

all of you who set your hope in the Eternal!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 31 (The Voice)

[Book Two]

[Psalm 42]

For the worship leader. A contemplative song of the sons of Korah.

My soul is dry and thirsts for You, True God,

as a deer thirsts for water.

I long for the True God who lives.

When can I stand before Him and feel His comfort?

Right now I’m overwhelmed by my sorrow and pain;

I can’t stop feasting on my tears.

People crowd around me and say,

“Where is your True God whom you claim will save?”

With a broken heart,

I remember times before

When I was with Your people. Those were better days.

I used to lead them happily into the True God’s house,

Singing with joy, shouting thanksgivings with abandon,

joining the congregation in the celebration.

Why am I so overwrought?

Why am I so disturbed?

Why can’t I just hope in God?

Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One

who saves me and is my life.

My God, my soul is so traumatized;

the only help is remembering You wherever I may be;

From the land of the Jordan to Hermon’s high place

to Mount Mizar.

In the roar of Your waterfalls,

ancient depths surge, calling out to the deep.

All Your waves break over me;

am I drowning?

Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love.

When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company—

His soothing song, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life.

Even still, I will say to the True God, my rock and strength:

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why must I live my life so depressed, crying endlessly

while my enemies have the upper hand?”

My enemies taunt me.

They shatter my soul the way a sword shatters a man’s bones.

They keep taunting all the day long,

“Where is He, your True God?”

Why am I so overwrought,

Why am I so disturbed?

Why can’t I just hope in God?

Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One

who saves me, my God.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 42 (The Voice)

[pooma-bible]

Pas. JOHNRAJ. LAMECH

🍁

Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Topic: The First Great Mission to the Gentiles – By Peter!

Rhema Word: Mark 16:15 (NKJV) “And He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Let’s pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank you for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with your children who have been called to live a holy life Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each and every Word which is living and active Lord. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

We learn two incidents in the book of Acts Chapter 9, where God used Peter mightily, first to heal a man who had been paralyzed for eight years; and, second, to raise a Christian woman from the dead. Since resurrections are rare in Scripture, this was an extraordinary event.

We need to understand why Luke included these two stories. Did he mean for us to imitate Peter by going out and performing miracles in Jesus’ name? In Acts 9:35, Luke mentions that all who lived at Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord as a result of Aeneas’ healing. By “all,” Luke probably does not mean every single person, but rather, a great number. Then, in Acts 9:42, Luke tells us that the result of the raising of Dorcas was that many believed in the Lord. Luke is showing how the gospel of Jesus Christ spread, resulting in the salvation of many.

Thus, I believe that he wants us to view these miracles as spiritual lessons of the power of the gospel to transform sinners. The miracles actually happened, but like Jesus’ miracles, they were signs, pointing to something beneath the surface. They show us how God mercifully imparts spiritual healing and new life to those who are helpless and dead because of sin.

Let us try to learn the following from Acts 9:32-43, with the help of Holy Spirit, today:

1] The Disciple: A Commitment to the Lord’s Mission:

2] The Place: A City where Saints lived:

3] The Need: A Tragic Sickness:

4] The Proclamation: Jesus Christ Heals:

5] The Result: All turned to the Lord:

6] The Need in Joppa: A Believer had tragically died:

7] The Source of Power to raise the dead: Christ Jesus:

8] The Results: Many believed in the Lord:

1] The Disciple: A Commitment to the Lord’s Mission:

There was Peter’s commitment to the Lord’s mission. Christ had chosen Peter to be the leader, the apostle to the Jews as we see in Galatians 2:8 “For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.” Therefore, it was Peter’s duty to reach out to the Jewish believers wherever they were. They were at that time scattered all over Palestine because of persecution (Acts 8:1-4). The Bibles says in Acts 9:32 “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.” Therefore, he set out on a mission and evangelistic tour to visit and strengthen the believers and to preach Christ to all who would hear.

Note here three important points:

a) Peter “travelled about the country”, that is, Judea, Galilee and Samaria (Acts 8:4,14,25). He went everywhere, ministered everyplace for which he was responsible.

b) Peter preached the gospel to the lost and he edified (built up, strengthened) the believers (Acts 8:25). This must always be remembered. It is the duty of believers to witness and share Christ wherever they are, no matter their gift or calling.

c) Peter was faithful to his calling, faithful to the Lord’s mission. He had to pay a price by sacrificing personal comfort. He had a family and a home to look after, yet he left the comfort of all to travel about and preach Christ (Matthew 8:14).

Jesus said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Jesus said in John 4:35-36 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

Apostle Paul while writing to Galatians says in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Psalmist says in Psalms 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

2] The Place: A City where Saints lived:

The Bible says in Acts 9:32 “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.”

The place where Peter went was a city where saints lived – Lydda. There are two things of significance there: (i) The city was a place where the power of Christ was to be demonstrated. It was an important commercial city. (ii) The city had saints living within it. Yes, a city that has believers dwelling within its boundaries is greatly blessed. The citizens may not know it, but they are. Yes, believers bring the presence of God to a place, the presence of righteousness, peace, love, hope, joy and justice.

The Bible says in Proverbs 11:11 “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”

We further see in Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

3] The Need: A Tragic Sickness:

The Bible says in Acts 9:33 “There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.”

The need for which Peter ran across was a tragic sickness, a man (Aeneas) who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. His condition was similar to the paralytic whom Christ had confronted and healed as recorded in Luke 5:18-26. Here note two things:

a) The man’s condition was desperate. He was paralyzed, bedridden and unable to arise, walk, take care of his personal needs, move and he was in this condition for about eight years.

b) The man and his family or the ones taking care of him were full of despair and hopelessness. There was no hope he could ever recover and take are of himself. Yes, they were all helpless and gripped with a sense of hopelessness. There was no man who could change his condition.

Psalmist says in Psalm 42:6 “ O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.”

Psalmist says in Psalm 69:2 “ I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.”

Paul depicts this situation in Ephesians 2:12 “At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

Yes, that was the actual condition of this Aeneas in the city of Lydda.

4] The Proclamation: Jesus Christ Heals:

The Bible says in Acts 9:34 “And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.”

The proclamation was a straightforward confrontation. Peter forcefully declared, “Jesus Christ heals you.” Note five points:

(i) All that is known about the man is his name, Aeneas. He was unimportant to the world, a man of no fame and significance, unable to contribute to society and its welfare. He was most likely even forgotten by the world. But note: he was important to God, very important.

(ii) The focus was Jesus Christ and His power, not Peter, not even the man and his need. Peter did not say, “I heal you.” He did not say, “It is my power, my faith, my act, my work.” But he said, ”Jesus Christ heals you.” It is Christ Himself – His love and care and His authority and power that can make the foulest clean and heal any man.

(iii) The word for “heals” (iatai) means to be healed immediately, here and now. It was not a drawn-out thing. The man was to be healed right then. The word has the idea of being made completely whole, within as well as without, spiritually as well as physically. The man, if not already saved, was made whole spiritually as well as physically.

(iv) Peter declared the Word of God to the man. Jesus Christ heals and make men whole. Then Peter assured and challenged the man. He told him to arise, to believe the Word, the proclamation, and takes care of his mat. Peter did not declare the power of Christ, then turn and walk away. He gave assurance to the man and challenged him, encouraging him to act, to believe, to get up and do something, to take care of his mat.

(v) The man had to believe that Christ had healed him. If he believed, he would get up; if he did not believe, he would not get up.

The Bible says in John 6:28-29 “ Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 20:20 “So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”

Please note, when God looks at our requests for healing, He considers four things:

a) God’s glory. Would granting the request bring the greatest glory to His Name?

b) Our good, not only physically, but spiritually. What particular spiritual grace or quality do we need to learn: endurance, self-control, trust or dependence?

c) God’s wisdom. He knows what is needed by whom; when it is needed; for whom it is needed; where it is needed; how it is needed; why it is needed?

d) God’s mercy. He wills above all else for men to know His mercy. He does whatever is needed to demonstrate His mercy to men. Sometimes, walking through the trials of life reveals His mercy more; sometimes removing the trials reveals His mercy more. He chooses the best.

The point is this: Jesus Christ heals the believer who has need of healing. This is always true. Yes, a believer who really needs healing is blessed by God and healed.

5] The Result: All turned to the Lord:

The Bible says in Acts 9:35 “So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”

The result is that all of Lydda turned to the Lord. So did all the residents of the Valley of Sharon, all who saw the healed man. Please note the word “saw”. It was “seeing” the power of Christ in the man’s life that stirred the people to turn to Christ. Yes, nothing influences people more than the power of Christ in the life of a person. Christ within a believer – the rule and reign of His presence and power, the evidence of His working in human lives – touches people. It causes people to turn to the living Lord. They turned from religion in all its form and ritual to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus once told His disciples in Luke 10:23-24 “Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

The Bible says in Acts 4:20 “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Psalmist says in Psalms 66:16 “ Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.”

6] The Need in Joppa: A Believer had tragically died:

The Bible says in Acts 9:36-37 “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.”

Jesus Christ has the power to raise the dead. This is abundantly demonstrated in this marvellous event, an event that speaks loudly and clearly to the most desperate need of man – the need to conquer death.

The need was created by the tragic death of a believer. Here, note five points:

a) The believer was a faithful believer, a lady named Dorcas. She was deeply committed to Christ, a very faithful and devoted disciple, full of “doing good” and “helping the poor”.

b) Dorcas tragically died. The idea seems to be that she died right in the midst of her ministry when she was so needed. The believers were crushed. There was little hope that the ministry could go on as effectively as it had been.

c) A great hope and desperate appeal was stirred. The disciples at Joppa had heard about Peter being close by in Lydda and the phenomenal healing of the paralytic besides the power of Jesus who had raised the dead when he was doing His ministry.

Note, three significant points about the believers:

(i) Great hope swelled up in their hearts. They did not rush to bury Dorcas as was the custom of Jews. But they washed her and laid her in an upper chamber.

(ii) They sent two men to ask Peter to come and seek the Lord in behalf of Dorcas – for the sake of the church and its witness as well as for her sake.

(iii) They demonstrated great faith in the possibility that the Lord could raise the dead and meet the cry of their hearts. Yes, they had enough faith not to bury her and to go for Peter and ask him to come quickly without any further delay. The believers were in dead earnest, believing that the Lord could raise the dead if it was His will to do so. What an enormous faith in the Lord Jesus they demonstrated!

(iv) A sensitive, pastoral response was the result. Peter arose and went with the two men. He was deeply concerned and compassionate. He had been made aware of the need – yes, the cry for help had reached his ears and he responded. What a lesson for the leaders of the church!

(v) A deep sorrow was expressed for Dorcas, the dedicated believer. As soon as Peter arrived, they took him into the upper chamber. The widows whom she had helped so readily surrounded Peter, weeping from broken hearts. Yes, they began to show Peter the clothes Dorcas had made and given them.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

While writing to Timothy, apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:18-19 “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

7] The Source of Power to raise the dead: Christ Jesus:

The Bible says in Acts 9:40-41 “But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”

The source of power to raise the dead is Christ Jesus. Note here three significant points:

a) The disciple got alone with the Lord. He excused everyone from the room. He had to get alone and seek the Lord. He had to concentrate and meditate; his thoughts had to be undisturbed before the Lord. There are at least four incidents in Scripture where the dead were raised in similar circumstances – (i) Jesus and Jairus’ daughter (Matthew 5:40-42), (ii) Jesus and Lazarus (John 11:28-44), (iii) Elijah and the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24) and (iv) Elisha and the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:18-37).

b) Peter prayed to the living Lord. The Lord is living and because He is alive Peter got alone with Him and asked at least two things:

(i) Peter asked for the Lord’s will. Was it the Lord’s will or not His will to raise Dorcas? (Acts 9:40).

(ii) Once Peter knew that the Lord wanted Dorcas raised, he prayed both for the power to raise her and for God to use the miracle to make men believe. (Acts 9:42)

Jesus while teaching about the model prayer said in Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Jesus also prayed while doing His ministry as Bible says in Luke 6:12 “Now it came to pass in those days that He (Jesus) went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

c) Peter did exactly what Jesus instructed. He turned to the body and boldly demanded, “Tabitha, arise.”

Just see Peter’s faith. It was the faith of the Lord Jesus Himself, the faith which Jesus had demonstrated in raising Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41).

Yes, it was the Lord’s will for Dorcas to be raised from the dead. The Lord told Peter what His will was while Peter was praying. If Jesus had told Peter that it was not His will, then Peter would not have commanded Dorcas to arise. Her resurrection was to serve a greater purpose that her remaining dead.

Jesus said in John 7:17 “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.”

The Bible says in Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

8] The Results: Many believed in the Lord:

The Bible says in Acts 9:42-43 “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.”

The results of raising the dead were twofold:

(i) Many believed.

(ii) A tremendous door was open for Peter to freely evangelize the area. It was here in Joppa that God was to give him the vision that led to the carrying of the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:11).

The Bible says in Acts 10:5-8; 10-16 “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.” Verses 10-16 “Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.”

Note this critical point: When God raises the dead, it is always to demonstrate the enormous power of God to save men through any and all trials, even from the greatest of enslavements – death. There is dramatic symbolism in this point for the conversion of a soul from death to life eternal.

The “many” who believed in Joppa illustrate the point. They believed because Dorcas was raised. Because she was raised, they turned to the Lord for salvation. They turned from spiritual death to spiritual life, from physical death to life eternal. They wanted life now and eternally, life abundant and life that lasted forever. They wanted to live with Christ in that glorious day of promise, the day of redemption.

Jesus said in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Jesus said in John 5:24 “ “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

That is why Apostle Paul says confidently in Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah!!!

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we go everywhere and every place for which we are responsible to preach the gospel like Peter?

Shall we witness and share Christ Jesus wherever we are placed by God so as to bring the lost to the fold of God’s Kingdom?

Are we faithful to our calling and our Lord’s mission and able to sacrifice our personal comforts in reaching many lost souls and preach Christ?

Are we having the compassionate heart like Jesus and sense the needs of the perishing souls who are in hopeless situations?

Are we ignoring the people who are of no fame or unable to contribute to society or forgotten by the world while witnessing or sharing gospel by ignoring the fact that such people are very important for God?

Are we really glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ when miracles happen or boasting ourselves?

Are we growing in spiritual quality or grace day by day especially in endurance, self-control, trust or dependence on God always?

Are we able to understand God’s wisdom, His will and His mercy and how He does whatever is needed to demonstrate His mercy to His children?

Are we seeking our Lord’s will by keeping our thoughts undisturbed before the Lord?

Are we praying to our Lord after getting His will seeking His power to do the miracle and use the miracle to make people believe and glorify His Name?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “The First Great Mission to the Gentiles – By Peter” today Father. Father, please help us to go everywhere and every place for which we are responsible to preach the gospel like Peter, help us to witness and share Your beloved Son Jesus Christ wherever we are placed so as to bring the lost to Your fold Father. Father, please help us to be faithful to our calling and our Lord’s mission by sacrificing our personal comforts in reaching many lost souls and preach the gospel, help us to have the compassionate heart like Your beloved Son Jesus Christ and sense the needs of the perishing souls who are in hopeless situations Father. Father, please help us NOT TO ignore the people who are of no fame or unable to contribute to society or forgotten by the world while witnessing or sharing gospel by ignoring the fact that such people are very important for You Father as You love them so much, please help us to humble ourselves and glorify You Father always whenever the miracles happen besides helping us to grow in spiritual qualities like endurance, self-control, trust and dependence on You Father. Father, please help us to understand Your wisdom, Your will and Your mercy and try to seek Your perfect will besides seeking Your power to do the miracles and use the miracles to make people believe and glorify You Father. We give all praise, glory and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

[astrogeoguy]

It’s Astronomy Week and the Lyrids Peak, plus Galaxies Galore, and Morning Planet Amore!

(Above: This image of the Pinwheel Galaxy Messier 101, located near the handle of the Big Dipper, was captured by Ron Brecher of Guelph, Ontario. The face-on spiral is as wide as the full moon! www.astrodoc.ca/)

Astronomy Skylights for this week (from April 15th, 2018) by Chris Vaughan. (Feel free to pass this along to friends and send me your comments, questions, and suggested topics.) I post these with photos at http://astrogeoguy.tumblr.com/ where the old editions are archived. You can also follow me on Twitter as @astrogeoguy! Unless otherwise noted, all times are Eastern Time. Please click this MailChimp link to subscribe to these emails. If you are a teacher or group leader interested joining me on a guided field trip to York University’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory, or another in your area, visit www.astrogeo.ca.

If you’d like me to bring my Digital Starlab inflatable planetarium to your school or other daytime or evening event, visit DiscoveryPlantarium.com and request me. We’ll tour the Universe together!

Astronomy Week Public Events

Taking advantage of dark moonless evening skies this week, the members of the RASC Toronto Centre will gather for dark sky stargazing at Long Sault Conservation Area, northeast of Oshawa on (only) the first clear evening from Monday to Thursday this week. You don’t need to be an RASC member, or own any equipment, to join them. Check here for details and watch the banner on their homepage or their Facebook page for the GO or NO-GO decision around 5 pm each day. 

On Monday evenings, York University’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory runs an online star party - broadcasting views from four telescopes/cameras, answering viewer questions, and taking requests! Details are here. On Wednesday evenings after dark, they offer free public viewing through their telescopes. If it’s cloudy, the astronomers give tours and presentations. Details are here. 

To celebrate Astronomy Week, if it’s sunny, each weekday morning from 10 am to noon, astronomers from the RASC Toronto Centre will be setting up outside the main doors of the Ontario Science Centre for Solar Observing. Come and see the Sun in detail through special equipment designed to view it safely. This is a free event (details here), but parking and admission fees inside the Science Centre will still apply. Check the RASC Toronto Centre website or their Facebook page for the Go or No-Go notification. 

On Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm at the S. Walter Stewart Library, U of T Professor Emeritus John Percy will present a free public talk entitled Toronto’s Astronomical Heritage. (Details are here.) 

If it’s clear on Thursday evening, April 19, I will be setting up my large telescope with other local astronomers for a free public star party in Pomona Mills Meadow, east of St. Volodymyr's Church, 15 Church Lane, Thornhill (first north on John Street, just east of Yonge Street). Observing will start about 8:30 pm. Details are here. 

Eastern GTA sky watchers are invited to join the RASC Toronto Centre and Durham Skies for solar observing and stargazing at the edge of Lake Ontario in Millennium Square in Pickering on Friday evening, April 20, from 6 pm to 11 pm. Details are here. Before heading out, check the RASCTC home page for a Go/No-Go call in case it's too cloudy to observe. 

Saturday, April 21 is Astronomy Day all day at the Ontario Science Centre! Astronauts! Space Activities! Planetarium shows! A screening of Netflix’ new Lost in Space show! Solar Observing on the Telescape (if it’s sunny)! And evening stargazing! The schedule and details are here. 

On Friday, April 20, starting at 7 pm, the U of T AstroTour will present their planetarium show entitled Grand Tour of the Cosmos. Tickets and details are here. 

On Saturday, April 21, starting at 3 pm, the U of T AstroTour will present their planetarium show entitled Underdogs of the Solar System. Tickets and details are here. 

On Saturday, April 21, starting at 7 pm, the U of T AstroTour will present their planetarium show entitled Our Musical Universe. Tickets and details are here.

(Above: The radiant of the annual Lyrids Meteor shower is located between Lyra and Hercules. The shower maximum occurs before dawn next Sunday, but you can look for them all night long.)

Lyrids Meteor Shower

The annual Lyrids meteor shower, derived from particles dropped by comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), runs from April 16 to 25 and peaks before dawn on Sunday, April 22. This shower can produce up to 18 meteors per hour, with occasional fireballs. True Lyrids will appear to be travelling away from a point in space (the shower’s radiant) near the constellation Lyra (the Harp). The first quarter moon, which sets shortly after midnight, should not spoil the show too much.

You can start watching as soon as it's dark. Even when the peak number occurs before dawn, meteors will still be visible before midnight, too. Don't worry about looking directly at the radiant. Bring a blanket and a chaise to avoid neck strain. And remember that binoculars and telescopes will not help: their field of view is too narrow to see the long meteor trails. If you have friends or family along, don’t look at each other while chatting. Keep your eyes to the skies! 

To see the most meteors, try to find a dark viewing location that has as much open sky as possible. Light pollution washes out the night sky, dramatically reducing the number of fainter meteors you will see. So a drive to a park or rural site away from city lights is helpful. To preserve your eyes’ dark adaptation, remember to turn your phone’s screen brightness to minimum or, even better, cover it with a red film. Disabling app notifications will reduce the chances of unexpected bright light, too.

(Above: Several bright galaxies hold positions near Mizar and Alkaid, stars in the handle of the Big Dipper. Use binoculars or a telescope to hunt for them.) 

Bright Galaxies Near the Dipper’s Handle

In late evening during mid-April every year, the Big Dipper stands upright in the northeastern sky. The bright star Alkaid marks the tip of its handle. The Pinwheel Galaxy is a spectacular, large face-on spiral galaxy, also designated as Messier 101, sits a palm’s width north of Alkaid, forming an equilateral triangle with Alkaid and Mizar, the star at the bend in the dipper’s handle. Although relatively bright and close to us (21 million light-years away), the Pinwheel Galaxy is fairly dim because its light is spread out over a large patch of sky. It’s as wide as the full moon! 

(Above: The beautiful Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51, imaged by Ian Wheelband, near Collinwood, Ontario) 

Searching about four finger widths (3.5°) from Alkaid in the opposite direction, you will come to the iconic spiral Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51. This galaxy’s angular size (the area of sky it covers) is much smaller, but it will appear brighter in your telescope. It also features a secondary galaxy core. The two galaxies are linked by a bridge of material. 

The Moon and Planets

The moon reaches its new phase, when it is hidden from view beside the sun, Sunday evening. On Monday it will reappear as a fine silver crescent sitting over the western evening horizon. For the rest of the week, the moon will wax and shift eastward. For about 90 minutes after sunset on Tuesday, the moon will sit a palm’s width to the lower left of bright Venus. The pair will fit within the field of view of binoculars and make a lovely photo opportunity.

(Above: The young crescent moon will sit to the lower left of Venus on Tuesday evening, shown here at 9:30 pm local time.) 

On Wednesday evening, in the western evening sky, the crescent moon will pass through the constellation Taurus (the Bull). The V-shaped face of the bull is formed by a large open star cluster known as the Hyades, one of the closest clusters to Earth. The moon will enter the “V” at about 8:30 pm local time and reach the midway point by the time moonset around 10:30 pm. A few hours later, observers in most of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Central and Northern Russia, Northern and Eastern Scandinavia, Northern Greenland, and Northern Canada will witness the moon occult the bright, orange star Aldebaran, which sits at the southeastern corner of the bull’s face. 

(Above: On Wednesday evening, the moon will cross through the V-shaped face of Taurus the Bull, shown here at 9:45 pm local time. Parts of the world will see the moon occult the bright star Aldebaran.) 

On the coming weekend, the moon will pass through Gemini (the Twins), and end the week with Sunday evening’s First Quarter Moon phase. The evenings leading up to first quarter are the best ones for looking at the moon under magnification. The steeply slanted sunlight creates breathtaking vistas along the terminator boundary line that divides the dark and light sides of the moon. To see the sights, sweep with binoculars or a telescope from pole to pole. 

Venus continues to catch the eye as it slowly climbs higher in the western evening sky. It sets just after 10 pm local time. In addition to Venus’ encounter with the moon on Tuesday, our sister planet will also end the week by approaching the bright star cluster known as the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters, in Taurus. Next Sunday evening, the cluster can be spotted with unaided eyes or, even better, with binoculars, just a few finger widths to the upper right of Venus.

(Above: On Sunday evening, April 22, Venus, which climbs higher every evening, will reach a position a few degrees to the lower left of the bright Plieades Cluster, shown here at 10 pm local time. Next week, the two objects will be even closer.) 

At the same time that Venus is setting, mighty Jupiter will be rising in the east. The extremely bright planet dominates the southern overnight sky now. It reaches its highest elevation (about three fist diameters) above the southern horizon around 3 am local time, and then descends into the southwestern sky at sunrise. 

The Great Red Spot takes about three hours to cross Jupiter’s disk. But the planet’s 10-hour rotation period (i.e., its day) means that the spot is only observable from Earth every 2-3 nights.  If you’d like to see the GRS, use a medium-sized telescope (or larger). You’ll have your best luck on evenings with steady air – when the stars are not twinkling too much. The best times to try this week are: Monday, April 16 at 11:23 pm, Thursday, April 19 at 1:01 am, and Saturday, April 21 at 10:31 pm. Try to look within an hour before or after the times I’ve given. 

(Above: Three bright planets continue to shine in the pre-dawn sky this week, as shown here at 5 am local time. Jupiter rises in late evening, but remains in view until dawn.)

The ringed planet Saturn will rise in the east shortly before 2 am local time this week. You should be able to see its yellow-tinted point of light until about 6 am, when it will sit about 2.5 fist widths above the southern horizon. Reddish Mars will rise about half an hour after Saturn. Look for it a generous palm’s width to the lower left of Saturn. Mars is steadily pulling away from Saturn. By next weekend, their separation will increase to a fist’s width. 

Elusive Mercury has re-joined the eastern pre-dawn sky. This apparition won’t be very good for observers in mid-northern latitudes, but during the coming weekend you can try to spot the planet barely over the horizon just before sunrise. I’ll post sky charts for the observable planets here.

Keep looking up to enjoy the sky! I love getting questions so, if you have any, send me a note.

[transcendence-au]

Melinda and the Gnomes 1/?

Hey everybody this is part one of a story inspired by a question asked by jaeger-bombastic-was-taken: What if, sometime in the future, a Mizar actually became the queen of the gnomes?Well this is how it happend and what Mizar did with it. Happy Birthday TAU!!!!

The woman raised the hood of her black robe over her head as she turned to look at her husband emerging from the door to the basement.

“Is everything ready,” she asked.

The man nodded grimly, “are we sure this is necessary?”

“I told you, you fool,” the woman snapped at him. “The greater the perceived sacrifice the greater the rewards. Why do you think I spent the last five sixths of a year getting this thing ready. Or did you imagine that I actually wanted a weight around our necks as we go about our lives.” She pushed passed him and made an impatient ‘Come on’ gesture.

“Okay,” the man said doubtfully. He raised the hood of his own robe, picked his month old daughter up off the couch, and followed his wife down into their candle lit basement.

……………………………

Alcor laid on his back in the Mystery Shack enjoying the peace and quiet. It had been about a year since he had been summoned by any sort of cult, and he was hopeful that people had finally realized that it was a really bad idea to worship demons.

Another reason he was enjoying the peace was the fact that he had just spent a week being bombarded by questions from Fords latest reincarnation. He was a scientist again, and he was studying magics effects on various chemical reactions. Ford had traded the hearing in his right ear for the answers to every question relevent to his research he could think of. Alcor had let himself be cheated on that particular deal, Ford did not realize it yet, but once he thought of more questions he’d simply have to ask.

Just then he felt the tug of an unusually powerful summons and let it take him.

Alcor emerged in a blaze of black fire. He looked around to find himself in a basement lit by three hundred blood scented candles arranged in careful circles around his perfectly drawn circle in the middle of the room. In front of him was a couple in their mid thirties, clad head to foot in thick black robes. The man seemed to be holding something behind his back.

Who Dares to Call Upon Alcor the DreamBender.

The woman stepped forward and raised her arms in supplication. “ Oh mighty Lord Alcor, Oh great and powerful Twin Star, my Husband and I beseech thee.”

Alcor frowned, Stop the fancy talk, just tell me what you desire.

“My Lord,” the woman continued, “we seek mystical power, power to dominate others, power to do as we choose. The Power to rule the world if we wish it!

Alcor sighed internally, he’d heard it all before.

“In return for this power we offer you our daughter Melinda, body and soul.” The woman gestured and her husband revealed what he’d been hidding:

It was a sleeping baby girl covered in arcane symbols, painted on her skin with what seemed to be Goats blood.

A baby.

But not just any baby.

It was Mizar

HIS MIZAR!

And these selfish fools offered him her life and soul, and their own daughter too.

“We have concieved, born, and prepared this baby just for you my lord, all so-“

SILENCE!!!!

The woman took a step back, her husband let out a whimper.

Do you know who this is!!!

“Our daughter, who we-”

This is my Mizar!!!!

The two gasped and try’d to run the husband tossing the sleeping baby at Alcor as he went. The Demon caught the baby, set her down than gave chase. He caught the woman at the top of the stairs and ripped out her heart. The husband almost made it to the front door when Alcor swept down on him from above, he skinned the man alive and left him there to die before returning to the basement.

Mizar had somehow slept peacefully through all the yelling and screaming, Alcor picked up the baby girl and gently rocked her, crying softly. “Oh Melinda, how could your own parents do this to you, he said removing the bloody symbols. Don’t worry my little Mizar, I’ll take you to someone who will look after you, and of course your big brother will always be there for you.

Cassie was living alone by a National Park this lifetime and desperately wanted a child. She would make a good mother. He took a quick look around the house only to find no baby things whatsoever. That horrible woman really had given birth just so that she’d have a good sacrifice.

With a snarl of disgust, Alcor took baby Melinda from that terrible house forever.   

[encouragementdailyblog]

"In The Deepest Of Troubles David Trusted In The Lord, And In His Words He Cried Out To Him" As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. WHY, MY SOUL, ARE YOU DOWNCAST? WHY SO DISTURBED WITHIN ME? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, FOR I WILL YET PRAISE HIM, MY SAVIOR AND MY GOD. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. So, Brothers and sisters, know that, no matter what it looks like put your Hope in God. And forever let your mouth give unto him Praise. For although times may seem uncertain and the hardest of life seems to always beam down apon us it is our Praise that shows our faith in God. For it is his Faithfulness unto his promises that we Trust in Him. For David had his problems and troubles seem to journey among him, but he keep his Faith in the Lord, thy God. Amen.. "Spiritual Food For Thought" Is above In All BOLD Lettering.   Timothy J. Bell.. Some or all parts quoted from Psalms 42:1‭-‬11 NIV.. #inthistogether www.facebook.com/encouragementdailyblog #encouragementdailysblog #nospiritualdistancing {Sd 5/9/20} https://www.instagram.com/p/B_92sFZlb1a/?igshid=17ye7sqp6zq2t

[ourmizarthegleeful]

Melinda and the Gnomes 1/?

Hey everybody this is part one of a story inspired by a question asked by jaeger-bombastic-was-taken: What if, sometime in the future, a Mizar actually became the queen of the gnomes?Well this is how it happend and what Mizar did with it. Happy Birthday TAU!!!!

The woman raised the hood of her black robe over her head as she turned to look at her husband emerging from the door to the basement.

“Is everything ready,” she asked.

The man nodded grimly, “are we sure this is necessary?”

“I told you, you fool,” the woman snapped at him. “The greater the perceived sacrifice the greater the rewards. Why do you think I spent the last five sixths of a year getting this thing ready. Or did you imagine that I actually wanted a weight around our necks as we go about our lives.” She pushed passed him and made an impatient 'Come on' gesture.

“Okay,” the man said doubtfully. He raised the hood of his own robe, picked his month old daughter up off the couch, and followed his wife down into their candle lit basement.

.................................

Alcor laid on his back in the Mystery Shack enjoying the peace and quiet. It had been about a year since he had been summoned by any sort of cult, and he was hopeful that people had finally realized that it was a really bad idea to worship demons.

Another reason he was enjoying the peace was the fact that he had just spent a week being bombarded by questions from Fords latest reincarnation. He was a scientist again, and he was studying magics effects on various chemical reactions. Ford had traded the hearing in his right ear for the answers to every question relevent to his research he could think of. Alcor had let himself be cheated on that particular deal, Ford did not realize it yet, but once he thought of more questions he'd simply have to ask.

Just then he felt the tug of an unusually powerful summons and let it take him.

Alcor emerged in a blaze of black fire. He looked around to find himself in a basement lit by three hundred blood scented candles arranged in careful circles around his perfectly drawn circle in the middle of the room. In front of him was a couple in their mid thirties, clad head to foot in thick black robes. The man seemed to be holding something behind his back.

Who Dares to Call Upon Alcor the DreamBender.

The woman stepped forward and raised her arms in supplication. “ Oh mighty Lord Alcor, Oh great and powerful Twin Star, my Husband and I beseech thee.”

Alcor frowned, Stop the fancy talk, just tell me what you desire.

“My Lord,” the woman continued, “we seek mystical power, power to dominate others, power to do as we choose. The Power to rule the world if we wish it!

Alcor sighed internally, he'd heard it all before.

“In return for this power we offer you our daughter Melinda, body and soul.” The woman gestured and her husband revealed what he'd been hidding:

It was a sleeping baby girl covered in arcane symbols, painted on her skin with what seemed to be Goats blood.

A baby.

But not just any baby.

It was Mizar

HIS MIZAR!

And these selfish fools offered him her life and soul, and their own daughter too.

“We have concieved, born, and prepared this baby just for you my lord, all so-"

SILENCE!!!!

The woman took a step back, her husband let out a whimper.

Do you know who this is!!!

“Our daughter, who we-”

This is my Mizar!!!!

The two gasped and try'd to run the husband tossing the sleeping baby at Alcor as he went. The Demon caught the baby, set her down than gave chase. He caught the woman at the top of the stairs and ripped out her heart. The husband almost made it to the front door when Alcor swept down on him from above, he skinned the man alive and left him there to die before returning to the basement.

Mizar had somehow slept peacefully through all the yelling and screaming, Alcor picked up the baby girl and gently rocked her, crying softly. “Oh Melinda, how could your own parents do this to you, he said removing the bloody symbols. Don't worry my little Mizar, I'll take you to someone who will look after you, and of course your big brother will always be there for you.

Cassie was living alone by a National Park this lifetime and desperately wanted a child. She would make a good mother. He took a quick look around the house only to find no baby things whatsoever. That horrible woman really had given birth just so that she'd have a good sacrifice.

With a snarl of disgust, Alcor took baby Melinda from that terrible house forever.