Sunrise and Rainbow

Sunrise, 17 January 2023, photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

I can honestly say that I have never seen a sunrise in the East and rainbow (there’s a hint of a second one) in the West, at the same time in all my 41 years of living.

I am fascinated and awed by sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows. Since God spoke the world into being, God has watched over the rising and setting of the sun. The rainbow in the sky is God’s promise not to destroy the earth by flood again.

While this may sound provincial to this unbelieving world, in today’s rapidly changing culture, I take great comfort in this fact.

Today’s beautiful morning also reminds me of Jesus’s rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matt 16:2-3 ESV).

There is a judgment that is coming for both believers and unbelievers. For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, ask the Lord to reveal to You where You are falling short of what and where the Lord wants You. Work for the Lord willingly rather than man, even in the most difficult circumstances. I know first hand how much easier it is said than done. However, God gives us the grace we need to be His hands and feet with the proper attitude.

For the unbeliever it is my humble prayer that today will be your day of salvation, repenting of your sins and that you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, so you will be saved (Rom 10:9).

Lord God, You know our hearts. You know the loads we carry. Lord God, may we come to You and find rest for our souls. Lord God, thank You for this beautiful sunrise and rainbow. Lord God, prepare us Lord to face You. Lord God, help us to think Your thoughts! Lord God, Your judgement that is coming will be quick and final. May we NEVER presume on Your grace. Lord God, I ask that believers will hold other believers accountable in a loving manner when they are in sin and error. Lord God, may Your people love each other enough to fight for their personal time with You, may believers seek to be spiritually healthy with the same passion that we seek to be emotionally and physically healthy. Lord God, raise up strong leaders in Your Church! Lord God, thank You for this reader. Lord God, encourage this reader today. Help this reader to trust You Lord. Help all believers to increase in their obedience and submission to You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Rainbow, 17 January 2023. Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.
17 January 2023. Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

79 thoughts on “Sunrise and Rainbow”

  2. What a beautiful sunrise Mandy. I agree that it is not always easy to keep serving the Lord. May the Lord grant us the grace we need to serve and with the right attitude.
    God bless you 💙💐

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  3. Thank you, dear Mandy, for these gorgeous pictures and your precious thoughts and prayers.

    Today is my husband’s birthday. I will share these pictures with him. ❤

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  4. Oh how beautiful, my friend! And how good is our Lord that he has given you eyes that see, and ears that hear the good news proclaimed in the skies, the signs of the times, and the time yet to come when all shall be revealed to the glory of God! Keep pressing on, Mandy, and may your soul be fed even as you seek to feed others by your study of the word of God. 🙏♥️

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  5. The signs of the times and we should be ready by focusing on JESUS CHRIST! Thank you for reminding us to be vigilant and stay on course, Mandy! GOD will surely keep His promise that there will be no flood as great and globally overwhelming as that. Blessings to you all!

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  9. Mandy, I LOVE how your posts are kind, but they also don’t shy away from speaking about judgment. That’s a brave thing to do, and I myself fall in the category of being too wimpy to mention too much about judgment and repentance when I write 😓 But it’s an important part of following Christ. The photos are fantastic. Enjoy your week! 🤗

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  11. Well, nothing like that happens here! Thank you for posting and expressing this godly message and prayer.
    I am heavy hearted over the worsening crisis in Artsakh. Today they evacuated foreign nationals, then cut off the natural gas line. It is ethnic cleansing, wiping out a people as the world watches.
    Sorry this is off topic. Praying for a sunrise and rainbow over Artsakh.

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  12. Wow I have never seen a sunrise and rainbow in opposite directions either. That’s a double common grace reminder (new morning, Covenantal faithfulness). Thanks for sharing and truth given here including the prayer

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  13. I’m glad you shared that wonderful sky Mandy. We have seen very little of the sun for a couple months so it’s a very gray winter. There is a time for everything and you caught the rainbow as well.
    Yes, judgement will be like a sudden storm. Very fast, as will be the coming of the Lord…in the fullness of time. I am praying more as I get older. I also feel like I can finally check the “I have potential” box when it comes to wisdom
    Is that no snow I see?

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    1. Thank you for your comment David! You reminded me of a church service where the preacher said, “people who tell the truth have short memories” meaning we don’t have to remember and keep track of lies and half truths. Keeping short accounts with the Almighty is wise counsel! Many blessings to you and your wife!!!

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      2. You’re welcome my sister.

        All good here

        Radio work is going well.

        And our new website is super exciting – launched in just 12 days time. Super psyched about that!! 😁🙃

        Last minute bits and bobs needed and we’ll be good to go, God willing.

        Andy B

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  21. Hi Mandy.

    This is Raphael from Nigeria. Pastor with an evangelical Church (Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA).

    We use to follow each other blogs but recently I got more committed with the ministry and had a book project too.

    I got burdened with the pressure of false teaching rising in the contemporary Church and how the false teachers have taken advantage of the ignorance of the people, particularly in Africa.

    I wish to share a copy of the manuscript with you for your thoughts if possible.

    Thank you, Ma’m Sincerely yours in Christ Raphael S. Dauda

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  26. Sorry for the delay getting back to you: Yes Saturday with you sharing would be great! Was just dealing with lots of phone calls when I saw your comment with getting things done logistically and paid for with the upcoming change

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  27. Answering your question: My mom has not asked much questions lately; speaking of which I need to call her to invite my family over for early Friday dinner and maybe I can talk to her more!

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