BRILLIANT BUTTERFLY FEATURE CHALLENGES DARWINIAN SELECTION

September 23, 2013

By Brian Thomas, M.S.

How do butterfly’s wings shine? Like almost all other butterflies, the Morpho has wings covered with scales. Typically, pigmentation patterns across these scales generate wing colors, but a Morpho‘s scales deploy an additional feature.

On top of their scales, Morpho butterflies have countless tiny, tree-like structures with suspended branched arms that manipulate light waves. Spacing among the branches helps match targeted light-wavelengths, like blue for example. Repeated reflections of the same wavelength cause interference effects that, when viewed from certain angles, generate stunning iridescence.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

This video is featured in my friend Manny’s blog post:

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Posted by Chris

EVOLUTION AND GOD

September 1, 2013

There are so many reasons why we have gotten away from the truth of God’s Word.  The Evolution issue is a big one.

My son worked very hard in high school to get his college tuition minimized.  He is in his freshman year and is taking a Biology and Physiology class.  Here are a few of the chapter titles in his text:

“How Populations Evolve”

“How Biological Diversity Evolves”

“The Evolution of Microbial Life”

“The Evolution of Animals”

Chapter 14 ( a favorite number of mine) begins with “The Origin of the Species.”

Anyone who has read this blog knows where I stand on this issue.  The Bible says that “God created the heaven and the earth.”  I believe it by faith.  I also believe there is a great deal of evidence to back this belief.  Evolutionists may not always admit it but they must come to their THEORY with a great deal of faith.  This video shows several Biology students being asked very simple questions that they can’t answer.  When they do answer, they have not really dealt with the issue.

SPROUL/STEIN INTERVIEW

This is very interesting interview. The entire movie “Expelled” has been put on YouTube by a Muslim.  I had it here, but I don’t feel right about showing an entire movie without those who have worked so hard on it getting something from it.  HERE is a section of the movie that I’ve shown in another post.

Here is a link dealing with “Intelligent Design:”

There are many other posts on this blog about this issue.  To see them all, click on “creation” in the category section on the right side of this blog.  Here a few of my favorites:

GOD OF WONDERS

EVOLUTION CONTROVERSY’S OUTDATED ONE-SIDED EXPOSURE

IS THE AGE OF THE EARTH A SIDE ISSUE?

DOES A GOOD GOD EXIST?

We need to give our young people the facts and let them come to their own conclusions.  Listen to some of the students in the first video.  They sound brainwashed to me.  I think that man knows that there is a God, but rebellion closes one’s eyes to the truth.

This section of scripture From Romans 1 (Bible Gateway) describes the results of a continued turning away from the truth:

Unbelief and Its Consequences

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

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4 Comments | Commentary, Creation, Education, Helps, LIFE, Science, theology | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris

MAYWAGE

August 29, 2013

I know this is a very serious subject.  But I can’t refrain from sharing this humorous part of a movie called “The Princess Bride” that deals with marriage.  “Buttercup” is being forced to marry “Prince Humperdink.”  The priest doing the ceremony is quite the character.  What he says is actually good.  It’s the way he says it that, if you are in a mood, may get a giggle out of you.  We could all use a good laugh these days.

Why a post about marriage?  Well, today is my 32nd wedding anniversary.  Have you read Proverbs 31?  It describes a Godly wife.  Somehow, 32 years ago, a 22-year-old-know-little married a young lady similar to the one described in Proverbs 31.  I have been very blessed.

There are mixed feelings.  As I checked Flickr for a good photo to accompany this post, sadly many were of homosexuals getting “married.”  The fact that almost every decent picture was copy written tells me that marriage is still important to some.  I had to take my own picture.

You don’t need me to tell you that we live in contradictory times.  We have some of the best health care the world has ever known, yet we kill the unborn.  We are supposedly evolving into something better, at the same time, all appearances make it look like we are as we have always been: sinners.  Advances in technology screeeeeeem forward.   Ethical standards lurrrrrrrrrrrrrch backward.  There is a scripture that makes me think we are nearing the second coming of our Lord.

It is:

Daniel 12:4

 
“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”
 
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I received an email from a friend of my wife wishing us a happy anniversary.  She is one of many of my friends who thinks Jesus may return in our lifetime.  I thought He would be here long ago.  If He does, praise be to God.  If not, I’ll be content to spend the rest of my days with one of the greatest blessings of my life.
 
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Posted by Chris

How Do Mother Butterflies Avoid the Poison?

August 24, 2013

by Brian Thomas, M.S. *

Colorful Heliconius butterflies grace the tropics with their beautiful wide wings. Their survival depends on more features than what simply resides in their physical bodies. The challenge is trying to explain the origins of the way their body parts not only mesh perfectly with each other, but also with their butterfly behavior.

Read the rest of this interesting article HERE.

My comment:

I am a sucker for butterflies.  Someday I will explain why.  I think they are an amazing creation.  How can something like a butterfly survive in such a harsh world?  Maybe it’s for God’s glory. Maybe it’s to show that gentleness is an attribute that God appreciates. After all, gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. THIS ARTICLE is another evidence of an everlasting Creator.

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Posted by Chris

EIGHTH GRADE TEST FROM 1912 BAFFLES

August 13, 2013

I’ve given a few tests in my time.  I even gave a 12 page U.S. history final to my eighth grade students a few years.  One of the pages was a blank sheet of paper.  The eighth grader could not graduate until they were able to list all U.S. presidents and their political parties.  Extra credit was given for a popular nickname.  Most students got it right the first time.  We spend only 5-10 minutes a day on flashcards, covering 10 each quarter.  I’ll never forget one of the young scholars getting all of the hard ones right and missing Thomas Jefferson…twice. Ah………. I won’t mention any names but the initials were (V.E.).  Imagine getting a perfect paper with all the presidents and Mr. Jefferson being the only blank on the entire page.  I finally figured out a way for the student to remember ole T.J.

Yes THIS TEST FROM 1912 is probably a test that I would have trouble passing.  I think most of the reason for this is that even when I was in school (just a bit ago) teachers spent a good amount of time trying to keep kids under control.  It is worse today.

Glancing over the test, I knew some of the answers right away and didn’t take the time to figure others.  The spelling portion wasn’t that difficult. Who knows…maybe I could pass it.  Is it today’s students fault that the world has gotten farther away from Godly principles and, therefore, we have become a less studious society?  I would say: “no.”  The slip has happened over time.  Students today know things that students from 1912 could only wish to know.  It is a different time.  Some might question the importance of knowing some of the questions on the 1912 test.  I know a bit about today’s education and it seems like many of the tests our kids are getting are focusing on questions that will help them today’s real world.  At the same time, schools spend too much time prepping kids for tests that will be different in five years.

Education has always been a challenge.  The goal of any good teacher is to try and instill a love for learning in the student. Whether a student lived in 1850, 1912, or 2013, the goal of a good teacher hasn’t changed.

Admittedly, it is much harder to educate today.  There are so many social, political, and spiritual reasons I won’t even begin to name them.  I appreciate those who teach because they love kids, not because it pays the bills.  As school starts for another year, pray for your kids teachers.  They are going to need it.

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After writing this bit, is saw this story called:

“California Gov. Brown signs transgender-student bill”

The above says: “California Gov. Brown signs transgender-student bill”

Did I mention spiritual reasons for America’s fall?  (Click on the above headline to view the crazy “effort” in California.)

2 Comments | Commentary, Education, LIFE | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris

ARMORED FISH FOSSILS REWRITE EVOLUTIONARY STORY

August 11, 2013

by Brian Thomas, M.S.

A special set of Australian fish fossils just derailed evolution’s long-held story of early fish origins. The remarkable fossils preserved detailed soft tissue body features, including the precise points where muscles attached to the ancient fish’s bones. These clues enabled paleontologists to reconstruct the now-extinct fish anatomy. Though expecting something much more primitive-looking, they discovered completely designed, fully-muscled armored fish. Now they have to rewrite the evolutionary bit about how jaws evolved.1

This interesting article may be seen in its entirety HERE.

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Note (6/18/2016): I had a story here that was removed from the original source so I went on a hunt to find the same related story and others. The one that was here originally is first. There are many more than three like it, but I will list two other similar stories that show the general view of current scientists within American Universities over the past decade or so.

ORIGINAL STORY THAT WAS HERE FROM A DIFFERENT POST…INTELLIGENT DESIGN AT BALL STATE 2013

INTELLEGENT DESIGN AT BALL STATE 2016

INTELLIGENT DESIGN AT IOWA STATE 2007

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Posted by Chris

6 YEAR OLD FIREMAN BILLY

August 9, 2013

Stop telling God how big your storm is.

Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is!

In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared

down at her 6-year-old son, who was dying of

terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled

with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of

determination. Like any parent, she wanted her

son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now

that was no longer possible..

The leukemia would see to that. But she still

wanted her son’s dreams to come true. She took

her son’s hand and asked, “Billy, did you ever

think about what you wanted to be once you grew

up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do

with your life?”

Mommy, “I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.”

Mom smiled back and said, “Let’s see if we can

make your wish come true.”

Later that day she went to her local fire

department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met

Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix.

She explained her son’s final wish and asked if

it might be possible to give her six-year-old son

a ride around the block on a fire engine.

Fireman Bob said, “Look, we can do better than

that. If you’ll have your son ready at seven

o’clock Wednesday morning, we’ll make him an

honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come

down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on

all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if

you’ll give us ! his sizes, we’ll get a real fire

uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy

one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire

Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear

and rubber boots. They’re all manufactured right

here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast.”

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy,

dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him

from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and

ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the

truck and help steer it back to the fire station.

He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in

Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all

three calls. He rode in the different fire

engines, the paramedic’s van, and even the fire chief’s car.

He was also videotaped for the local news

program. Having his dream come true, with all the

love and attention that was lavished upon him, so

deeply touched Billy that he lived three months

longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop

dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in

the hospice concept that no one should die alone,

began to call the family members to the hospital.

Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a

fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked

if it would be possible to send a fireman in

uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he

made his transition.

The chief replied, “We can do better than that.

We’ll be there in five minutes.

Will you please do me a favor?

When you hear the sirens screaming and see the

lights flashing, will you announce over the PA

system that there is not a fire? It’s just the

fire department coming to see one of its finest

members one more time.

And will you open the window to his room?

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck

arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder

up to Billy’s third floor open window

16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into

Billy’s room.

With his mother’s permission, they

hugged him and held him and told him how much

they loved him.

With his dying breath, Billy

looked up at the fire chief and said,

“Chief, am I really a fireman now?”

“Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,”

the chief said.

With those words, Billy smiled and said,

“I know, He’s been holding my hand all day,

and the angels have been singing..”

He closed his eyes one last time.

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This story fits the “Demonstrations of the fruits of the Spirit” class that is at the top of the list of stories for which I am looking.  The first fruit of the spirit is love.  I thought this was a good example of love.

CR

4 Comments | Commentary, LIFE, Love of God, Words that Uplift | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris

THE BLACK AWAKENING

August 3, 2013

I am not trying to sell books here.  But, I think this is an interesting video.

There is no question that Satan is alive and and actively trying to turn lives into chaos.  I haven’t posted much of Gary lately because of the prophecy conference that was recently sponsored by Prophecy in the News.  Several of the lecturers there were folks that are too on the fringe for me.

This is not a topic that I wish to discuss, but I think it is necessary in the day we live in to be familiar with some “dark side” events.  The verses of Ephesians 6 are important for our time:

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

A question is raised in the video: “Are we ready for what may happen in the near future?”  This question is not raised to frighten.  It is clear in the discussion that Christians have nothing to fear.  However, I think we could all be a bit better prepared for what may happen shortly.

CR

4 Comments | Bible Prophecy, Commentary, LIFE, News, theology | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris

WHATEVER YOU DID FOR THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE…

July 25, 2013

The following story is fictional.  The reason I have posted it is to illustrate that today’s churches are not nearly sensitive enough to the needs of the poor and others.

CR

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Pastor Jeremiah Steepek transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service, only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food – NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him. As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. “We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek.” The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. The clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him. He walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment then he recited,

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

‘The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame. He then said, “Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples?”

He then dismissed service until next week.

Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It’s something you live by and share with others.

======================================

I would like to thank Chris Henry, a former student of mine, for sharing this with his Facebook friends.  Unfortunately, I think the majority of “Christian” churches in America would do the same.

CR

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Posted by Chris

JUNGLE-COVERED RUINS MAY SUPPORT CREATIONISM

July 11, 2013

A VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE was recently published by the folks at the Institute for Creation Research.  It shows a picture of a dinosaur that was carved around 1,000 years ago.

It is a short article, but it packs a punch.  Here are a few excerpts:

“The temple at Ta Prohm  (modern day Cambodia) —with its tree root-draped stones providing a picturesque scene for visitors—lies fewer than three miles from the oft-visited major Angkor Wat complex. The Khmer people built it and the many surrounding temples during Europe’s Middle Ages.”

If you would like to take a virtual tour of the temple, GO HERE.

One should really read THE ARTICLE for oneself, but it includes this interesting observation:

“The nearest stegosaur fossils come from faraway China. It is therefore very unlikely that the ancients carved a stegosaur likeness based on fossils.”

If the date is anywhere close to 1186, and if the artist saw a living stegosaur, dinosaurs didn’t die out 60-70 million years ago.  This would discredit Darwinian evolution.  I’ve known about this carving for some time, but I didn’t know that it had been dated.  It makes the image even more remarkable.

CR

6 Comments | Commentary, Creation, LIFE, Science | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris

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