Tag Archives: Plus

Formed By Him – “Blood” Birds

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Blood-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum sanguinolentum) ©©LipKee

Blood-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum sanguinolentum) ©©LipKee

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22 KJV)

As we continue the mini-series of the “Easter Birds”, today we look at the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ on the cross. When we see these “Blood” Birds, may we be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us.

Just before being taken by the soldiers, Christ has been praying:

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44 KJV)

John tells us:

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19:34 KJV)

The Bible teaches all through the Old Testament about the sacrifices that were carried out for the forgiveness of sin. They had to do this time after time because, as Hebrews 9 explains:

Hebrews 9:6-15 KJV
(6) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
(7) But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
(8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
(9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
(10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
(11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
(12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
(13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
(14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
(15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

There are many verses that speak about the need of Christ shedding His blood, dying, and Praise the Lord, for rising from the tomb. (Opps, that is for tomorrow.) Here are few of those verses:

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9 KJV)

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:6-7 KJV)

Blood-colored Woodpecker (Veniliornis sanguineus)

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:13 KJV)

Blood-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoematotis) ©©barloventomagico

Blood-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoematotis) ©©barloventomagico

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:14-17 KJV)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV)

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) ©Arthur Grosset

Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) ©Arthur Grosset

The “Cross” birds were considered, but the Crossbills, which are in the Finches – Fringillidae Family, were the only birds with “cross” in their name. Also, “Crown” Birds were considered, but there were too many. If you missed the mini-series, they are the “Palm”, “Whip”, “Thorn” and the “Sword and Piercer” Birds.

See:

Gospel Message

Wordless Birds
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More Formed By Him Articles
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Bible Conference and Birds in South Carolina

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American Robin by Dan

American Robin by Dan

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2Ti 3:16)

An American Robin, two Cardinals and a Mockingbird greeted us here in South Carolina. We also saw a Red-tailed Hawk circling over the campus of Bob Jones University (our Alma mater) and a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in a tree. Spring is blooming out all around.

We came up here for the Bible Conference and have thoroughly enjoyed and received blessings from all five messages we were able to attend. We are now headed home and will arrive back in Florida soon.

Dr. Sam Horn, from Wisconsin, challenged us to “cast all our cares on the Lord” and to remember that, “we have a Father that knows our need.” His other message was to challenge us to “right living” through the “Divine enablement from God.”

Dr. David Innes, from California, taught on the “Greatness of God.” Two quotes I liked were; “All genuine ministry of life is the overflow of our walk with Christ.” and “God is uniquely Uncreated, Infinite, Triune, and Holy.” His second message was about the “Greatness of God’s Word.”

Dr. Bruce Compton, from Michigan, spoke on the “Relationship between a living faith and God’s Word.

It is good to sit under the ministry of Godly men who teach the Word of God in a concentrated time period, like a Bible Conference. Sometimes it is hard to get away to one, but it is worth the effort. Your soul will be refreshed and challenged.

It was also good to travel to a different state to try to get a glimpse of the birds that they have there. Didn’t see too many, but it was a very profitable trip. The Lord is always gracious.

This trip is why there has not been many articles from me lately. I will soon be back at the keyboard after I get the binoculars out to spot some more birds to write about.

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New Finch Species Shows Conservation

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Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis) ©Wiki

Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis) ©Wiki

New Finch Species Shows Conservation, Not Macroevolution
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *

“Darwin’s finches” are a variety of small black birds that were observed and collected by British naturalist Charles Darwin during his famous voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle in the early 1800s. Years later, Darwin argued that subtle variations in their beak sizes supported his concept that all organisms share a common ancestor (a theory known as macroevolution). The finches, whose technical name is Geospiza, have since become classic evolutionary icons.
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In the fourth generation, “after a severe drought, the lineage was reduced to a single brother and sister, who bred with each other.”1 Their descendants have carried on the family traits. The Grants reported in a study on the birds published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that “our observations provide new insight into speciation and hence, into the origin of a new species.”2 But the details show that this new “species” is just a variation within the finch kind, and is therefore irrelevant to big-picture evolution.

 

Large Cactus Finch (Geospiza conirostris) ©WikiC

Large Cactus Finch (Geospiza conirostris) ©WikiC

Genus Geospiza contains six species, and these are usually distinguished by the songs that the males sing primarily to attract breeding partners. However, if a father bird dies while his chicks are young, and all they hear is the neighboring song of a different species, for example, young birds can learn the wrong songs. When these mature, they sing the song of, and breed with, the foster father’s species. Other scenarios result in crossbreeding between Geospiza species. ……”

To read the whole the article – CLICK HERE

From Institute for Creation Research

Do Migratory Birds Practice Preventative Medicine?

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Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

Do Migratory Birds Practice Preventative Medicine?
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *

“Before a long migration, certain birds shift from an insect diet to eating fruits such as berries. Researchers once thought that this added carbohydrate reserves as fuel for the journey. But a new study out of the University of Rhode Island suggests that the birds are interested in the fruits’ antioxidants, not their sugars.

Antioxidants are chemicals that are packed within richly colored fruit skins and are known to stabilize cellular processes. Based on research presented at the March 24th American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco, it appears that the birds fill up on berry antioxidants for the medicinal benefits they provide to tissues that will undergo stress during the upcoming flight.

But this implies that birds use preventative medicine by instinct,….”
To read the rest of the article – CLICK HERE

Thought this was quite interesting and that you might enjoy reading the article from Institute for Creation Research.

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Interesting Things – Mantis’s Hearing

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SmileyCentral.com

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:3 KJV)

All insects that hear, except one, have two ears. Some insects have ears on their legs, thorax or abdomen. However, they all follow the same principle. Their ears are separated so that they can locate the source of the sound – except in one insect.

European Mantis (Mantis Religiosa) ©©Reini68

European Mantis (Mantis Religiosa) ©©Reini68

Scientists always thought the praying mantis was deaf. The 1,700 species of mantises have no structure that looks like an ear. Only after a long process of detailed study and testing did scientists finally discover that the mantis can hear. Further investigation finally led to the discovery of one of the most bizarre methods of hearing anywhere in the animal kingdom.

The mantis’s hearing organ is difficult to call an ear. Unlike any other insect, the mantis has only one hearing organ, located in a groove underneath its thorax. The teardrop shaped groove has a thinner cuticle than other parts of the body. Beneath the cuticle there is a relatively large air sac on each side of the groove. These sacs are connected to the insect’s respiratory system. Near the top of the sac are the nerves that carry the sensation of sound to the nervous system. Scientists say that this hearing organ senses ultrasonic frequencies. When researchers played a bat like sound to a mantis in flight, it immediately took an evasive flight path to escape the bat it thought it heard.

There is no limit to God’s creativity or His ability to make whatever He can imagine. We should keep this in mind, especially when some human authority tells us the Bible has made a mistake.

Prayer:
I marvel and praise You, dear Lord, as I consider the creation around me. Even as some would use the creation to deny Your existence, help me to more clearly see the excellence of all that You do, both materially and spiritually. Amen.
Notes:
Miller, Julie Ann. 1986. “Sensory surprises in platypus, mantis.” Science News, v. 129. p. 104.

From Creation Moments – Cyclops Ear ©3/10/11

More – Interesting Things
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Fantastic Bird Carver

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I received a request to show this short documentary about a lady, Lona Hymas-Smith, who is a great woodcarving artist. After viewing the YouTube by HappyShiver, I decided to share it on our blog. She is a fantastic artist.

Lona’s niece made this video. I am sure she is very proud of her aunt’s talent. Hope you enjoy watching her at work. What a great gift the Lord has given her. Check out her website at: http://icarvum.com/

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. (Proverbs 17:8 KJV)

Miami University Professors Essentially Admit Evolution Has Connections to Dismal Science and Math Scores

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Here is an interesting article from Ken Ham at Answers in Genesis. Thought it was very interesting and worth reading. – Lee

Miami University Professors Essentially Admit Evolution Has Connections to Dismal Science and Math Scores.

Interesting Things – Dinosaur Blood

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Dinosaur Blood by Creation Moments

Job 40:15
“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.”

A short while ago, Creation Moments reported the case of blood cells being discovered in a fossilized T. rex bone. Today, we report on another case. While most fossil bones have lithified, or turned to stone, occasionally identifiable bones are found that are only partially lithified.

Scientists had been studying the fossilized upper leg bone of a T. rex they date at 68 million years. The study consisted of dissolving the minerals from the fossilized bone with slightly alkaline solutions. They were completely surprised, for what remained was a soft, pliable material that proved to be high in carbon. Closer study of the pliable material revealed what appeared to be a network of blood vessels. Researchers were then amazed to find that this network was very similar to the networks found in modern ostrich bones. What’s more, they found bone cells as well as red blood cells in this material. Such findings would never be expected in 68-million-year-old biological material, but the researchers could offer no other interpretation for what they saw. They are now hoping that the discovery might shed light on dinosaur physiology and metabolism.

Researchers are still puzzled at how 68-million-year-old biological material could be preserved for so long. Of course, the obvious answer is that the material is not nearly that old and that dinosaurs were even part of human history.

Prayer:
Father, I thank You for all the wonders of Your creation, including the great dinosaurs. Amen.
Notes:
Science News, 3/26/05, p. 195, S. Perkins, “Old Softy.”

To see more Interesting Things, check out the PLUS section.

Raining Red-winged Blackbirds

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Red-winged Blackbird at Bok Sanctuary

Red-winged Blackbird at Bok Sanctuary

Many have heard the news today about the many (4,000-5,000 at last count) Red-winged Blackbirds that they found in Arkansas. They fell from the sky on New Year’s Eve.

“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesman Keith Stephens says the birds fell in an area about a mile long and a half-mile wide (1 1/2 kilometers long and 800 meters wide). The Commission said Saturday that it began receiving reports about the dead birds about 11:30 p.m. the previous night.

The birds fell over a 1-mile (2-kilometer) area, and an aerial survey indicated that no other dead birds were found outside of that area. Laboratories in Arkansas, Georgia and Wisconsin will examine some carcasses starting Monday.” (Foxnews.com)

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) female by Ian

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) female by Ian

The ornithologists are debating whether it was lightning or hail that hit the flock. At this time of the year they are in migration or gathered in flocks. I know here in Central Florida, the Red-winged Blackbirds have just begun coming back to my feeders after their summer in the north.

It is very sad and seems quite devastating to think about. I really enjoy watching them and especially have been challenged by trying to identify the female red-wing. One thing is for certain:

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 KJV)

I know they were not sparrows, but those verses apply to all the birds.

Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are in the Icteridae Family which includes Oropendolas, Orioles and Blackbirds. There are 108 members and they are perching birds (Passeriformes Order)

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) by Ray

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) by Ray

The male Red-winged Blackbird has a red shoulder patch bordered by yellow or white and has black plumage. The female is brownish overall with heavy streaked underparts. The juveniles are similar to the female. They have sharply-pointed bills. They are about 8.75 inches (22 cm) long.

As I thought about them today, I imagined their summer up north with having the young and flying here and there gathering worms and insects to feed them. Then watched their young learn to fly and grow. Now, they may have been migrating down here to enjoy the winter. The Creator of them knew all about that and also knew this was going to happen.

Sad, yes, but what about us? Do we get busy with all of our activities, but forget that our lives are also in the Hands of the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ?

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NKJV)

Quoted in yesterday’s sermon at Faith Baptist ~ “It is curious that people who are filled with horrified indignation whenever a cat kills a sparrow can hear that story of the killing of God told Sunday after Sunday and not experience any shock at all.” –Dorothy Sayers

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Interesting Things – Butterfly Colors

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White Peacock Butterfly by Herman1944

White Peacock Butterfly by Herman1944

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

More Butterfly Colors than You Can See – from Creation Moments

ThinkingThe Amazing Butterfly

The beautiful wing of the butterfly has a lesson to teach everyone who believes living things were created by chance. The design of the butterfly wing involves much more than just intricate complexity. In addition to showing a knowledge of flight, each wing design is the product of very precise specifications built around the specific wavelengths of visible light.

The iridescent colors you admire on a butterfly’s wing are created by the scales of the wings. Each square centimeter of wing has tens of thousands of these scales, each attached to the wing by tiny stems and overlapping each other like cedar shakes. Each one of these scales was a living cell until a day or two before the butterfly emerged from its pupa. Each tiny scale is made of a vertical and horizontal framing within which are found various sacks of pigment hanging from the framework.

Monarch Butterfly at the Butterfly World©©

Monarch Butterfly at the Butterfly World©©

Butterfly wings that seem to glow with iridescent blues and greens have scales with tiny lattices and ribbed walls that are designed to cause interference patterns in light waves within the 300 700 nanometer range – exactly the range humans see as color. That interference pattern is what our eyes interpret as iridescence.

It takes a good knowledge of physics as well as micro architecture to design and build an iridescent butterfly wing! Science clearly teaches us that such ability and knowledge does not come from chance. Let’s be bold to admit the truth – there is a Creator!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, a child can see the beauty of Your handiwork in the wing of the butterfly. Through my witness, help those who have been fooled by evolution to see You in Your creation and our salvation

From  More Butterfly Colors than You Can See ©Creation Moments 2010

See also:

Interesting Things

Interesting Things – The Amazing Butterfly

Butterflies – God’s Flying Flowers

The Creation of New Butterfly Species Before Our Eyes, Stephen Caesar

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Not By Chance

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Not a Chance by Creation Moments – 11/17/10

Psalm 148:7-8 “Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word…”

Is there any such thing as chance or luck? Does anything ever happen randomly? Many people don’t realize that the Bible speaks to these questions.

In late August 1992, a tornado swept through a small Wisconsin town and caused a great deal of destruction. That made it newsworthy enough. However, the destruction it wrought on one church in town received special notice on some national newscasts. Pictures showed the church in ruins. But the altar still stood, barely visible in the rubble. Most astonishing was the fact that the Bible still stood on its stand in its customary place on the altar. The undamaged Bible was open to where Psalm 77 reads,

The clouds poured out water, the skies sent out a sound; your arrows also flashed about. The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.

Does that sound like chance?

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) Reinier Munguia

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) Reinier Munguia

In Matthew 10, Jesus tells us that God is so involved in His creation that not one of the billions of sparrows in the world falls to the ground without His knowledge. Psalm 148 tells us that the entire creation praises God in everything that happens. God is so personally involved in the creation that He even instructs each wind about the speed and direction to take.

Was it simply luck that the altar was spared and the Bible was open to Psalm 77? God is involved in every detail of the creation. Let’s praise God that there is no such thing as luck!

Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank You that there is no such thing as luck because You are so intimately involved in the creation. Help me to cleanse my mind and speech of the pagan ideas of chance and luck. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.