HOTHEADS VENTING HEATS ANGER
Ephesians 4:31
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."
For years those filled with anger were advised to vent their anger. Supposedly, venting one's anger - hitting a pillow, breaking things, yelling - would get rid of the anger. To many people, such advice seemed contrary to the spirit of Scripture. And a few more conservative voices in the counseling community maintained that far from dealing constructively with anger, venting actually increases it.
A Duke University study has documented that venting not only increases anger, but is actually bad for one's health. In one study, researchers randomly assigned reading to 600 college students. Some students read pro venting articles, others read anti venting articles, while others read articles on unrelated subjects. Students were asked to write an essay on the article they read. Then, each was given negative comments about their essay - comments designed to make them angry -followed by the opportunity to hit a punching bag. Finally, each student was paired with an opponent in a competition that offered an opportunity for aggression.
Researchers found that students who read a pro venting article were twice as aggressive as the others. Aggression levels were also linked to how much the students liked hitting the punching bag. Other studies have shown that anger doubles or triples one's chance of having a heart attack, and long term anger is linked to other health problems as well.
Science has again "learned" what the Bible has always taught: anger is not good for you or anyone else.
Forgive me, Father, and take all anger from my heart so that I may show Your love to me in Christ to those around me. Amen.
Judy Forman, "New Advice for Hotheads: Cool It," Star Tribune, Sunday May 9, 1999, PE3. Photo: Courtesy of David Shankbone. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Ephesians 4:31
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."
For years those filled with anger were advised to vent their anger. Supposedly, venting one's anger - hitting a pillow, breaking things, yelling - would get rid of the anger. To many people, such advice seemed contrary to the spirit of Scripture. And a few more conservative voices in the counseling community maintained that far from dealing constructively with anger, venting actually increases it.
A Duke University study has documented that venting not only increases anger, but is actually bad for one's health. In one study, researchers randomly assigned reading to 600 college students. Some students read pro venting articles, others read anti venting articles, while others read articles on unrelated subjects. Students were asked to write an essay on the article they read. Then, each was given negative comments about their essay - comments designed to make them angry -followed by the opportunity to hit a punching bag. Finally, each student was paired with an opponent in a competition that offered an opportunity for aggression.
Researchers found that students who read a pro venting article were twice as aggressive as the others. Aggression levels were also linked to how much the students liked hitting the punching bag. Other studies have shown that anger doubles or triples one's chance of having a heart attack, and long term anger is linked to other health problems as well.
Science has again "learned" what the Bible has always taught: anger is not good for you or anyone else.
Forgive me, Father, and take all anger from my heart so that I may show Your love to me in Christ to those around me. Amen.
Judy Forman, "New Advice for Hotheads: Cool It," Star Tribune, Sunday May 9, 1999, PE3. Photo: Courtesy of David Shankbone. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
DOCTORS STUDY GOD
John 11:11-12
"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."
Physicians have been mystified by and are in the process of studying GOD. But in this case, the acronym "GOD" stands for "generation of diversity." The diversity that amazes them is the diversity found in our immune system. While we have fewer than 100,000 genes, our immune system is able to generate tens of millions of distinct antibodies to defend and protect itself from disease. How can only 100,000 genes produce thousands of times that many antibodies?
Actually, we have two immune systems. The first is called the innate system. This rapid response system relies on common characteristics found in most microbes to bind and conquer them. The second immune system is called the combinatorial immune system. It is this second immune system that generates tens of millions of different and very specific antibodies. Its response is slower than the innate system because it responds to an infection by making and sending a variety of antibodies at invaders. Depending on which antibodies recognize the invader, the combinatorial system then begins to manufacture more specific antibodies until the invader is conquered.
Researchers studying the details of the immune system are astonished at how evolution could design such a complex, ingenious and precise system. Even from a scientific standpoint, the simpler explanation is that our immune system, like everything else, was created by an all wise, all-powerful Creator!
I thank You, Father, for providing us with immune systems, and I ask You for good health. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
John Travis, "The Accidental Immune System," Science News, November 7, 1998, v. 154, p. 302. Photo: A single white blood cell (yellow) engulfing anthrax bacteria. Courtesy of Volker Brinkmann. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license.
John 11:11-12
"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."
Physicians have been mystified by and are in the process of studying GOD. But in this case, the acronym "GOD" stands for "generation of diversity." The diversity that amazes them is the diversity found in our immune system. While we have fewer than 100,000 genes, our immune system is able to generate tens of millions of distinct antibodies to defend and protect itself from disease. How can only 100,000 genes produce thousands of times that many antibodies?
Actually, we have two immune systems. The first is called the innate system. This rapid response system relies on common characteristics found in most microbes to bind and conquer them. The second immune system is called the combinatorial immune system. It is this second immune system that generates tens of millions of different and very specific antibodies. Its response is slower than the innate system because it responds to an infection by making and sending a variety of antibodies at invaders. Depending on which antibodies recognize the invader, the combinatorial system then begins to manufacture more specific antibodies until the invader is conquered.
Researchers studying the details of the immune system are astonished at how evolution could design such a complex, ingenious and precise system. Even from a scientific standpoint, the simpler explanation is that our immune system, like everything else, was created by an all wise, all-powerful Creator!
I thank You, Father, for providing us with immune systems, and I ask You for good health. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
John Travis, "The Accidental Immune System," Science News, November 7, 1998, v. 154, p. 302. Photo: A single white blood cell (yellow) engulfing anthrax bacteria. Courtesy of Volker Brinkmann. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license.
AMERICAN FLASHERS
Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Some time ago here on Creation Moments we did a program about Asian fireflies that flash in unison. The unspoken question was, "Aren't there some American species that flash in unison?" Someone in Tennessee who saw the same reports on which our program was based had the answer to that question. She contacted a researcher at Georgia Southern University to report an American species that clearly flashes in unison. At first, researchers had a difficult time believing that there were other firefly species that could accomplish this difficult task. But now several American species that flash in unison have been identified.
The newly identified species is found in the eastern United States, as far north as Pennsylvania and all the way down to Georgia. Another species has been found in Texas. Yet another species is found in the Gulf states. In each case, the males synchronize their flashes, creating a dramatic light show. Some species flash in unison for hundreds of flashes, producing shows that last up to three or four minutes.
Researchers have tried to explain this complex behavior in what is supposed to be a simple species. What troubles them is that every explanation they come up with credits the firefly with having some sort of pacemaker in its tiny brain. To those with an evolutionary view, this is unacceptably complex. But for those of us who know we have an all wise Creator, the synchronized flashing of fireflies is but another sign of the excellence of His work.
Father, let my light shine before men so that others may see Your work. Amen.
Susan Milius, "U.S. Fireflies Flashing in Unison," Science News, March 13, 1999, v. 155, p. 168. Photo: Adult firefly or lightning bug. Courtesy of Bruce Marlin. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Some time ago here on Creation Moments we did a program about Asian fireflies that flash in unison. The unspoken question was, "Aren't there some American species that flash in unison?" Someone in Tennessee who saw the same reports on which our program was based had the answer to that question. She contacted a researcher at Georgia Southern University to report an American species that clearly flashes in unison. At first, researchers had a difficult time believing that there were other firefly species that could accomplish this difficult task. But now several American species that flash in unison have been identified.
The newly identified species is found in the eastern United States, as far north as Pennsylvania and all the way down to Georgia. Another species has been found in Texas. Yet another species is found in the Gulf states. In each case, the males synchronize their flashes, creating a dramatic light show. Some species flash in unison for hundreds of flashes, producing shows that last up to three or four minutes.
Researchers have tried to explain this complex behavior in what is supposed to be a simple species. What troubles them is that every explanation they come up with credits the firefly with having some sort of pacemaker in its tiny brain. To those with an evolutionary view, this is unacceptably complex. But for those of us who know we have an all wise Creator, the synchronized flashing of fireflies is but another sign of the excellence of His work.
Father, let my light shine before men so that others may see Your work. Amen.
Susan Milius, "U.S. Fireflies Flashing in Unison," Science News, March 13, 1999, v. 155, p. 168. Photo: Adult firefly or lightning bug. Courtesy of Bruce Marlin. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
HOW MUCH DOES SCIENCE KNOW?
Genesis 1:11
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."
What's left to be discovered? Many people have the idea that scientists have discovered just about everything when it comes to everyday subjects. Sure, scientists are searching for cures for many diseases and making discoveries of new atomic particles. But when it comes to common things, say botany, even many scientists think everything has been discovered.
But a few botanists realize that even when it comes to wild plants in North America, a surprising percentage of these plants still have not yet been discovered, named or described scientifically. One modern botanist who holds this belief has named 118 new plants, discovered 61 distinctive varieties and 57 recorded plants that have been named as new species. While some of the newly discovered plants that have been found relatively recently are in remote locations, many are seen by people every day. A member of the lily family that was first described in 1972 grew only 10 miles from downtown San Francisco. What is now known as Morefield's leather flower was discovered in 1982 on a vacant lot in suburban Huntsville, Alabama. Botanists working in this field estimate that 5 percent of North American plants still remain either undescribed or undiscovered.
God created such a variety of plants that modern science still has not even discovered all the living plants around us. This truth should tell us that modern science cannot tell us that God did not create this wonderful variety and beauty.
Father, we thank You for the variety and beauty that You have built into the plants around us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Susan Milius, "Unknown Plants Under Our Noses," Science News, January 2, 1999, v. 155, p. 8. Photo: Clematis morefieldii, Morefield's leather flower.
Genesis 1:11
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."
What's left to be discovered? Many people have the idea that scientists have discovered just about everything when it comes to everyday subjects. Sure, scientists are searching for cures for many diseases and making discoveries of new atomic particles. But when it comes to common things, say botany, even many scientists think everything has been discovered.
But a few botanists realize that even when it comes to wild plants in North America, a surprising percentage of these plants still have not yet been discovered, named or described scientifically. One modern botanist who holds this belief has named 118 new plants, discovered 61 distinctive varieties and 57 recorded plants that have been named as new species. While some of the newly discovered plants that have been found relatively recently are in remote locations, many are seen by people every day. A member of the lily family that was first described in 1972 grew only 10 miles from downtown San Francisco. What is now known as Morefield's leather flower was discovered in 1982 on a vacant lot in suburban Huntsville, Alabama. Botanists working in this field estimate that 5 percent of North American plants still remain either undescribed or undiscovered.
God created such a variety of plants that modern science still has not even discovered all the living plants around us. This truth should tell us that modern science cannot tell us that God did not create this wonderful variety and beauty.
Father, we thank You for the variety and beauty that You have built into the plants around us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Susan Milius, "Unknown Plants Under Our Noses," Science News, January 2, 1999, v. 155, p. 8. Photo: Clematis morefieldii, Morefield's leather flower.
EVOLUTIONARY PREDICTION FAILS
Genesis 1:24
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so."
Scientists who believe in creation often point out that when we finally learn the genetics of a creature, that information doesn't match its supposed evolutionary history. There are many examples of this, and a new example was reported in the scientific literature at the end of 1998.
Evolutionary scientists had theorized that turtles were the last survivors of a very early group of creatures that later evolved into reptiles, birds and mammals. Their reasoning for this lies in the type of skull turtles have. Most reptiles and birds have two holes on each side of their skulls, behind their eyes. But turtles stand alone in having none of these holes. So they were classified as a separate evolutionary branch. But a comparison of the genetics of the turtle and other reptiles now places turtles among reptiles. They are not related to any supposed ancestor of reptiles, but rather are closest to alligators and birds. While some evolutionists are critical of this study, the study itself is the second that places turtles among the modern reptile family.
As more genetic information has become known in recent years, the relationships revealed have not generally been what evolutionists expected. And this is exactly what those who believe in the Creator would expect. So next time someone tries to tell you that belief in the Creator is ignorant and unscientific, just remember the turtle!
Dear Father in heaven, I thank You that true knowledge glorifies You. Help my life and witness glorify You as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
R. Monastersky, "Turtle genes upset reptilian family tree," Science News, December 5, 1998, v. 154, p. 358. Photo: Skeleton of a snapping turtle in Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts.
Genesis 1:24
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so."
Scientists who believe in creation often point out that when we finally learn the genetics of a creature, that information doesn't match its supposed evolutionary history. There are many examples of this, and a new example was reported in the scientific literature at the end of 1998.
Evolutionary scientists had theorized that turtles were the last survivors of a very early group of creatures that later evolved into reptiles, birds and mammals. Their reasoning for this lies in the type of skull turtles have. Most reptiles and birds have two holes on each side of their skulls, behind their eyes. But turtles stand alone in having none of these holes. So they were classified as a separate evolutionary branch. But a comparison of the genetics of the turtle and other reptiles now places turtles among reptiles. They are not related to any supposed ancestor of reptiles, but rather are closest to alligators and birds. While some evolutionists are critical of this study, the study itself is the second that places turtles among the modern reptile family.
As more genetic information has become known in recent years, the relationships revealed have not generally been what evolutionists expected. And this is exactly what those who believe in the Creator would expect. So next time someone tries to tell you that belief in the Creator is ignorant and unscientific, just remember the turtle!
Dear Father in heaven, I thank You that true knowledge glorifies You. Help my life and witness glorify You as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
R. Monastersky, "Turtle genes upset reptilian family tree," Science News, December 5, 1998, v. 154, p. 358. Photo: Skeleton of a snapping turtle in Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts.
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