Fantastic Animal Facts

The following factoids are true.

 A chameleon can move its eyes in two directions at the same time.
 Dolphins sleep at night just below the surface of the water. They frequently rise to the surface for air.
 A cockroach can live for up to a week without a head.
 An albatross can sleep while it flies. It apparently dozes while cruising at 25 mph.
 Amazon ants (red ants found in the western U.S.) steal the larvae of other ants to keep as slaves. The slave ants build homes for and feed the Amazon ants, who cannot do anything but fight. They depend completely on their slaves for survival.
 The hummingbird is the only bird that can hover and fly straight up, down, or backward!
 A leech is a worm that feeds on blood. It will pierce its victim's skin, fill itself with three to four times its own body weight in blood, and will not feed again for months. Leeches were once used by doctors to drain “bad blood” from sick patients.
 Lovebirds are small parakeets who live in pairs. Male and female lovebirds look alike, but most other male birds have brighter colors than the females.
 Only female mosquitoes bite. Females need the protein from blood to produce their eggs.

While this information may be interesting, it is very easy to ask “so what?” Much of the information and knowledge we are given each day could fall into this category. It might help you to win a game show, but would it help to live a happier, more positive life? No, of course not! But there is knowledge that will do just that. Listen to the psalmist:

You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. (Psalm 119:65-67 NLV).

It is this knowledge that will give substance to our faith. Faith never need be merely blind belief. There is substance to our faith and we may find it in the study of the Scripture. Knowledge also stabilizes us during times of testing. How often have you asked the question “why” when faced with difficulty? There is often an answer to that question. It may only be found in the accuracy and dependability of the Scripture. Knowledge equips us to detect and confront error. How else may we know the correct choices to make in our lives? God gives us direction through the Scripture. Study is essential to eliminating as many errors as possible in our lives. Knowledge also makes us confident and consistent in our walk with God. There is a special sense of well being that comes from knowing the “right” way to do things. That comes from an understanding of the Scripture. Knowledge filters out our fears and superstitions. Knowledge empowers.

Rossini was once presented with a watch by the King of France of which he was justly proud. Several years after, showing it to a friend, he was told that though he had possessed it so long, he did not know its real value. "Impossible," said Rossini, whereupon the friend, taking the watch, touched a secret spring, at which an inner case flew open, disclosing a beautiful miniature painting of Rossini himself. This is how many of us live our lives. We have accepted and valued our traditions and history, but it we have not discovered the inner secret which gives us real joy. The portrait of Christ is still hidden. When the secret spring of knowledge is touched and the Face of Christ is recognized, the whole attitude of mind and theory of values is changed. It is characteristic also of much avowed discipleship. "Have I been so long a time with you, and have you not known Me, Philip?" said Christ to one who called himself a disciple and an intimate.