We are living in serious and exciting times. Everything around us points to Jesus coming back very soon! If we are watching, signs all around us warn that the period of great tribulation is just before us. Unfortunately, the majority of the church is asleep and caught up in the cares of this world. The description in Revelation 3 of the Laodicean Church being lukewarm is accurate of our times. We no longer have concern for our fellow man, we no longer hear God’s Word from the pulpit and we don’t spend time in fervent prayer or the reading of God’s word. The only concern we have is for ourselves. We wonder what we will do this weekend, where are we going on our next vacation, what restaurant we should try next, how we should remodel our house, what's the next hot movie to see, all with no thought about the souls perishing all around us. We need to recognise the times in which we are living and start putting God first in our lives.
We have warning upon warning from the Bible that the majority of "Christians" will not make it.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7;13,14
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13;24
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14
May we seek God first in ALL things and realise the time of the end is upon us. How then shall we be living?
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:21
All scripture is the King James Version unless otherwise noted. Thank you for visiting and may we all draw closer to our Lord and be better servants for Him!
Anything on this website that has been written by me may be used freely and without permission or link backs. Freely I have received, freely I give. The only thing I ask is that everything be kept in context.
TruNews is one site where I gather most of the news links for this site. It is a news portal and features one hour interviews of various guests covering a wide range of topics available on the internet and shortwave radio.
Some of the religious views are not in agreement with the views of this site but the information and insight provided is invaluable.
I highly recommend that everyone listen to the following interview done on November 28, 2011
Here is another audio clip from January 13, 2012. You will never hear anything close to this preached from any pulpit or religious broadcast. In these end times very few pastors are willing to preach the straight pure truth for fear of controversy and "offending" people. It is so much easier to preach smooth things for the people demand it. When more pastors have the courage to preach the straight truth, then we will have the shaking.
Today, more than ever before, people are alarmed as they observe the restless, strained relations that exist among the nations of this planet. This is a generation that is searching for answers, a generation that wants to know what lies behind the news headlines. Many are starting to wonder if there is some major, unseen, secretive force that is motivating and, perhaps, manipulating unfolding scenes on the global stage. Via Ut Roma (Road to Rome), is one of the most revealing, startling, timely and up-to-date documentaries on prophetic revelation and current events that you may ever see.
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
by William Law (1686- April 9, 1761) an English Cleric and theological writer.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2:12
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7;13,14
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13;24
The salvation of our souls is set forth in scripture as a thing of difficulty that requires all our diligence, that is to be worked out with fear and trembling.
We are told that "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it," that "many are called, but few are chosen." And that many will miss of their salvation who seem to have taken some pains to obtain it. As in these words, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
Here our blessed Lord commands us to strive to enter in because many will fail who only seek to enter. By which we are plainly taught that religion is a state of labor and striving, and that many will fail of their salvation, not because they took no pains or care about it, but because they did not take pains and care enough; they only sought, but did not strive to enter in.
Every Christian, therefore, should as well examine his life by these doctrines as by the commandments. For these doctrines are as plain marks of our condition as the commandments are plain marks of our duty.
For if salvation is only given to those who strive for it, then it is as reasonable for me to consider whether my course of life be a course of striving to obtain it as to consider whether I am keeping any of the commandments.
If my religion is only a formal compliance with those modes of worship that are in fashion where I live; if it costs me no pains or trouble; if it lays me under no rules and restraints; if I have no careful thoughts and sober reflections about it, is it not great weakness to think that I am striving to enter in at the strait gate?
If I am seeking everything that can delight my senses and regale my appetites, spending my time and fortune in pleasures, in diversions and worldly enjoyments, a stranger to watchings, fastings, prayers, and mortifications, how can it be said that I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling?
If there is nothing in my life and conversation that shows me to be different from Jews and heathens, if I use the world and worldly enjoyments as the generality of people now do and in all ages have done, why should I think that I am amongst those few who are walking in the narrow way to heaven?
And yet if the way is narrow, if none can walk in it but those that strive, is it not as necessary for me to consider whether the way I am in be narrow enough or the labor I take be a sufficient striving as to consider whether I sufficiently observe the second or third commandment?
The sum of this matter is this. From the above-mentioned and many other passages of scripture, it seems plain that our salvation depends upon the sincerity and perfection of our endeavors to obtain it.
What are Concordats? A concordat is an agreement between the Vatican and a foreign state. These church-state accords give the Church massive state subsidies and other privileges. They can effectively force liberal Catholics to observe orthodoxy, and can disadvantage non-Catholics, as well. As "international treaties", concordats bypass the democratic process, making parliaments powerless to modify, let alone revoke them.
The Roman Catholic Church tries to make concordats with any state wherever and whenever this becomes politically possible. This strategy has proven so successful that now other powerful churches (even ones that don’t claim to be countries) are clamouring for equivalent “church-state treaties”. These include the Lutheran Church in Germany and the Orthodox Church in Belarus and Georgia. In fact, if a future concordat is signed between the Vatican and the Czech Republic, even the Seventh Day Adventists have said that they want one, too. [1]
Of the 27 countries of the European Union, 14 are bound to the Holy See by at least one concordat: Germany (at both federal and state levels), Austria, Spain, France (!), Italy, Portugal, Luxemburg, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. There are also numerous concordats with Latin America, despite the widespread cancellation of earlier concordats there. [1] In addition, for the first time, the Holy See has concluded an agreement with Israel, with the Palestinian Authority, with Gabon and with the Organisation of African Unity. In Africa alone it has entered into concordat negotiations with Ethiopia and Mozambique. [2]
1. "The numerous concordats concluded towards the middle of the 19th century with several of the South American republics either have not come into force or have been denounced and replaced by a more or less pacific modus vivendi."
"19th-century concordats", Volume 6, Page 834 of the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica. http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/COM_COR/CONCORDAT_Lat_concordatum_agree.html
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5: 43-48
The Value of Prayer
by Mrs. E. G. White
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.”
We are told that Elijah “was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly,” and his prayer was answered. A royal decree was signed in the courts of Babylon, that if for thirty days any man asked a petition of any God or man, save of Darius the king, he should be cast into the lions’ den; but Daniel, notwithstanding he knew of the decree, failed not to pray three times a day, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, as he had done before the decree was made; and the God whom he served continually, delivered him out of the power of the lions. These holy men knew the value of communion with God.
When Jesus was upon earth, and walked a man among the children of men, he prayed, and oh, how earnest were his prayers! How often he spent the whole night upon the damp, cold ground, in agonizing supplication! And yet he was the beloved and sinless Son of God. If Jesus felt the necessity of communion with his Father, and manifested so much earnestness in calling upon him, how much more should we, whom he has called to be heirs of salvation, who are subject to the fiery temptations of the wily foe, and dependent upon divine grace for strength to overcome, have our whole souls stirred to wrestle with God. The language of our souls should be, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” But many have allowed their hearts to become overcharged with the cares of this life, and God and his word have been neglected.
The subjects of Satan, although they hate and war with one another, are active and united in the one object of destroying souls. They are vigilant in improving every opportunity to advance their common interest, and war against the kingdom of Christ. But He who is the great Commander in Heaven and on earth, has limited their power.
Satan is ever ready to insinuate that prayer is a mere form, and avails us nothing. He cannot bear to have his powerful rival appealed to. At the sound of fervent prayer, the hosts of darkness tremble. Fearing that their captive may escape, they form a wall around him, that Heaven’s light may not reach his soul. But if in his distress and helplessness the sinner looks to Jesus, pleading the merits of his blood, our compassionate Redeemer listens to the earnest, persevering prayer of faith, and sends to his deliverance a re-enforcement of angels that excel in strength. And when these angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of Heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, the angels of darkness fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost, and that one more soul is escaping from the power of their influence.
Prayer is the Christian’s life. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul, and that remedy is in Jesus. Precious Saviour! his grace is sufficient for the weakest, and the strongest must have his help or perish. A Christian has victory over his passions and besetments. I would not dishonor my Master so much as to admit that a careless, trifling, prayerless person is a Christian. It is the privilege of the Christian to enjoy the deep movings of the Spirit of God. A sweet, heavenly peace will pervade his mind. He will love to meditate upon God and Heaven, and to feast upon the glorious promises of the written word.
But how shall this victory over the world be obtained? Go to your closet, dear reader, and there plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Be in earnest; be sincere; Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God. Remain until unutterable longings for salvation are awakened in your heart, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin. Then when you leave your closet, watch; and so long as you watch and pray, the grace of God will appear in your life.
In no case neglect secret prayer; for it is the soul of religion. If you expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless in your prayers. Intercede with God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of the Spirit may dwell in you, and that, by your godly life, you may shine as a light in the world. When you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish, when you pant after him as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, then will the Lord strengthen you speedily, and you will have that peace that passeth understanding.
While you pray that you may not be led into temptation, remember that your work does not end with the prayer. You must then answer your own prayer as far as possible, by resisting temptation, and leave that which you cannot do for yourselves for Jesus to do for you. We cannot be too guarded in our words and deportment, lest we invite the enemy to approach us with his temptations. With the word of God for our guide, and Jesus for our heavenly teacher, we need not be ignorant of the divine requirements or of Satan’s devices. And it will be no unpleasant task to be obedient to the will of God, when we yield ourselves fully to be directed by his Spirit.
Pray in the family. Morning and evening obtain the victory at your family altar. Let not your daily labor keep you from this duty. Take time to pray. And as you pray, believe that God hears you, have faith mixed with your prayers. Let faith take hold of the blessing, and it is yours.
In the morning the Christian’s first thoughts should be of God. Come before him with humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers that surround yourself and your children. Morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, make a hedge about your children. Patiently instruct them; kindly and untiringly teach them how to live so that they may please God.
Teach your children reverence for God and the hour of prayer. The Lord our God is holy, and his name is to be treated with great reverence. Angels are displeased and disgusted with the irreverent manner in which the name of God, the great Jehovah, is sometimes used in prayer. They mention that name with the greatest awe, even veiling their faces when they speak the name of God; the name of Christ also is sacred, and is spoken with the greatest reverence. And those who in their prayers use the name of God in a common and flippant manner, have no sense of the exalted character of God, of Christ, or of heavenly things.
Pray in faith. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Prevailing prayer is the prayer of living faith; it takes God at his word, and claims his promises. Feeling has nothing to do with faith. When faith brings the blessing to your heart, and you rejoice in the blessing, then it is no more faith, but feeling. How strange it is that men will put confidence in the word of their fellow-men, and yet find it so hard to exercise living faith in God! The promises are ample; why not accept them just as they read? “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Every petition that is offered to God in faith, and with a true heart, will be answered. Such prayer is never lost; but to claim that it will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust him even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon his sure promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.”
Fervent and effectual prayer will be regarded in Heaven. It is the privilege of Christians to obtain strength from God to hold every precious gift of his Spirit. The power of God has not decreased. His grace and his Spirit will be just as freely bestowed now as formerly. It is the church of God that have lost their faith to claim, their energy to wrestle, as did Jacob, crying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Enduring faith has been dying away, and must be revived in the hearts of God’s people. There must be a claiming of the blessing of God. Living faith always bears upward to God and glory; unbelief, downward to darkness and death.
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” We can overcome, fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that by prevailing prayer by his grace, we might overcome every temptation, every subtle snare of the adversary, and at last sit down with him in his kingdom.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
There are a large number of professing Christians who do not really follow Jesus. They do not bear the cross by proper self-denial and self-sacrifice. Although making a great profession of being earnest Christians, they weave into the fabric of their character so many of the threads of their own imperfections that the beautiful pattern is spoiled. Of them Christ says: "You boast of being rich and increased with supposed spiritual attainments. In reality you are neither cold nor hot, but are filled with vain conceit. Unless converted, you cannot be saved; for you would mar heaven with your unsanctified wisdom. I cannot endorse your spirit and your work. You do not act according to the divine Example. You are following a pattern merely of your own invention. Because you are lukewarm, I must spew you out of My mouth."
Let us thank the Lord that while this class is so numerous, there is still time for repentance. Jesus says, "I, your Redeemer, know your works. I am familiar with the motives that prompt you to declare boastingly in regard to your spiritual condition, 'I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.' Thou 'knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.'"
Those who are in this condition are willfully ignorant. They do not discern the real character of sin. By their wrongdoing they constantly misrepresent the character of Christ and put Him to open shame. Professing to have a knowledge of the truth, they act in spirit as novices. They do not seem to understand the truth that must be expressed in word and deed to show a decided difference between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. They are false claimants of every Christian blessing and privilege, when, as Christ's representatives, they are not rich in spiritual grace or in good works. They are wretched, poor, blind, maimed. What a position to be in! They stand in their own light.
But notwithstanding their willful ignorance, they are not left by the Lord without added warning and counsel MS 138, 1902
This is the testimony of Dr. Annette Nitta who spoke at our church recently. This is one of the most powerful testimonies I have heard in a long time. Dr. Annette Nitta graduated from the Loma Linda School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine with a specialty in Infectious Diseases. In December of 2002, while at the beach with friends, Dr. Nitta was paralyzed from the neck down. This is her amazing testimony of what God did for her in her time of need.
I love personal testimonies because they reveal to us a very personal God who longs to intervene in our lives for our best interest and His Glory. Please see this page for some testimonies and biographies of some of God’s faithful servants.
I have put my contact information on the About this Site page if you have any questions.
Professor Walter Veith is an author and speaker and has produced several books and seminars. Two excellent seminars that connect and explain Bible prophecy, history and current
events is Total Onslaught and his newest work Rekindling the Reformation. As you can imagine, the topics covered are highly controversial especially if most of your news and information comes from the television or newspaper. Therefore, references have been provided for both series with most references contained within the video lecture. Most of the references are found directly from viewing the DVD while additional references for Total Onslaught can be found here and the references for Rekindling the Reformation can be found here.
You also will not want to miss Professor Veith's testimony.
Dr. Katherine Albrecht is a popular media commentator and a dynamic radio personality with her own syndicated radio show called “Uncovering the Truth with Katherine Albrecht.” Archives of her show can be found here.
Dr. Albrecht is also a highly effective privacy campaigner, public speaker and privacy expert who also has authored or co-authored six books and videos including the bestseller “Spychips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID” and “The Spychips Threat: Why Christians Should Resist RFID and Electronic Surveillance.”
She is also founder of CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering), a national consumer organization created in 1999 to eductae consumer-citizens about shopper surveillance.
He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666. Revelation 13:16-18 NIV
*WARNING!!* Partial recording of Katherine Albrecht on the Morning Liberty Show with RJ Hender on January 13, 2010.
Many people say, "I witness for Christ by the example I set as I live my life. As others see how I handle situations and rely upon Jesus for strength they will ask me about Jesus in their own time."
This might work for a few Christians out there but for the vast majority of lukewarm Christians, I think this is not a very effective way to witness. How many people have you led to Jesus in this manner over the years? It is a very passive way of witnessing and one that Jesus has never shown by example. Jesus never stayed in His carpenters shop hoping that the people He worked with, the people bringing Him work, or the people picking up finished projects would ask Jesus what made Him different. Jesus went out to the people, interacted with them and met their needs. He talked and ministered to them, showing love and compassion, healing them both physically and spiritually.
How many times has the subject of Christianity popped up and you said to your acquaintance, "oh yeah, I'm a Christian." And they say to you, "Oh, I didn't know that, what church do you go to?"
Many "Christians" including me, tend to act one way at church, one way at work, one way while driving, etc. We need to be consistent in our Christian walk no matter what situation we are in. The best judge of your true character is how you act when no one is watching and how you handle the "little" things in life.
His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21
Let us with boldness proclaim what Jesus has done for us. The time is short and we must give people opportunity and time to build their relationship and trust in Christ in order to change their characters to one that glorifies our Creator. For when the Time of Trouble is upon us, it will be very difficult to change our characters then. The devil rejoices when we put off what should be done today. God does not guarantee any of us tomorrow, For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation. 2Corinthians 6:2 NKJV
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4
Do you think that any of us, when He comes, will be brought before the great Judge and will feel that we have devoted too much time to preparation? Will such thoughts come into our minds? Shall we think that we have been altogether too sympathetic, that we have devoted too much time in winning souls back to Christ, and binding up the brokenhearted? No indeed. Our thoughts will be these as we look back to those who stand before the Judge: "Why didn't I help them at such a time when I ought to?" or, "O, I am glad I did deny myself and help them to stand on the solid rock." These are the very thoughts that will come up to us in the judgment when everyone is judged according to the deeds done in the body. {Sermons and Talks Vol.1 p.102.2}
We would all like to become better witnesses for Jesus. The time of the end we have waited for is upon us, we need to step out of our comfort zones and stand with Christ. By preparing others, you prepare yourself.
One of the divine plans for growth is impartation. The Christian is to gain strength by strengthening others. "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." This is not merely a promise; it is a divine law, a law by which God designs that the streams of benevolence, like the waters of the great deep, shall be kept in constant circulation, continually flowing back to their source. In the fulfilling of this law is the secret of spiritual growth. {Signs of the Times, June 12, 1901 par. 4}
Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) Offers training opportunuties to anyone who wants to become a dynamic and effective soul-winner. They'll equip you with the tools and courage you need to reach any soul for Christ at any time, no matter your current background in evangelism or outreach. Watch a video here.
The Empowered ChurchThis well laid-out program gives you proven methods that will guide your church step by step in building an effective evangelism cycle where evangelism is seen as an ongoing process and not just a one-time event. It builds on what your church is already doing, providing practical ways of being more effective in the areas of revival, church health, evangelism, and discipleship.
OMF International Offers short term and long term opportunities to work with a minstry team to develop your ministry skills in a cross-cultural setting, preparing you for the next step in your servcie to god. Serve in such countries as Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines and many others.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV
February 23, 2009
Researchers solve mystery of deep-sea fish with tubular eyes and transparent head
Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute recently solved the half-century-old mystery of a fish with tubular eyes and a transparent head. Ever since the "barreleye" fish Macropinna microstoma was first described in 1939, marine biologists have known that its tubular eyes are very good at collecting light. However, the eyes were believed to be fixed in place and seemed to provide only a "tunnel-vision" view of whatever was directly above the fish's head. A new paper by Bruce Robison and Kim Reisenbichler shows that these unusual eyes can rotate within a transparent shield that covers the fish's head. This allows the barreleye to peer up at potential prey or focus forward to see what it is eating.
Deep-sea fish have adapted to their pitch-black environment in a variety of amazing ways. Several species of deep-water fishes in the family Opisthoproctidae are called "barreleyes" because their eyes are tubular in shape. Barreleyes typically live near the depth where sunlight from the surface fades to complete blackness. They use their ultra-sensitive tubular eyes to search for the faint silhouettes of prey overhead.
Although such tubular eyes are very good at collecting light, they have a very narrow field of view. Furthermore, until now, most marine biologists believed that barreleye's eyes were fixed in their heads, which would allow them to only look upward. This would make it impossible for the fishes to see what was directly in front of them, and very difficult for them to capture prey with their small, pointed mouths.
Robison and Reisenbichler used video from MBARI's remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to study barreleyes in the deep waters just offshore of Central California. At depths of 600 to 800 meters (2,000 to 2,600 feet) below the surface, the ROV cameras typically showed these fish hanging motionless in the water, their eyes glowing a vivid green in the ROV's bright lights. The ROV video also revealed a previously undescribed feature of these fish--its eyes are surrounded by a transparent, fluid-filled shield that covers the top of the fish's head.
Most existing descriptions and illustrations of this fish do not show its fluid-filled shield, probably because this fragile structure was destroyed when the fish were brought up from the deep in nets. However, Robison and Reisenbichler were extremely fortunate--they were able to bring a net-caught barreleye to the surface alive, where it survived for several hours in a ship-board aquarium. Within this controlled environment, the researchers were able to confirm what they had seen in the ROV video--the fish rotated its tubular eyes as it turned its body from a horizontal to a vertical position.
In addition to their amazing "headgear," barreleyes have a variety of other interesting adaptations to deep-sea life. Their large, flat fins allow them to remain nearly motionless in the water, and to maneuver very precisely (much like MBARI's ROVs). Their small mouths suggest that they can be very precise and selective in capturing small prey. On the other hand, their digestive systems are very large, which suggests that they can eat a variety of small drifting animals as well as jellies. In fact, the stomachs of the two net-caught fish contained fragments of jellies.
After documenting and studying the barreleye's unique adaptations, Robison and Reisenbichler developed a working hypothesis about how this animal makes a living. Most of the time, the fish hangs motionless in the water, with its body in a horizontal position and its eyes looking upward. The green pigments in its eyes may filter out sunlight coming directly from the sea surface, helping the barreleye spot the bioluminescent glow of jellies or other animals directly overhead. When it spots prey (such as a drifting jelly), the fish rotates its eyes forward and swims upward, in feeding mode.
Barreleyes share their deep-sea environment with many different types of jellies. Some of the most common are siphonophores (colonial jellies) in the genus Apolemia. These siphonophores grow to over 10 meters (33 feet) long. Like living drift nets, they trail thousands of stinging tentacles, which capture copepods and other small animals. The researchers speculate that barreleyes may maneuver carefully among the siphonophore's tentacles, picking off the captured organisms. The fish's eyes would rotate to help the fish keep its "eyes on the prize," while its transparent shield would protect the fish's eyes from the siphonophore's stinging cells.
Robison and Reisenbichler hope to do further research to find out if their discoveries about Macropinna microstoma also apply to other deep-sea fish with tubular eyes. The bizarre physiological adaptations of the barreleyes have puzzled oceanographers for generations. It is only with the advent of modern underwater robots that scientists have been able to observe such animals in their native environment, and thus to fully understand how these physical adaptations help them survive.
