The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Psalm 111:2

Instructions

To complete your homework, read the scriptures and assigned online articles and answer the associated questions. If more detailed instructions are needed, they are provided in the appropriate section.

Lesson: The Character of God in Creation – A Case Study

Name of God: Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides

Read 1 Kings 17:1-24
This chapter includes accounts of God’s provision at three different times using three different ways.

1. How did God provide water and food for Elijah? (17:2-6)

2. What did God use to indicate to Elijah it was time to move on? (17:7-9)

3. How did God prepare provision for Elijah in advance before he arrived at Zarephath? (17:9)

4. How did God provide food for Elijah, the widow and the widow’s son? (17:10-16)

5. Read Hebrews 11:1. How does God define faith?

6. How did the widow display faith in God’s provision for her and her son? (17:12-15)

7. Why do you think God chose to provide food for Elijah in two different ways? (17:2-16)

8. How did God provide for the widow and her son a second time? (17:17-23)

9. Why do you think God waited to heal the boy until Elijah asked three times?

10. What was the significance of God bringing the widow’s son back to life culturally and spiritually? (17:22)

11. Read Psalm 104:10-18; 27-28. What does God say about providing for His Creation?

12. Read Matthew 6:25-34. What does God say about providing for you?

13. How does the widow from 1 Kings 17 offer an example of Matthew 6:33?

Creation Example
In the deep recesses of the ocean, there is an ecosystem scientists have termed a whale fall. It is a unique environment that is created when a large whale dies and its carcass falls to the bottom of the ocean, providing food for the animals that live along or feed from the seafloor. What is most remarkable is that there are species identified from whale fall ecosystems that are found nowhere else in the ocean. Depending on the size of the whale, its carcass can sustain a balanced ecosystem for up to ten years.

Deep ocean animals exhibit a wide variety of features to accommodate infrequent and sporadic food supply. Species such as the giant marine isopod can fast for long periods of time. The known record holder was a giant marine isopod held in captivity in Japan that became a national icon because it refused to eat for over five years! Some species have anatomical features that allow them to consume prey larger than themselves. For example, the gulper eel’s mouth can expand to hold eleven times the volume of its entire body. Other species like hagfish have the capabilities to be indiscriminate eaters, consuming everything from flesh, organs and even bones to obtain the energy necessary for survival in an environment where food is scarce.

14. In what ways does God provide for deep ocean animals?

15. What various factors must God control to provide for species that live in the deep sea?

16. What can these examples teach us about God’s character?

17. How can Matthew 6:34 be applied practically when we are feeling anxious about God’s provision?

18. What encouragement can you find in God’s provision for deep ocean animals?

Instructions 

Go to each of the assigned web sites to read and take notes on the appropriate article. Links are provided below.  For each of the assigned articles, your notes should include the following points:

  • Provide a summary of the key points of the article. If you had to give a presentation on the article, what information would you include in your notes?

  • List concepts or information that you found most interesting about the topic.

  • List any information that was presented from an evolutionary standpoint. Note any portion of the information that is truth.

  • List any words or information that you do not understand. Research these words and or concepts on your own.

We will review this information in our class lecture and discussion.

1 | Save the Manatee
Article: Sirenians of the World

2 | Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Article #1: Florida Manatee
Article #2: Florida Manatee Facts and Information

3 | US Fish & Wildlife Service
Article: West Indian Manatee

Instructions

Go to each of the assigned web sites to watch the video provided. Take notes on the key points of each video. Document the highlighted features or behaviors of the animal species as applicable.

  1. Manatees Are the "Sea Cows" of the Coasts | Nat Geo Wild (Time: 3:06)

  2. Guy Keeps Saving Baby Manatees | The Dodo Heroes | (Time: 3:13)

  3. Homosassa Manatee Webcam Highlights - Under Water | AdoptAManatee
    Watch 15 minutes of the linked video. Record the time code that you watched. How many manatees can you see?

  4. Crystal River Refuge's "Manatee Manners" for Swimmers | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Time: 8:25)

There is one species of manatee that can be seen in South Florida, the Florida Manatee.

Now it is time to apply what you've learned! In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that we can learn about God’s character by looking at what He made. Consider both the biblical and biological information that was discussed in this lesson and then write out your answers to the following questions.

  • This week we read Scriptures describing God's provision.  How can you see this character of God in way He designed manatees?

  • Take a few moments to consider the different types of sea cows that God made.  Think about one aspect of these animals that you enjoy.  Tell God about it by writing it out on paper. Then write out a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord praising Him for His Creation.