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: My Identity
Name of God: El Roi – the God who sees me
What does God say about you?
Read these verses and then write them out as a first-person statement.
Example:
Verse: “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” Isaiah 43:1
First Person Statement: I do not need to be afraid because God has set me free, called me by name and I am His.
What’s in a Name?
The meaning behind names in the Bible are significant. When God gave someone a name, it indicated who they were, who they would become, and what impact they would have on His Kingdom.
1. Research the biblical meaning of your name. If your name is not found in the Bible, research what it symbolizes.
2. What is your name’s meaning?
3. How could this meaning reveal what purpose God has for you?
The Power of Our Words
A name often reveals our identity and speaks to God’s purpose for us, our calling. The area of our calling is often the area where we are most attacked by the enemy. Perhaps you don’t see the truths that are highlighted in this lesson. However, this is how God sees you. He sees what isn’t yet formed and calls it into existence (Romans 4:17).
4. Read Proverbs 18:21 and write it in your notes.
The Bible tells us that we are co-Creators with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9). We are designed to be creative and bring things forth. You have the power to sow seeds and bring new life to yourself and others with your words. You have the power to speak things into existence that were not previously there. You also have the power to crush someone’s spirit with your words and bring death to dreams in your heart or another person’s heart.
5. How do you speak to yourself? Do you speak life or death over your abilities?
Life: “You got this!” “You can do it!” “Okay, that didn’t go the way that you had hoped but you tried it and you learned something.”
Death: “You’re an idiot.” “You are never going to get this right.” “Everyone is going to laugh at you.”
The Power of Positive Self-Talk
“Elite athletes show us how our mindset can make or break performance under pressure through positive self-talk. Athletes with mental toughness bounce back from setbacks and achieve peak performance by a lot. Physical training and talent matter, but the inner voice in an athlete's head ended up determining whether they succeed or fail under pressure.” McCarthy, Dr. P. (2025, May 28). How Professional Athletes Use Positive Self-Talk: Examples to Win Big. Dr. Paul McCarthy Sports Psychology. www.drpaulmccarthy.com
Other articles on this website refer to research that indicates:
Athletes who practice self-affirming activities have up to 20% less anxiety and perform better during competitions
Athletes can improve their performance by up to 15% after failure when using self-affirmation to recover.
Videos circulated on social media offer examples of professional athletes who engage in positive self-talk. For example, a video of Ronaldo getting ready to take a penalty kick shows him saying to himself, “You can. You can. Cross the barrier, same as always. For you, it’s normal to score.” Other world-class athletes such as Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Tom Brady and Naomi Osaka all talk about the importance of positive self-talk in their mental preparation for competitions. While we may not compete on the same stage as these athletes, positive self-talk will greatly influence our ability to become all that the Lord plans for us.
Case Study
I once heard someone say that he received criticism for arguing too much. When we receive criticism like that, it is easy to feel like we are “wrong” or maybe even unlikeable. However, let’s view this type of temperament through the lens of biblical truth. Scripture tells us that each one of us was created and designed by God with intention and purpose. God doesn’t make mistakes. With this perspective, an argumentative temperament, when wielded with an attitude of humility under the influence of the Holy Spirit, becomes a powerful weapon that can be used mightily for the kingdom of God. A person with this type of temperament often has a strong sense of justice and is willing to stand for the truth and what is right. And in doing so, we find someone who represents the very heart of Jesus Christ by standing up for those unable to defend themselves.
Remember that sometimes the aspect of ourselves that receives the most criticism could be an indication of a future purpose that is under attack from the enemy. If he can use criticism to keep you from what God has for you, he has won.
6. What is one aspect of yourself of which you are critical or for which you’ve received criticism? Write the critical thought that comes to mind when you think of this part of yourself.
7. Now take the critical thought and reframe it into something positive. What would God say about this aspect of you?
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 | NOAA
Article: What is a Sponge?
2 | Oceanic Research Group
Article: Sponges: They are Nothing Like Sponge Bob!
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.
Sponges! | Jonathan Bird's Blue World (Time: 9:43)
World's Biggest Sponge | New Scientist (Time: 1:04)
Here are a few species of sponges that we see locally in South Florida.
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 as beautiful. How can you see this character of God in the sponges that He created?
Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of sponges 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.