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 Battle
Name of God: Jehovah Nissi – the Lord is my banner
Read Exodus 17:8-16
“The Lord is my banner.” This statement invokes a picture of two armies positioned on either side of the battlefield, each one identifying themselves with large banners that offer important information to their enemies. First, a banner establishes identity. It tells the observer, this is who we are. Second, a banner establishes allegiance and declares this is the person or values to whom we are aligned. Third, banners are a picture of protection. It indicates which authority is responsible for providing shelter and protection for its people. When Moses calls God, Jehovah Nissi, the name was offered to recognize that God protected the Israelites when they were attacked by the Amalekites and gave them victory after an epic day-long battle.
Identity. This is who we are.
Allegiance. This is to whom we are aligned.
Protection. We are sheltered and preserved under God’s authority.
1. How do you think God as protector is displayed in Creation? Can you think of an example?
2. What does it mean to you personally that God actively seeks to protect His Creation?
Creation Example
There are numerous factors that render our planet habitable. One of these is the earth’s magnetic field, an invisible force that stretches from the outer core of the planet and into space. It functions as a shield, protecting earth from cosmic particle radiation as well as a phenomenon called solar wind. Solar winds are a continuous stream of charged particles that are thrown off by the sun at speeds of more than 1 million miles per hour. Without these charged particles being deflected by the earth’s magnetic field, “we might have a very different atmosphere left without life as we know it,” says Eftyhia Zesta of the Geospace Physics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (Source). Not only does our magnetic field protect us, but it also enables both animal and human navigation. Bacteria, butterflies, sea turtles, salmon, humpback whales, migratory birds and bats all use the earth’s magnetic field to direct their migration patterns. GPS, satellites and compasses also reference the earth's magnetic field to aid human navigation and exploration as well.
3. Read Psalm 3:3. How can we see this characteristic of God in the previous example.
4. What does it mean that God is the lifter of our heads?
5. Can you think of a time when God encouraged you directly or used someone else to encourage you in a time of need?
6. Read Ephesians 3:18. What does it mean that God’s love for you is “deep”?
When God describes Himself as protector, it doesn’t mean that He limits Himself to just one aspect of that word. It means that He identifies with every possible meaning of that term. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, synonyms for the word protector include:
Defense
Security
Guard
Shield
Safeguard
Preservation
Conservation
Custody
Shelter
Sanctuary
Refuge
Shelter
7. Write down the definition for each of the words listed above. (Be sure to look these words up. Do not just assume that you know the meaning of a word because it is familiar.)
8. Use the words and their definitions to write down declarative statements of who God says He is for you.
Example:
Definition: Defense - the act of protecting someone or something from attack, danger, or harm.
Statement: God actively protects me from attack, danger and harm.
9. Review the list of your definitions. Are they in past, present or future tense?
10. What does it mean when God’s characteristics, attributes or actions are described in the present tense?
11. Is there anything in your past or present circumstances that cause you to doubt this characteristic of God? If so, what is it?
12. After writing down any doubts that you have, take a moment to tell God why you doubt Him. Ask Him to help you to believe that He will show up for you as your protector, defender, etc.
Read Mark 9:17-25.
13. How did Jesus respond to the father of the ill child when he asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief?
14. Read Malachi 3:6. If Jesus responded to the father with the ill child by helping him, how do you think He will respond to you when you ask for help?
15. There are times when we ask God for help and He doesn’t show up for us in the way that we anticipated or hoped. Does this mean that God has stopped protecting us?
Read Deuteronomy 8:2-5, 16; Romans 5:3-5 and Hebrews 12:4-13
16. Why does God allow us to face difficult circumstances?
Read Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 43:2
17. Are difficult circumstances an indication that God has abandoned us? Why or why not?
18. Read John 10:10. Who does it benefit for you to believe that you have been abandoned by God?
Read Philippians 3:8-11
19. What benefits does Paul list that come because of hardship?
Instructions: Vocabulary
The following words are mentioned in your assigned reading. Research the definitions for each of the words and write down their meaning to ensure that you understand the information included in your assigned reading.
Anal Fins
Caudal Fin
Dorsal Fin(s)
Fusiform
Lateral Line
Neuromasts
Operculum
Pectoral Fins
Pelvic Fins
Pleural Ribs
Protrusible
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 | NH PBS
Article: Osteichthyes - Bony Fish
This article gives a general overview of Superclass Osteichthyes, the bony fishes, and lists the fifty-one different orders of bony fishes.
Your assignment: Choose ten of the listed orders of bony fishes, google the name of the order and provide a brief description of the fishes included as well as one interesting fact.
2 | DifferenceBetween.com
Article: Difference Between Sharks and Bony Fish
3 | Florida Museum
Article #1: Features & Measurements
Article #2: Mouth Types
Article #3: Tooth Types & Patches
Article #4: Gill Arch & Scale Types
Article #5: Spines, Rays & Caudal Fins
Instructions
The City of Deerfield Beach maintains an underwater webcam stationed near the end of the fishing pier. The unique placement of their camera allows you to have a snorkeling experience from the comfort of your own home! Here are your instructions for this portion of your homework assignment.
Watch the underwater webcam for at least 15 minutes.
Use the City of Deerfield Beach's Fish Guide to identify ten different species of fishes that you see during your observation period. Write the names of the species in your notes so that you can share them in class.
Which fish species observed is your favorite and why?
What Happens If I Can't See Anything?
If there is poor visibility during the time which you attempted to view the underwater camera, you may watch one of the City of Deerfield Beach's Highlight videos as an alternative. Links are provided below.
There is an abundance of different fish species in South Florida. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission lists over 136 species of saltwater fishes alone. View the complete list of Saltwater Fish Species. Here are some photographs of local fish species taken by Saltwater Studies.
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 the engineer of Creation. How can you see this character of God in the bony fishes that He created?
Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of animals 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.