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 Shalom – The Lord is Peace
Read Psalm 23:2-3
1. What do you think the phrase “quiet waters” means?
2. What does it mean that God “restores my soul”?
Read Zephaniah 3:17
3. What type of behavior characterizes a person who feels unloved?
4. How does a person’s behavior change once they encounter the love of God?
5. What is the relationship between love and calmness?
Read 1 John 4:18
6. What does God’s perfect love do?
7. What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
Read Matthew 14:24-32
8. Was Peter confident because his circumstances had changed or because Jesus invited him into His presence?
9. What happened when Peter lost focus on Jesus?
10. What does this mean for us?
Read Mark 4:35-41
11. Why were the disciples upset with Jesus?
12. What root attitude was reflected in their urgent questioning of Jesus?
13. How did Jesus display His authority over Creation in this situation?
14. What do you think Jesus’ authority over the storm was intended to teach His followers?
15. What is a storm that you are currently facing?
16. Read Isaiah 26:3-4. According to this verse, what perspective will help you remain in peace despite your circumstances?
17. Emotions such as anxiety, fear, discouragement, doubt, anger and sorrow can all inspire an agitated state in our hearts. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns us to calm. Take a moment to ask Jesus to change your perspective regarding your situation, remove your anxiety and return you to a place of peace and faith in Him.
Creation Example
One of the ways that the ocean maintains a state of equilibrium is through the movement of water, or currents. Surface currents, water movements from the surface to approximately 328 feet of depth, are influenced by winds and the earth’s rotation. However, in the ocean’s midnight zone, there is a slow-moving current known as the deep ocean conveyor belt, that circulates water through the deep regions of the world. This current is caused by thermohaline circulation, which is circulation related to temperature and salinity changes.
There are two main principles that influence thermohaline circulation. The first is fluid dynamics which states that water masses will move away from areas of high pressure and toward areas of low pressure. For the earth, the polar regions are areas of high pressure, and the equator is an area of low pressure. These pressure regions form because of air temperatures. Warm air rises and cool air sinks. Warm temperatures at the equator cause air to rise, forming a low-pressure area. Cold temperatures at the poles cause air to sink creating high pressure regions. These high- and low-pressure regions around the globe force water to move away from the poles and towards the equator. The second principle influencing thermohaline circulation is that of density. Dense water sinks and less dense water rises.
Two factors influencing water density are temperature and salinity:
An increase in temperature results in a decrease in density therefore hot water floats.
A decrease in temperature results in an increase in density therefore cold water sinks.
An increase in salinity results in an increase in density therefore salty water sinks.
A decrease in salinity results in a decrease in density therefore freshwater floats.
Cold seawater, like that found in the North Atlantic, has high salinity and greater density. This area marks the beginning of the ocean’s conveyor belt. Cold, salty surface water sinks into the deep ocean and moves south to the southern end of the African and South American continents. It then moves around the edge of Antarctica before splitting into two different streams and turning northward into the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As these currents travel northward towards the equator, the water warms and rises to the surface, eventually returning to the Atlantic where the cycle begins again.
18. How does the ocean’s thermohaline circulation demonstrate Jesus’ nature as the Prince of Peace?
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.
Echolocation
Holographic Communication
Kaleidoscope
Melon (Anatomy)
Pheromones
Phonemes
Polar Ocean
Rostrum
Temperate Ocean
Tropical Ocean
Ubiquitous
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 | World Animal Foundation
Article: Dolphins
2 | Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Article: Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
3 | Australian Government
Article: Whales, Dolphins & Sound
4 | Dolphin Communication Project
Article: How do dolphins communicate?
5 | NOAA Fisheries Service
Article: Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation
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.
Dolphins Create Sponge Armor | Animal Wire (Time: 1:09)
Smart Dolphins Beach their Prey | The Hunt | BBC Earth (Time: 3:40)
Super Smart Dolphin Answers Questions | Extraordinary Animals | BBC Earth (Time: 3:11)
Orcas at Play in Boat Wake like Dolphins (Time: 2:30)
Dolphin Plays With Puffer Fish (Time: 0:39)
Here are a few species of dolphins 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 worthy of praise. How can you see this character of God in the dolphins that He created?
Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of dolphins 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.