Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritual growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

Each assignment can be completed by consulting Web-based materials listed on the course Resource page.

Foundations-Philosophy of Instruction 

As an introduction to instruction, I believe we must first lay a strong foundation regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.  When I think of these characteristics, the first thing I do is reflect on and seek the Lord who created humanity and everything else - the Master Creator (Artist) (Jesus Christ). 

As creative beings, we must always search for ways to express God’s own creativity through us to make His presence known to the world and to help humanity see the reality of a God who loves them, who was willing to pay the ultimate price for their redemption so that they could have a relationship with Him.  God is capable of meeting us right where we are at in our lives.  How wonderful it is for us to be used of God to bring forth His message and receive revelation knowledge directly from Him.  Therefore, what better Person to be connected to than the very Creator (Master Artist) Himself.  In Him is all knowledge and understanding for He is the very Author of life. 

The Word of God provides much information regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and relationship; therefore, receiving true knowledge comes only from the true and living God and from His Word—the Bible.

NOTE:  This is only for those who have not taken a course with me (Kim Renga).  I would love for you to share your thoughts and opinions on creative expression.  Therefore, providing the following information below will help me to get to know and help guide you in your educational process.

Getting to know you!

This is the fun part! (at least it is for me, I hope it is for you)—Getting to know more about you.  Please submit a brief (1-3 page), informal biography.  You may want to include, your experience as a Christian, why you are in or interested in the creative arts, what your motivations are, who your role models are, and what you hope to accomplish with your education.  Be sure to include your definition of what it means to be a creative being made in the image of God and explain how you arrived at this definition. 

Why are the Psalms considered poetry for the heart?

The book of Psalms will open up your heart to hear from God.  This Hymnbook of the Hebrews reveals God’s compassionate heart toward you in all of life’s circumstances—the good, the bad, the high and the low.  The Psalms inspire, comfort, exhort, instruct, and prophesy; they were written in times of bitter tears and in times of intense joy.  You and I can identify with the psalmists’ feelings as they swing from despair to hope, from fear to faith, and from darkness to dancing.

Above all, the Psalms are for us today!  They absolutely speak to where we are from day-to-day, month-to-month, and year-to-year.  These songs are the candid, personal thoughts of many different people in many different circumstances.  Despite the hardest blows that life dealt each of them, they found God to be more than sufficient to take them through their difficulties and cause them to triumph!  As we read the Psalms and apply their truths to our own lives, we, too, will experience God’s presence, God’s power, and God’s provision.

NOTE:  Even though the material in this course may be presented from my personal experience, you may have a different experience or concept.  Please don’t feel you have to adopt my perspective; I encourage you to form your own thoughts and perceptions of the material in this course and prayerfully seek God for direction and revelation.  I look forward to hearing your insights and discoveries!

Comments for Assignment #1:

Matthew 26:30 tells us that Jesus (and the disciples) sang a hymn after the Last Supper, just prior to going to the Mount of Olives to pray and to be betrayed! We know from Jewish history and custom that it was Psalm 118 which Jesus sang.  It’s thrilling to know that Jesus sang, “This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24 KJV).  Remember that the next time you sing this popular chorus!

Do you know which psalm David penned after he slew the giant Goliath?  Psalms 8 has a subscription which refers to “the death of the champion” and my also have been sung by David to soothe King Saul’s bouts of depression.  Now you can use it to increase your faith and to conquer giant problems in your life!

My prayer for you as we study these wonderful psalms is found in Psalms 119:18:  “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”  We are going to behold God’s treasure house of psalms, and He is going to show us wondrous things!

Assignment #1

Text:  Read the Introduction to the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms.

Use your Bible and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with the Psalms and their purpose in your life.

Application:

To get you acquainted with the Psalms—what they mean, how they will apply to your life as well as setting the general foundation for study in this course, I have put together an MS Word version of the study questions at the end of the introduction of your text, the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms.  This way you will be able to type your answers to the questions right on the MS Word document and send it as an attachment back to me when you have completed it.  I believe this assignment will help provide a foundation for you as we study the psalms in more depth in the following lessons.  Follow MLA writing standards when typing your name, the course name and date at the top left hand corner of the page.  If you have any questions, please feel free contact me.  

Comments for Assignment #2:

It is difficult to outline the book of Psalms as each chapter (i.e. psalm) focuses on different subject matter.  Many of the Psalms have titles which either tell the occasion when the Psalm was written or the purpose of the Psalm. Some of the Psalms were not given titles so we can only speculate as to when and why they were written.  The Psalms seem to have more of a thematic structure to them which corresponds to the outline below:

Part One: Psalms l-41

Number of Psalms: 4l

Summary of content: Concerns man, his state of blessedness, fall, and recovery.

Key word: Man

Final doxology: 4l:l3

Part Two: Psalms 42-72

Number of Psalms: 3l

Summary of content: Israel, her ruin, her Redeemer.

Key word: Deliverance

Final doxology: 72: l8-l9

Part Three: Psalms 73-89

Number of Psalms: 17

Summary of content: Looking forward to the establishment of the sanctuary.

Key word: Sanctuary

Final doxology: 89:52

Part Four: Psalms 90-l06

Number of Psalms: l7

Summary of content: The earth: The blessing needed, anticipated, and enjoyed.

Key words: Unrest, wandering (which describes the believer's position in the

present world).

Final doxology: l06:48

Part Five: Psalms l07-l50

Number of Psalms: 44

Summary of content: The Word of God

Key words: Word of God

Final doxology: l50:6

Assignment #2

Text:  Read the Expository Outline Series: The Book of Psalms (Chapters 1-41:  These are the outlines for Psalms 1-41).  Use your Bible when you read these Psalms and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with them and their purpose in your life.

Application:

Since the purpose of this study is to make us people after God’s own heart, as was the psalmist David, each psalm includes the same application question: “What do you learn from this psalm that will help you become a person after God’s own heart?”

As you seek the Lord when studying this first set of Psalms (1-41), choose 2 Psalms that you believe speak the most to your heart at this particular time in your life and write a 3-4 page commentary on how these psalms will help you become a person after God’s own heart.  You will notice in your Expository Outline Series: The Book of Psalms text, there are study questions after each psalm.  Use these questions as reference points when planning your commentary as they will help you focus in on how these psalms will apply to your life and your growth in the Lord.  Remember, be sure to express your thoughts and ideas completely and follow MLA writing standards.

You are welcome to use additional commentaries and word study books on the book of Psalms.  Contact me if you need suggestions as there are many excellent resources available to you.  Also, you can access the many Christian Internet web sites on Psalms to further expand your study of this wonderful treasure house of wisdom and worship.

Comments for Assignment #3

Unlike the first part of the book of Psalms (1-41) that concentrates on the sovereignty of God, which corresponds to the book of Genesis, the second set of Psalms (42-72) has to do with the redemption of God.  When you go through these Psalms, you will find there is a constant theme of redemption and this coincides with the book of Exodus.  I remember times when I felt down and yes, a bit depressed, Psalm 42 always had and still has a way of lifting my spirit.  God’s restoration and redemption is always God’s will for you; therefore, no matter what circumstance you may be facing, God is able to turn it around.  Psalm 42 was written by King Hezekiah and he reminded his soul of our loving and merciful God.  Like Hezekiah, set your eyes on your Creator instead of your condition; that is, your circumstances.  Realize that God is all-powerful and is well able to deliver you; then, lift up your soul and praise Him.

Assignment #3

Text:  Read the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms (Chapters 42-72:  These are the outlines for Psalms 42-72).  Use your Bible when you read these Psalms and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with them and their purpose in your life.

Application:

As we have seen, the second set of Psalms (42-72) has to do with the redemption of God.  Let’s really meditate and reflect on what God has done for us through Jesus.  I believe these Psalms perfectly tell us in greater detail God’s love for us and His desire to redeem us as He says in John 3:16 (NIV)—“For God so loved the world that he his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I pray this assignment will allow you to reflect and rejoice in the redemption that Jesus provided for you.  Based on your study of this second set of Psalms (42-72), compose a reflection paper of 4-5 pages about how the Lord has redeemed you—not only through the salvation experience but through various times in your life when He delivered you from situations, discouraging thoughts, or whatever else you can think of.  As you compose your reflection paper, use quotations from the psalms that speak to you the most about God’s redemption in your life.  You may also want to consider any other scriptures that support the psalms that help you reflect on God’s redemption.  Be sure to express your thoughts and ideas completely and follow MLA writing standards.

Comments for Assignment #4

The third group of Psalms (73-89) deal with the sanctuary of God which perfectly corresponds with the book of Leviticus.  They describe how we are to approach God in His sanctuary.  I remember back in my earlier years with my experience with the Lord when I read Psalm 88.  A friend of mine shared with me a book entitled, What Happened from the Cross to the Throne by E.W. Kenyon and it talked about the whole process of Jesus’ redemption work for us in the cross, death and resurrection.  In this book Psalm 88 was a scriptural reference that was used to describe the penalty of sin that Jesus took upon Himself for our sake.  In other words, even though Psalm 88 was obviously written before Jesus came to earth for humanity’s redemption, it serves as a ‘prophetic’ foreshadowing of what Jesus would go through for us. 

Ultimately, the Old Testament as a whole foreshadows God’s plan of redemption for humanity in Jesus Christ.  This is why “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place (sanctuary of God) by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10: 19-22, NIV).

Assignment #4

Text:  Read the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms (Chapters 73-89:  These are the outlines for Psalms 73-89).  Use your Bible when you read these Psalms and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with them and their purpose in your life.

Application:

King David wrote many psalms in many different circumstances.  You might say that the psalms were written as ‘letters’ to God and his response to David as well.  In this assignment, you will get to compose your own psalm.  I pray that this will be an enjoyable experience for you.  I look forward to seeing what the Lord reveals to you as you seek and converse with Him.

WRITE YOUR OWN PSALM

1. Include one simile. For example, "God is like a strong tower because I ran to Him and

He protected me." Similes use the word "like" or "as'. Relate our awesome God to

something.

2. Recall a time when you asked God for help and He answered you. How did you feel?

3. Tell about how you were sad or hurting (possibly physically) and God lifted you up. What did God do? How? How long did you suffer?

4. Praise God for His character. Use colorful adjectives like awesome, deep, gracious,

mighty, perfect, fantastic, etc. Consider using a thesaurus for interesting words!

5. Tell what you've learned and how you've grown.

6. Don't forget to personalize your psalm with words like "Me" and My". When you're

finished with your psalm, write a title for it. Make something creative and grabbing!

Use the format below to write your psalm:

Your Name:        TITLE OF PSALM___________________________________

After you have completed your psalm, send a copy (an attachment) to me so I can give you credit for this assignment.

Comments for Assignment #5

The fourth group of Psalms (90-106) shows us the history of God as it pertains to Israel’s background.  This group corresponds to the book of Numbers, which describes Israel’s history in the wilderness.  For instance, Moses wrote Psalm 90 and no doubt he wrote it in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan.  It is one of the oldest sections or writing in all of Scripture.  After the 12 spies returned from Canaan to Kadesh-barnea, the Israelites turned back from entering the Promised Land by rejecting the faith-report of Caleb and Joshua in favor of the fear-report of the 10 other spies.  Moses contemplated the awesomeness of God in verses 1-6, then reflected on man’s contrasting weakness in verses 7-12.  He ends with a prayer in verses 13-17 for God’s mercy to return to His people.

In Psalm 90:12, number means to “organize.”  Ask God to teach you how to organize each day in order to become an achiever in the kingdom of God.  In light of God’s awesomeness, man’s sinfulness, and the wrath of God upon unbelief, we can learn from the prayer of Moses in verses 13-17 and make this prayer our own.  First, we need to repent and ask God for forgiveness (verse 13).  Next, seek Him early to receive mercy for each day’s tasks (verse 14).  Then, ask the Lord to turn around any years that have been wasted (verse 15) and allow God to help you help you become an achiever in all you put your hands to do (verse 17).   

Assignment #5

Text:  Read the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms (Chapters 90-106:  These are the outlines for Psalms 90-106).  Use your Bible when you read these Psalms and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with them and their purpose in your life.

Application:

For this assignment, we are going to take some extra time and look into Psalm 91.  This is a special Psalm because it reveals our deepest need to be loved and protected by God.  When you were a child, did you have a secret hiding place--somewhere you went to be alone, where you felt safe and secure?  Psalm 91 describes a similar spiritual place, a position under the shadow of the Almighty where you can be safe and secure.  Psalm 91 is a message to all those who have and will face challenges, problems, and negative circumstances. In other words, it is a Psalm for everyone...but there are qualifications in order to claim it. When you experience crisis outside the shadow of the Almighty, you cannot claim the provision and protection promised in Psalm 91. These promises are only for those who abide in the secret place. That is why it is important to learn how to get in this position.  How does Psalm 91 apply to your life and what do you believe God is saying to you through this Psalm?  How can Psalm 91 help you become a person after God’s own heart?” Use the Study questions and notes in your Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms text as a reference point.  There is no specific length for this assignment; however, I would like you to really seek the Lord and gain insight on how He is working in your life.  I will be looking for your specific discoveries in this assignment, that is why I am leaving the length of writing up to you.   As always, be sure to express your thoughts and ideas completely and follow MLA writing standards.

Comments for Assignment #6

The fifth group of Psalms (107-150) emphasizes the Word of God.  This theme ties in beautifully with the fifth book of the Bible—Deuteronomy.  As we know, sometimes we need to know God’s sovereignty; sometimes we need to know that we are His sanctuary.  At other times we may need a review of history—we need to see that if God delivered the Israelites, He will deliver us too!  And of course, we always need the Word of God in our lives.  Jesus is the Word of God and He is our life.  Thank the Lord that every word in the Bible points to Jesus—who He is and what He did for us.  It is “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28, NIV).

Assignment #6

Text:  Read the Expository Outline Series:  The Book of Psalms (Chapters 107-150:  These are the outlines for Psalms 107-150).  Use your Bible when you read these Psalms and ask the Lord to reveal to you what He may be showing you as you get acquainted with them and their purpose in your life.

Application:

Why is God’s Word so important for our life?  Well, simply because His Word is life.  Jesus is the Word; therefore, allowing Jesus to become our life gives us eternal life.  In the process of sanctification we are to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12:2).  God’s Word renews our mind and feeds our spirit so that we reflect Jesus who lives in us.  For this assignment, we are going engage in class discussion on what it means to be renewed in the ‘spirit’ of our mind.  Since Psalms 107-150 focus on the Word of God, we will discuss how these Psalms tie into our direct relationship with Jesus.  I hope you enjoy it and I look forward hearing from you and the insights that the Lord is giving you.

Note:   To receive full credit for this assignment, you will need to fully participate in class discussion.

Comments for the Final Paper

The Final Paper for this course acts as your final exam.  It is worth 25% of your total grade.  The concept of the final paper will allow you to integrate the knowledge you gained from this course as well as refine your communication skills.  In my personal experience both as a student and as an educator, excellent communication skills are essential to success in any human endeavor.  Whether your desire is to serve in a church or church-related vocation, in various other ministry capacities, or in public and commercial sectors, your ability to effectively communicate will ensure your opportunities to excel and fulfill God’s purpose for your life.  God is a communicator and He also created us to be communicators.  Therefore, I encourage you to see this paper as one of exploration, revelation and growth where you can joyfully discover new ways that God may be revealing His purpose for you.  I pray you gain the greatest benefit from your time with the Lord and what He will show you as you seek the true knowledge from Him for the Final Paper.  For the Final Paper, you will need to read Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.

FINAL PAPER

Using your Bible (which you will cite scriptural references from) and Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, write a commentary about Psalm 23 and how it personally applies to your life.  You may want to consider the type of personality that

God created you with and the giftings that He has given you.  Also, you will want to gain revelation from the Lord on how Psalm 23 can guide you in your character development with respect to His purpose for your life.  Allow the Lord to reveal to you the areas that need growth so He can transform you into the person He always intended you to be.  Your commentary should be 5-6 pages in length.  I believe you will receive great benefits from this Psalm 23 exploration because the greatest desire that God wants for you is to have a fulfilling relationship with Him.  Think about approaching the Final Paper as a conversation between you and the Lord and watch how He works in you and through you.  May you continue to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29-30). 

Remember, your paper should be well constructed in MLA style (i.e. 1” margins around the boarders and double spaced).