5/10/12

The Green path



What would you call this? A living tunnel, an extended Arboretum, or a "V-e-g-e tunnel" or something else?  Whatever it is, the word RELAXING comes to mind!  Individual potted plants don't do a lot for me, but this does!!!  Its enclosed, but not so much so as to cause claustrophobia. Simply put, its relaxing.  A lot of things in life are like that... they remind you of feelings; take this famous Psalm of king David...

The 23rd Psalm

A Psalm by David.

1 Yahweh is my shepherd:
I shall lack nothing.


2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.


3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.


4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.


5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.


You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.


6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.


This Psalm simply exudes "caring"!!!  God will care for me and I have nothing to be overly concerned about.  I can relax, live my life and KNOW THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY!!!  Perhaps contentment would be a good alternate word.  You pick what seems appropriate for you.  All I know is that the picture and the Psalm seem to go together and they seem to say that the path of your life is pleasant.  Not a bad thought on a warm Spring day.  Go outside, enjoy the returning greenery and remember... God made it all... and for your enjoyment!!!!

May 10 Joshua 1, 2


May 10
Joshua 1, 2

Jos 1:1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,
Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Jos 1:3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.
Jos 1:4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.
Jos 1:5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
Jos 1:6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Jos 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Jos 1:9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.
Jos 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
Jos 1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.' "
Jos 1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,
Jos 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.
Jos 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them
Jos 1:15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.' "
Jos 1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
Jos 1:17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as he was with Moses.
Jos 1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."
Jos 2:1 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.
Jos 2:2 The king of Jericho was told, "Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land."
Jos 2:3 The king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land."
Jos 2:4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I didn't know where they came from.
Jos 2:5 It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I don't know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them."
Jos 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.
Jos 2:7 The men pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.
Jos 2:8 Before they had laid down, she came up to them on the roof;
Jos 2:9 and she said to the men, "I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.
Jos 2:10 For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
Jos 2:11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath.
Jos 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token;
Jos 2:13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death."
Jos 2:14 The men said to her, "Our life for yours, if you don't talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."
Jos 2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall.
Jos 2:16 She said to them, "Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way."
Jos 2:17 The men said to her, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear.
Jos 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. You shall gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household.
Jos 2:19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him.
Jos 2:20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you have made us to swear."
Jos 2:21 She said, "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away, and they departed. She tied the scarlet line in the window.
Jos 2:22 They went, and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them.
Jos 2:23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had happened to them.
Jos 2:24 They said to Joshua, "Truly Yahweh has delivered into our hands all the land. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us."

May 10, 11 Luke 22


May 10, 11
Luke 22

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near.
Luk 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.
Luk 22:3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve.
Luk 22:4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.
Luk 22:5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money.
Luk 22:6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
Luk 22:7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.
Luk 22:8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."
Luk 22:9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"
Luk 22:10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.
Luk 22:11 Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" '
Luk 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."
Luk 22:13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Luk 22:14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
Luk 22:15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
Luk 22:16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."
Luk 22:17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,
Luk 22:18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."
Luk 22:19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."
Luk 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Luk 22:21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
Luk 22:22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"
Luk 22:23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
Luk 22:24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.
Luk 22:25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'
Luk 22:26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
Luk 22:27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.
Luk 22:28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.
Luk 22:29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,
Luk 22:30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Luk 22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,
Luk 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."
Luk 22:33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"
Luk 22:34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."
Luk 22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."
Luk 22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
Luk 22:37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with the lawless.' For that which concerns me has an end."
Luk 22:38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."
Luk 22:39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.
Luk 22:40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."
Luk 22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
Luk 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
Luk 22:44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
Luk 22:45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,
Luk 22:46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Luk 22:47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.
Luk 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
Luk 22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"
Luk 22:50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luk 22:51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this" -and he touched his ear, and healed him.
Luk 22:52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
Luk 22:53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
Luk 22:54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.
Luk 22:55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.
Luk 22:56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him."
Luk 22:57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."
Luk 22:58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!"
Luk 22:59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!"
Luk 22:60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
Luk 22:61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord's word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times."
Luk 22:62 He went out, and wept bitterly.
Luk 22:63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.
Luk 22:64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?"
Luk 22:65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.
Luk 22:66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,
Luk 22:67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,
Luk 22:68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.
Luk 22:69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
Luk 22:70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am."
Luk 22:71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"

Matthew Chapter twenty-two by Mark Copeland

                           Chapter Twenty-Two

Jesus told a third parable directed toward the religious leaders:  the
parable of the wedding feast (1-14).  The leaders responded as various
factions tried to trip Jesus with questions.  Pharisees and Herodians
asked Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar (15-22), Sadducees presented an
argument against the resurrection of the dead (23-33), and a lawyer
asked what was the greatest commandment of the Law (34-40).  Jesus
answered easily, and then silenced them with a question of His own
regarding the Christ as David’s son (41-46).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  Many are called, but few are chosen

   *  Paying taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment

   *  How Christ is both David’s son and David’s Lord

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The parable of the wedding feast - Mt 22:1-14
   - Pharisees with Herodians:  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?
     - Mt 22:15-22
   - Sadducees:  What about the resurrection of the dead? - Mt 22:23-33
   - Lawyer:  What is the great commandment in the Law? - Mt 22:34-40
   - Jesus:  How can Christ be both David’s son and David’s Lord? - Mt
     22:41-46

2) What two groups are depicted in the parable of the wedding feast?
   (3,11)
   - Those who refuse the invitation; those who accept, but improperly
     adorned

3) How did Pharisees and Herodians try to entangle Jesus in His talk?
   (15-17)
   - By asking whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar

4) What did Jesus reply that prompted them to marvel? (21-22)
   - "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to
     God the things that are God’s."

5) How did Sadducees try to trip Jesus? (23-28)
   - With a hypothetical situation intended to show the resurrection is
     an impossibility

6) What two-fold answer did Jesus give the Sadducees? (29-32)
   - Marital relations don’t exist after death; Exo 3:6 proves the dead
     still exist

7) What were the two greatest commandments in the Law? (37-38)
   - Love God with all your heart, soul, mind; love your neighbor as
     yourself

8) How can Christ be both David’s son and David’s Lord? (45)
   - His son by virtue of physical ancestry, his Lord by virtue of His
     deity