SHADOWS IN JERICHO

  Spiritual Nuggets   The Narrow and Wide Gates   (Matthew 7:1314)   Thursday, October 10, 2024   (Word Study)  Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB) Two roads diverge, both paths made clear,   One paved with light, the other with fear.   The narrow road, though hard and steep,   Leads to life, where joy runs deep. The broad road calls with ease and pride,   Yet ends in flames where souls reside.   Each step we take must make a choice—   To heed the truth or drown out His voice. Few will walk the narrow lane,   But in its wake is heaven’s gain.   Stand firm, take heart, embrace the fight,   For Christ awaits in endless light. —Anonymous Linguistic and Theological Context   (Understanding Eiseleuo, Stenos, Pleyron, and Apoleia) In this passage, the words eiseleuo (enter

  Spiritual Nuggets   Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Be Also   ( Matthew 6:21)   Sunday, October 6, 2024   (Word Study)   Thēsauros (θησαυρός)  Treasure "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."   Matthew 6:21 (NASB) The Treasure Box   By Randall Nelsen I had a treasure box   Filled with Silver, Pearls, and Gold.   I Had a Treasure Box   That my Hands would often Hold. I loved to watch it sparkle   As I held it in the light.   I held it in the morning.   It even sparkled in the night. Then one day I found   To my horror and dismay,   My treasure box had turned to rust—   My joy to ash and decay. How could this ever happen?   I asked myself that day.   Then I heard a still small voice,   A voice not far away. “My son, your treasure box is rust,   It lasts just for a day.   Its worth is less than ash and dust,   Its sparkle fades away. My son, I have a treasure.   There is no hidden fee.   There is no cost.   The price is paid.   This gift I give for

  Standing Firm   (The Roman Caligae)   The caligae, the iconic footwear of ancient Roman soldiers, served as more than mere shoes; they were a critical component of a soldier's equipment, enabling mobility, stability, and resilience on the battlefield. These thicksoled sandals were designed for the rigors of military life, embodying practicality and strength. In Ephesians 6:15, the Apostle Paul draws a powerful metaphor, urging believers to be "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." This call to spiritual readiness resonates deeply with the characteristics of the caligae, as they symbolize the believer's preparedness to stand firm in faith amidst life's challenges. By exploring the terminology, structure, and function of the caligae, we can enrich our understanding of this metaphor and its implications for spiritual warfare.  The Roman Soldier’s Shoes (Caligae) The caligae were not just a piece of military attire; they were an essential part of a sold

Spiritual Nuggets   Standing Firm in Faith  Antihistemi  (Ephesians 6:13)   Monday, September 30, 2024   (Word Study) Antihistemi (ἀνθίστημι) To Stand "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."   Ephesians 6:13 (NASB) A Poetic Reflection In the face of storms, we hold our ground,   With faith as our anchor, in Christ we're found.   Though trials may rise and fears may call,   We stand in His strength, refusing to fall.   —Anonymous  Linguistic and Theological Context   (Understanding Antihistemi) The Greek word antihistemi (ἀνθίστημι) means "to stand against" or "to resist." Central to this word is the command to “stand,” emphasizing resilience and preparation against spiritual opposition. The repetition of the word "stand" throughout Ephesians 6 underscores its significance in the believer's life, as Paul instructs us to take a firm stance in

Spiritual Nuggets   Sorrow May Endure for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning   (Psalm 30:5) (Thursday, September 26, 2024 )   Daily Devotional "For His anger is but for a moment,   His favor is for a lifetime;   Weeping may last for the night,   But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5 (NASB) "Night gives way to morning bright,   The stars bow to the sun's warm light.   In darkest hours, hope may wane,   Yet joy comes dancing through the pain."   —Anonymous Modern Christian Poet (Historical Context)   The Psalm of Deliverance and David’s Praise Psalm 30 is traditionally attributed to David and is believed to have been composed during the dedication of the Temple or David’s palace. The psalm expresses gratitude to God for delivering David from dire circumstances, possibly referring to personal illness, enemy attack, or divine judgment. David reflects on God's merciful deliverance, contrasting the fleeting nature of divine anger with His endurin

Spiritual Nuggets   Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier of Christ   (2 Timothy 2:14)   Daily Devotional for Thursday, September 19, 2024  In life, we all face challenges and hardships. Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that, just like soldiers, we must stay strong and focused. We are called to endure difficulties for the sake of Christ, keeping our eyes on Him and not getting sidetracked by the worries of the world. In 2 Timothy 2:14, Paul writes "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." — 2 Timothy 2:14 (NASB) Practical Takeaway: Stay Strong in God's Grace   Paul encourages us to draw strength from the g

  Spiritual Nuggets   Hypocrites: Actors in a Religious Drama   Matthew 23:27-28   (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)   Daily Devotional “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” —Matthew 23:27-28 (NASB) (Historical Context)   Hypocrites in Greek Drama   The word hypocrite (Greek: ὑποκριτής, hypokritēs, Strong’s G5273) originally referred to an actor in ancient Greek theater—someone who performed by wearing a mask to play a role. In the theater, an actor (hypokritēs) would switch masks to portray different characters, concealing their true identity. The focus was on the external performance, not the actor’s real self. When Jesus called the Pharisees “hypocrites,” He was pointing to a similar concept: they were acting out righteousness for th