SHADOWS IN JERICHO

CHARMS - Comprehensive Holistic Adaptive Reflective Mimic System – Your Creative Writing Companion Imagine a writing assistant that doesn’t just correct grammar—it reviews, suggests, brainstorms, and even enhances your story with its own creative insights. CHARMS (Comprehensive Holistic Adaptive Reflective Mimic System) is designed to be your personal writing partner. It can help you: Review what you've written to polish your prose, Make suggestions to enrich your narrative, Brainstorm new ideas or directions, and Generate full text if you need a solid starting point. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, CHARMS adapts to your style and goals, providing structure, flexibility, and support without compromising your unique voice. Example of CHARMS in Action: Roland’s Story Here’s how CHARMS helped bring Roland—a solitary character navigating a neonlit world of nostalgia and noir—to life. Through rich metaphors and atmospheric detail, CHARMS refined this opening s

  Isaiah 60 (NASB) 1 "Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. 3 Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 “Raise your eyes all around and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, And your daughters will be carried on the hip. 5 Then you will see and be radiant, And your heart will thrill and rejoice; Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you. 6 A multitude of camels will cover you, The young camels of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba will come; They will bring gold and frankincense, And proclaim the praises of the Lord. 7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you, The rams of Nebaioth will serve you; They will go up on My altar with acceptance, And I wil

Typological Hermeneutics (Understanding the Foreshadowing of Christ) Typological hermeneutics is a profound method of biblical interpretation that unveils the connections between events, figures, and institutions in the Old Testament (types) and their fulfillment in the New Testament (antitypes). This approach enriches our understanding of Scripture, revealing how earlier biblical elements foreshadow or point to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. (Key Terms) Type: A person, event, or symbol in the Old Testament that prefigures or foreshadows a greater reality found in the New Testament. Antitype: The fulfillment of the type, often realized in the life and work of Jesus Christ. Hermeneutics: The study of interpretation, particularly of biblical texts, which seeks to uncover meaning and understanding within the Scriptures. Exegesis: A critical interpretation or explanation of a text, especially a biblical one, that seeks to derive its original meaning. Foreshadowing: A literary

Spiritual Nuggets Following Jesus - A Journey of Self-Denial and Faith (Luke 9:23-24) Thursday, October 24, 2024 Word Study: Deny, Come After, Take Up, Follow "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it." Luke 9:23-24 (NASB) Deny (ἀπαρνέομαι, aparneomai) To deny oneself is more than just giving up things; it's a deliberate choice to forsake all to follow Jesus. This self-denial is a continuous, daily decision that aligns our desires with God’s purpose. Come After (ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheo), Follow (διώκω, dioko) These terms highlight movement and progression. Coming after Jesus means constantly seeking His presence, embracing His teachings, and reflecting His character in all aspects of life. Take Up (ἀίρω, airo) Taking up one's cross involves embracing the challenges that accompany a life dedica

Bridging Heaven and Earth: A Typological Worldview and the Parables of Jesus A typological worldview helps us see how the natural world reflects deeper, spiritual truths. Everything in the physical realm—from seeds to everyday actions—can be seen as symbols of something greater. This mindset allows us to recognize the connections between the natural and spiritual, showing that what we experience daily can reveal profound truths about the divine. Jesus used typology in His teachings, especially in His parables. The word “parable” comes from the Greek parabolē, meaning "to set beside" or "compare." Parables set the natural and spiritual worlds side by side, using everyday events to reveal deeper spiritual lessons. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9), a farmer scattering seeds mirrors the human heart’s receptivity to God’s word. The seeds represent the word of God, while the types of soil reflect the conditions of the heart—some hard, some shallow, some fertil

  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

The Attributes of God - God's Immanence (Pt 1) A Journey into the Father's Heart A.W. Tozer (Pg 152-155) A Sense of God's Nearness   I once knelt under an apple tree in a field, along with several other preachers and a Salvation Army man, Captain Ireland. As Captain Ireland began to pray, I suddenly sensed a nearness—there was another presence. Though unseen, He had been there all along. "Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?" – Jeremiah 23:23 The Challenge of Fellowship with God   How can God continually manifest His presence to the proud and arrogant when He is so humble and lowly? How can He reveal Himself to the lukewarm and careless when He is so zealous, or to the hardened and vengeful when He is so forgiving? How can the harsh and severe experience the God who is so kind, or the calculating receive grace from the One whose love led Him to die for us?

 Spiritual Nuggets   Clothed in Righteousness: Putting on the New Self   Colossians 3:9-10   (Thursday, September 12, 2024)   Daily Devotional “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” —Colossians 3:9-10 (NASB)  (Historical Context)   Transformation through Clothing in Ancient Cultures In ancient times, clothing carried deep symbolic meaning, signifying one’s identity, social status, and purity. In Jewish culture, priests would put on sacred garments before entering the Temple, symbolizing their holiness and readiness to serve God (Exodus 28:2-4). Similarly, in Roman society, clothing often marked a person's status or office, such as a soldier’s armor, which represented strength and readiness for battle. Paul draws from this familiar symbolism to describe the transformation believers experience through Christ. The act

  Spiritual Nuggets Disarming the Powers: Christ’s Triumph Over Evil Colossians 2:13-15 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024) Daily Devotional  “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt (cheirographon) consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed (apekdyomai) the rulers and authorities, He made a public display (deigmatizo) of them, having triumphed (thriambeuo) over them through Him.” —Colossians 2:13-15 (NASB) (Historical Context)  The Roman Triumph and Disarmament In ancient Rome, a “triumph” (Greek: thriambeuo, θριαμβεύω, Strong’s G2358) was a grand parade in which a victorious general marched through the streets, leading captive enemies in chains as spoils of war. This public display symbolized their total disarmament and the

Spiritual Nuggets  Paid in Full: The Certificate of Debt   Daily Devotional  (Tuesday, September 10, 2024) “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt (cheirographon) consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” —Colossians 2:13-15 (NASB) (Historical Context: The Cheirographon in Roman Society)   In Roman society, the (cheirographon) (Greek: χειρόγραφον, Strong’s G5498) was a legal document that recorded a debtor’s obligation. This written record, signed by the debtor, was binding and stood as evidence of the debt owed. If the debtor failed to repay, the consequences could include imprisonment or enslavement. Once the debt was

Spiritual Nuggets Momentary Light Suffering Daily Devotional (Monday, September 9, 2024) "For we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."   —2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB) (Historical Context) When Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, he was addressing a church that had experienced both internal division and external persecution. Paul had endured great suffering for the sake of the gospel—imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. Despite all of this, he encouraged believers to "not lose heart" because the challenges they faced were temporary and would ultimately give way to eternal glory.

Spiritual Nuggets   God’s Unshakable Love Daily Devotional   (Friday, September 6, 2024) "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."   —Romans 8:38-39 (NASB) (Historical Context) When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans around 57 AD, the Christian community was facing severe persecution under Roman rule. Christians were marginalized, imprisoned, and sometimes executed simply for their faith. Paul’s words in Romans 8:38-39 were a message of hope and assurance for these early believers. He reminded them that no matter what external threats they faced, God’s love for them in Christ could never be broken. In our modern world, we may face different kinds of challenges—chaos, noise, uncertainty—but the truth of God's unshakable love remains the same. Poet Sarah Are