A closet full of clothing, while usual in many homes today, was certainly not common in Bible times. The basic wardrobe was a tunic and some type of head covering. Shoes and a coat were often optional, due to cost. The coat (or cloak) was frequently used as a covering, especially on cold nights. Because of its value, a coat was in danger of being stolen while its owner was sleeping. Great care was needed to watch and keep those garments.
​
The Christian is given valuable spiritual garments, such as: "the robe of righteousness" and "the garments of salvation" (Isaiah 61:10), "the garment of praise" (Isaiah 61:3), clothing of mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12-14).

An entire wardrobe is made available to the Christian. Yet, there is a "thief" who is looking to steal our spiritual garments. The most dangerous time is when the Christian becomes spiritually sleepy (not watching over his garments as he should). Luke 21:34 lists some things that can bring about a spiritual unawareness: "surfeiting" (excessive indulgence in something) and "cares of this life" (the cares, worries, and anxieties of everyday life).

Just as maintaining a literal wardrobe requires washing, ironing, and sometimes mending, we must take care of our spiritual clothing as well. Deuteronomy 4:9 AMP has some good advice: "Only pay attention and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life."

When was the last time you checked your spiritual garments for tears, stains, or wrinkles? Is any of your clothing missing? It is only by watching and keeping that we can keep our garments spotless and wrinkle-free.

How many times do we worry and fret over our problems—"we have toiled all the night"—and when the morning comes, we find we have accomplished "nothing"? The old saying comes to mind that "worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but does not get you anywhere." I certainly have sat in my chair at night with anxieties and cares robbing me of peace and sleep. 

Jesus told Peter to "let down his net." This did not make much sense to Peter. He had fished all night (the usual time for fishing) and had not caught anything. No doubt, he was exhausted and discouraged. Now, Jesus was asking him to do something that seemed like a waste of time and effort.

However, Peter's next words are a great challenge to us today: "Nevertheless [even though I am weary, even though it does not make sense, even though I have only a little faith] at thy word I will . . . ." God wants us to trust Him, to cast our cares on Him, to take our burdens to the Lord and LEAVE them there. We are tired (we have toiled all night), and we are discouraged (we have caught "no fishes"—we have seen no answers to our prayers). It is time to take God at His Word and "let down the net."

Our dog Romeo frequently brings us "gifts" of dead possums. It is not uncommon to find them on the sidewalk or in the back yard. They are especially offensive when the weather warms up, and they start to smell. So, we take them out to the woods behind our house and bury them.

In this verse, the word "cover" (in the original language) conveys the idea of burying or hiding something offensive by putting something else over it. How many times have we been offended by someone's actions and words, and we rehearse that hurt over and over again in our thoughts? We are tempted to tell others of how badly we have been treated as well.

Instead, Peter was challenging us – "charity" (love) makes a covering for that offense. With God's help, we can turn our thoughts away from those offenses and even, if possible, "hide" them from others. Perhaps, like our dog's dead possums, others might not realize how their words and actions have affected us. They might not have meant to bring hurt or offense. Whether intentional or not, "charity" puts a covering over that hurt, so that it cannot be seen by us or by anyone else.
 
The next time hurts and offenses come, let us remember this verse, and with God’s help, place a "covering" over that hurt.

​When measuring distance, there is an old phrase that says, "As the crow flies." Called "the crow road" in Scotland, this describes the most direct route, traveling in a straight, direct line. It is the shortest distance between two points, but usually the traveled road is not "as the crow flies."

When the children of Israel left Egypt, the shortest and most direct way to the Promised Land was only a few days journey by a well-traveled caravan route. However, God did NOT lead them by this way. Why? Because it led through "the land of the Philistines." The Philistines were a strong, warring people, and God knew the Israelites were not ready for that. It would have greatly discouraged them from pressing on to the Promised Land. 

How many times do we wonder why our path in life cannot be easier or shorter? We feel as if we are going around in circles, taking the long way, making unnecessary detours. Could it be that God sees some "Philistines" ahead we are not ready to face? "As the crow flies" might be the quickest but not the best route for us. Lord, remind us of this story of the children of Israel when we are wondering why things are not going as we think they should. It very well might be Your hand preventing future, unnecessary discouragement. 

Jericho was a well-fortified stronghold preventing Israel's progress into the Promised Land. In Bible times, a stronghold was a place of safety where Israel's enemies retreated after an attack. Israel could not take possession of the Promised Land and allow those strongholds to stand.

Spiritually, strongholds are anything that hinder our walk with God.  They could be unforgiveness, depression, pride, addictions, negative thought patterns, a critical attitude, or a bad temper. These "fortresses" are hard to defeat (thus the name "a STRONG hold").

Another stronghold is arguments (human reasoning) "against the knowledge of God" (verse 5). When we feel that we know how to handle life's situations (without searching the Word or seeking Godly counsel), we have allowed the enemy to begin building a stronghold in our mind.

How can we pull down the enemy's strongholds? When Israel was ready to enter Canaan, Moses sent twelve spies. One of their tasks was to look for any strongholds in the land (Numbers 13:17-19). By using our God-given weapons (the Word and prayer), we can identify where the enemy has built strongholds in our life.

Once you have located a stronghold, surround it with God's Word. If your stronghold is fear, read 2 Timothy 1:7; if it is depression, read Psalm 42:5. Starve it by not allowing supplies and reinforcements (your thoughts) in. As the children of Israel marched around Jericho in obedience to God, let Him guide you concerning your personal strongholds. "The weapons of our warfare are ... MIGHTY through God!"

In 1887 Asa Chandler created the first coupon, which could be redeemed for one free glass of Coca-Cola. Soon Coca-Cola was being served in every U. S. state. The idea of coupons was a huge success! Today, it is estimated that at least 75 percent of Americans use some form of coupons.

Often, in the fine print of a paper coupon, you will read, "Redeemable at . . . ." The manufacturer has issued that coupon in hopes that you will exchange (redeem) it for a discount on a certain product. Many times, there are terms and limitations, such as: a coupon is for a specific size and has an expiration date.

The word "redeem" in the Greek means "to buy out of the marketplace." Merchants would carefully seek to find the best bargains, not missing the smallest opportunity. The window of opportunity might be very short (like a coupon expiration date).

Paul wrote we must be aware that "the days are evil." An evil day is a day that prevents us from buying up opportunities to do what is right and good. Daily, we must remind ourselves to "redeem" opportunities while being alert to anything "evil" (that which could keep us from doing the Lord's business).

Every day we are given "opportunity coupons": a time to read the Bible, a time to pray, a time to send a card or text of encouragement, a hand to lend to someone in need, or a spiritual gift to exercise. With an increased awareness that the "days are evil" (working to steal our time), we can be like the wise merchants, ever looking for opportunities to "redeem the time."