The photo was taken in Virginia City Nevada. This is an old mining town near the fictitious Ponderosa Ranch on the Western television drama Bonanza. The show’s characters made visits to the town regularly. At one time, it was a thriving boom town with the discovery of silver and gold in the western part of the United States. This day, we are not seeking physical gold and silver, but will seek out treasure from the Truth. 

Rather than spiritual assets obtained by observing and listening to Jesus who is the Word, many during the time of Jesus were more interested in pocketing worldly assets. Like in the passage John 2:13-25 when Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. In the temple courts he saw people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money (v. 14).

The money changers in the temple courts were taking advantage of the people who came to worship. They were price gouging by selling animals used for sacrifice at an inflated price. This angered Jesus for they were turning His Father’s house into a market so He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them out of the temple courts.

The people wanted a sign to prove that Jesus had authority to do what He was doing. Jesus said to destroy the temple and He would raise it again in three days (v. 19). What He was referring to was His body that would be raised in three days after His death on the Cross. Eventually the disciples would understand and believe these words Jesus had spoken after He was raised from the dead (v. 21).

While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name (v. 23). The risen Christ is the positive in a sometimes, negative world that gives us a chance to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts that live inside. He knows everything we are thinking so in our prayers, we need to be open and honest.

This day with You Lord, we will read the Word, observe, listen, and document nuggets of gold that will be useful in providing food for our soul. The Word encourages, gives enthusiasm, and sound advice. Most of all Lord, we get absolute Truth that sets us free. The Word is flawless and has the power to transform us from the inside out. For all these reasons, we are grateful and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.