Definition: to speak or write in support of (someone or something) that is being challenged or criticized* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (66) Read: Esther Chapters 3-9 for full context (long read, but worth it!) Esther 4:14-16(b) (NIV) 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time

Definition: to give support, confidence or hope to (someone)* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (63) Read: 1Samuel chapter 30 for full context of this account 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. That Was Then What would you do if you returned home to find your entire

Definition: to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (220) Read: 2Samuel chapter 9 for full context of this account 2 Samuel 9:7 (NIV) "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." That Was Then In addition to being one of the most bea

Definition: to arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling)* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (14) Read: Luke 1:5-25 and 3:1-20 for full context of this account Luke 1:17 (MSG) He will herald GOD's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for GOD." That Was Then Before John the Baptist was born, his path was already set. His assignment,

Definition: a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (222) Read: the entire book of Ruth for full context of this account Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV) 16 But Ruth replied , "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your GOD my GOD. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will

Definition: to assert or confirm as a result of one's own experience that something is true or accurately so described * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (9) Read: Philemon verses 8-22 for full context of this account Philemon 17-19 (MSG) 17 So if you still consider me a comrade-in-arms, welcome him back as you would me. 18 If he damaged anything or owes you anything, chalk it up to my account. 19 This is my personal signature—Paul—and I stand behind it. (I don

Definition: to inform someone in advance of an impending or possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (76) Read: Genesis 19:1-29 for full context of this account Genesis 19:14 (NIV) So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. That Was Then