Did you see it? Did you behold the message that followed this word? Or did you glance over it, like I did? Depending on the version of the Bible you are reading, behold appears around 40 times in the book of Matthew.   The Oxford English dictionary defines “behold” as a verb meaning to see or observe (a thing, or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one). Biblical use serves as a powerful imperative meaning look or see here. A command urging readers to pay close atte

A good friend and I decided on New Year’s Eve that we would do a 40 day fast together starting on January first. We’re reading a 40 day devotional together and checking in on each other daily. As I have stated here before, just last year in fact, I am not one for resolutions. But I do like to take stock of what’s working and what isn’t, especially at the beginning of a new year. Our decision was prompted by her admitting that she eats way too much sugar and feels like she rea

God prepared your gifts ahead of time for you and for the church, now go find out what they are, happy hunting!

Manifest , adjective: readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight. Transitive verb: to make evident or certain by showing or displaying. Synonyms: verb; embody, incarnate . From Latin manifestos , caught in the act, flagrant, obvious. (Webster’s) Greek: phaneroō (fan-er-ó-o), to render apparent (literal or figurative): appear, make clear, clearly see, disclose, display, be known, (make) manifest, become (make) plain, reveal, be seen, show, spread, b

“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.” Psalm 139: 13-14 Isn’t it funny that when we look at babies we easily use all the above words? We look at a new baby and declare them perfect, we can’t imagine criticizing anything about a newborn. We see infinite hope and possibility. Words like wondrous, miracle, extraordinary, and marvel roll easily off our tongues, a

“… ‘Bring your son here.’ As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And they were all astonished at the greatness of God.” ( Luke 9:41b-43)   Confession time, I haven’t journaled today’s verses or yesterday’s yet because I’ve been parked on Monday’s verses from Luke 9. Every so often that happens, and I just roll with it because I fi

Certain: fixed, settled; dependable, reliable; assured in mind or action. Originally the past participle of the Latin cernere, to sift, discern, decide, determine…verbal base krei (Greek) to sift, separate…choose (Webster’s). “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27: 13-14 The Hebrew - Greek Key Word

Psalm 136 has 26 verses and so 26 times the phrase “his faithful love endures forever” is repeated. We’re taught that whenever something...

Zeal: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something: fervor. Ardent: characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in...