Andrew Conard

Plumbline

This is a lesser known verse than Amos 7:7 and both mention a plumb line of God. In this verse it is a "plumb line of desolation." At first, I thought that this was a quite different use of the metaphor,…

Isaiah 34:11 (NIV)

Satan's Ambition and Fall

This verse begins the story of Satan's fall. I had wondered about the source of the story with Satan wanting to be more powerful than God - here it is.

Isaiah 14:13 (NIV)

Extravagant Generosity

Elisha's instruction for the woman to gather more than just a few jars tells us something about God. Elisha is counting on God's extravagant generosity and ability to provide more than we can hope for…

2 Kings 4:3 (NIV)

Ready to Kill

Saul is ready to kill his own son. He is certainly ready to kill David.

1 Samuel 20:33 (NIV)

Confront with Evidence

I appreciate the power of Samuel's words, "Now then, stand here, because I am going to confront you with evidence before the LORD..." The people of God may continue to need reminding of God's presence…

1 Samuel 12:7 (NIV)

Rejecting God

I appreciate the nuance that the people of Israel are not rejecting Israel, instead they are rejecting God as their king. It seems that this verse may be encouraging for church leaders who do not always…

1 Samuel 8:7 (NIV)

Two Way Relationship with God

God connects with the people and feel's their pain when they return to God. God knows what is happening with them, however it is when the Israelites turn back to Him that he can bear their misery no more.…

Reading Scripture at Transitions

There is power in reading scripture out loud. Joshua has just lead the people to military victory and his next action is to make an altar, offer offerings and read the words of the law. Reading scripture…

Joshua 8:35 (NIV)

A Word from God

I appreciate the power connected with the words of the song that Moses shares. The word of God for the people of God is not something to be taken lightly. It is encouraging, helpful and truly is our life.

Deuteronomy 32:47 (NIV)

Encouragement

I found comfort and strength in these words of Moses, "Be strong and courageous." There are many things which may be scary in life, yet God is always present and nothing can overcome God.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Set Apart

I appreciate the recognition in these verses of the people of Israel being set apart and different from other nations. This reminds me of that to which I feel called - to be set apart as different, yet…

Numbers 23:9 (NIV)

Trust in God

This is a strong verse. Moses sought to bring water to the people, which is a basic need. He did not follow the guidance of God, to the letter. God clearly states "speak to that rock." There are times…

Numbers 20:8 (NIV), Numbers 20:12 (NIV)

Feel the Darkness

This is serious darkness. I have been in some places where I have felt the darkness, however those have been very few places. I can imagine the severity of this plague with felt darkness across the land.

Exodus 10:21 (NIV)

A Sign from God

The sign from God will come after the Israelites are out of Egypt. Faith was necessary to move forward on the journey because confirmation of going in the right direction would come later. I find this…

Exodus 3:12 (NIV)

Self Interest

I find this to be true in my own life at times. I appreciate the clear reversal of this statement, encouraging the reader to look out for the interests of Christ.

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

Worship of the Religious Society of Friends

This verse seems to describe the worship pattern of the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers. I have wondered about it in the past and appreciate connecting these verses to that style of worship.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (TNIV)

Follower of Paul

The example of a deeply committed Christian is really worthy of being followed. This text states that people "became followers of Paul and believed." I would have first considered that they became followers…

Acts 17:34 (TNIV)

Long Term View

God promises Abraham that his descendants will possess the land - 400 years after being strangers in a country. I am amazed at this long term view. I usually consider changes with a few years or perhaps…

Acts 7:5 (TNIV), Acts 7:6 (TNIV), Acts 7:7 (TNIV)

Clear Witness

I appreciate the clear encouragement to witness to new life in Jesus Christ. Sharing knowledge about Jesus is not enough, sharing about life change is powerful.

Acts 5:20 (TNIV)

Undeniable Proof

It is hard to punish for good things that have happened. The proof of God's work was in front of them - a man who was lame now could walk. It was undeniable.

Acts 4:14 (TNIV)

Nonsense Words

I can understand why the disciples thought that the women were talking nonsense. It was. Jesus had risen from the dead? This had never happened before and was a bit difficult to believe. Sometimes the…

Luke 24:11 (TNIV)

Promised Persecution

Jesus promises that those who sacrifice to follow will have both the things that the left to follow Jesus, as well as persecution. The Christian life is not easy and the benefits may be counterbalanced…

Mark 10:29 (TNIV), Mark 10:30 (TNIV)

Lower Anxiety

Martha is anxious and upset over many things and Jesus reminds her that there is need of only a few things or even one thing. This reminder to not be anxious over many things is as appropriate today as…

Luke 10:41 (TNIV), Luke 10:42 (TNIV)

A Joyful Task

The 72 returned to Jesus with joy. Their task was one that led to joy. I appreciate this perspective, as there are times that the work of ministry does not feel like joy. Maybe it is a change in perspective,…

Luke 10:17 (TNIV)

Difficult Words of Jesus

I can see how these words would be difficult for those surrounding Jesus. Knowing where the story will go, it is easier to look back at those words and see a reference to Holy Communion and the last supper…

John 6:51 (TNIV), John 6:52 (TNIV), John 6:53 (TNIV)