Author Darlene J. Conard

How could I be preachy though standing in silence, or releasing encouragement? “Keep praying. It’s going to be okay. Don’t give up reading your Bible. Absorb little bits at a time.” Humm, so what did I miss? God did I miss something; or, is encouragement defined as preaching?” Throwing my hands in the air confused I just couldn’t brush it off. Earnestly drilling deep into observation want to correct my actions.

All things have their measurements food, clothing, mounts, seas, you name it! Our height is one thing, our spirit is another. Measuring up to society will certainly distort who we are. Measuring up with God’s word is substantial. So, I’m learning this. Imagine running a race to a goal that keeps getting moved back. Effort has no purpose; you can’t reach it. God is compassion, mercy, and good, nothing like what Vogue, Cosmopolitan or any other magazine portrays. 

Paul’s letter to believers in Rome, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV) Don’t comply with society’s standards.

The demoniac of Gerasene manifested the moment Jesus stepped out of the boat. Jesus didn’t speak one word.  Legion immediately ran falling on His knees before Him. Legion wasn’t the identity of this man. God’s presence travels. (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39) Acts records an account of seven priest attempting to cast an evil spirit out of a man. Speaking the name of Jesus wasn’t sufficient. God’s presence wasn’t with them. “Jesus, we know and Paul we know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:12-16)

In response to my inquiry, “So what did I miss? Our lives are an open book. Have you heard the saying, “You’re the only Bible some people will read?” The more time we spend reading, studying the Bible and praying, our transformation proceeds. His glory showers us.

It’s not me, my presence that bothers people. It’s the presence of God. My desire is never for self-glory. He delivered me from bondage. I owe Him everything! I too was in the position accusing my grandma of preaching to me, though she remained silent before me. Yet before God, she poured her poured her heart out on my behalf.

I desire to be a book not looked upon because of the cover. I want to bare the glory of God inside out.

“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.  2 Corinthians 3:2-3    KJV

You are our letter written in our hearts. Known and read by all; undoubtedly you are a letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. You are the only Bible some people will read. You don’t necessarily have to say a word.

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