Author Darlene J. Conard

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
And I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
And till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

-George Bennard- 1913

My soul embraced every word to the old familiar hymn. Don’t think for a moment the power of the cross is long gone. This world will never destroy or water it down.

Blood does have a voice. (Hebrews 12:24)

Starting at the age of fifteen, I wandered the streets looking for answers. Wondering through night’s darkest hours gave me a sense of belonging to something. Darkness felt safe. It felt right until it retaliated. It was a nightmare! Somebody prayed for me. I no longer live there!

His tender mercies renew every day.  My repeated failures forgiven. His throne of grace’s accessibility is always opened. As for me often I felt that He would grow weary of me. He doesn’t. He’s patient.

God is patient with us.  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,” … (2 Peter 3:9 KJV) He is not slow concerning promises. Our impatience considers Him slow.  The blindman by the wayside received his sight. (Mark 8:22-25) Legion who was full of demons was found clothed and in his right mind.  (Mark 5:1-20) Lazarus’ body lay in the tomb for four days. Still, he was resurrected. (John 11) Water was turned to wine. (John 2:1-11) An adulterous ready to be stoned received redemption. The Bible is full of miracles, signs and wonders! (John 7:53 – 8:11) You know what? Our testimony can be found in the word of God. Who can you relate to? Power continues flowing from the pages of the Bible into our lives. Power, not just any power, God’s power transfers, every written word into circumstances. If we truly believe!  

In all my short comings, circumstances, heartaches, whatever the case may be. I chose to bury myself in the bosom of Calvary. I didn’t come looking for Him. He came looking for me: He comes to you.

Wilson Chapel – Fall w-Nice Sky Photographer Thomas Bailey of Richwood, WV

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