Author Darlene J. Conard

As the darkness of night draped itself over my room, a profound yearning stirred within me to dive into the pages of my Bible, overpowering my instinct to surrender to sleep. I reached under my pillow, my fingertips grazing the cool surface until they finally brushed against the familiar, textured cover of the Book. The moment brought back vivid memories of my grandmother’s cherished way of selecting a Bible from the Bible Bookstore right for her. She would handle it with reverence, opening the cover slowly, her fingers dancing across the delicate, new, soft pages. It was as if she were searching for a connection that transcended the inked words, seeking consolation in the sacred promise.

The Bible stands apart from any other book on this earth, vibrantly alive and serving as a timeless guide for navigating life’s difficulties. Each page is rich with accounts of triumphs and trials, demonstrating humanity’s diverse experiences. It brings to life the stories of kings, valiant warriors, devoted priests, and wise prophets, along with countless ordinary yet remarkable individuals who confronted adversity head-on.

I often find myself profoundly pondering the unnamed figures within these sacred pages. Take, for example, the woman caught in the act of adultery—her moment of despair and humiliation ultimately became a catalyst for unfathomable personal transformation. Then there is the centurion, whose heart weighed heavily with worry for his bedridden servant; his steadfast courage in the face of helplessness speaks volumes. And let us not forget the woman who endured years of suffering from a devastating illness, battling the shadows of despair daily as she lost significant amounts of blood.

Their stories echo with us as powerful reminders of the complications of the human experience. What ties these individuals together is their unbendable refusal to be defined by their desperate circumstances. Through their unyielding faith in Jesus, they each discovered transformative paths to redemption and healing, illuminating the possibility of hope even in the darkest times.

As I ponder these narratives, I recognize that many people today can resonate with their struggles, seeking answers to their challenges. “I am facing overwhelming obstacles, just like the woman with the issue of blood. How can I escape this life of hardship?” they may wonder. “Is there a remedy for the grip of drug and alcohol addictions that will not bring further pain?” The answer lies in the only hope offered by Jesus, who stands ready to provide solutions for every need, no matter the depth of the struggle or the circumstance.

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV.

The heartfelt song “Dust on the Bible,” written by Mac Wiseman, is an emotional reminder of the spiritual neglect many of us experience. Throughout my life, there have been countless moments when I regrettably set my Bible aside, allowing it to collect dust on the shelf. This usually happened during discouragement, when my spirit felt heavy, or when the relentless current of daily responsibilities and exhaustion swept me away. In those moments, I was too drained to seek the comfort and wisdom within its pages. I earnestly seek God’s forgiveness for these instances of neglect, recognizing the importance of staying connected to my faith.

… “ the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 KJV

I yearn to transcend the outer courts, stepping boldly into the splendor of His throne room, a sacred space where His presence reigns supreme. Here, surrounded by divine majesty, I seek to encounter the ultimate truth that resides within His word, a truth that guides and transforms all who embrace it.

I leave you with this: as your fingers glide over the worn pages of the sacred Book, you are not just handling paper and ink; you are encountering the very essence of who God is.

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated.

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