Author: Darlene J. Conard

Don’t Try to Figure It Out

Author Darlene J. Conard

Each challenge we encounter serves as valuable preparation for the trials. Reflecting on my past experiences, I’ve realized that these moments were not just random obstacles but divine lessons intended to shape my character and guide my journey. They have improved my understanding and offered me opportunities to support and uplift others during their struggles.

“God’s ways and thoughts are past finding out” is a sentence we hear often, but do we let it sink into our spirit? I can say for myself, no, I haven’t.

I often find myself lost in thought, reflecting on the unexpected twists that life has taken—circumstances I never imagined would unfold this way. Take, for example, the journey to Canaan. Instead of guiding the people along a straight and direct path, God led them through a longer, meandering route, intentionally steering them away from the easier detour. It’s astonishing that what could have been a swift passage to their promised land transformed into a daunting 38-year odyssey. Yet, within this unanticipated delay lies a more profound significance; God was pursuing a greater purpose that transcended immediate understanding. (Exodus 13:17)

I can sense the weariness in your heart from the prayers that seem to echo back unanswered, and your patience may be dwindling as each day stretches on. But I implore you to hold fast to hope—there is a glimmer of light on the horizon, and the help you seek is indeed on its way!

Psalm 121:1-8 KJV

“ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

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. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Words and Their Power

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 KJV

The adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” greatly simplifies a profound truth about the human experience.

In Matthew 12:37, Jesus delivers a profound and emotionally compelling message concerning the power of our speech. He states, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This striking statement is a significant reminder of the tremendous influence that our words wield, not only over our own lives and destinies but also over those around us.

Every word we speak carries weight and can profoundly shape our reality. Our speech can inspire and uplift, nurturing joy and encouragement in others, or cause harm and division, leading to conflict and despair. This dual potential of language underscores our responsibility in our everyday conversations.

As we interact with family, friends, and even strangers, we can create either a nurturing environment or a destructive one based on our choices of words. Thus, it becomes crucial to reflect on our expressions’ impact, reminding us that our verbal expressions are not merely spontaneous reactions but have the power to define our character and influence our relationships. In essence, how we communicate can either lead to our justification in the eyes of others and ourselves or result in condemnation, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and intentional speech.

This concept is deeply intertwined with the rich symbolism of the breath we use to articulate our thoughts. This breath echoes the divine breath of life bestowed upon humanity, as depicted in Genesis 2:7. By recognizing this connection, we come to appreciate the weighty responsibility that accompanies our speech. Our words can shape interactions, forge relationships, and have a lasting impact on our communities.

Imagine the transformative power of speaking life into situations through positivity and declaring God’s promises. Such declarations can catalyze profound change, sparking healing within ourselves and those we influence, while altering the course of our circumstances for the better.

In our quest for agreement and restoration, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance, allowing Him to fill our hearts with peace. This divine influence empowers us to master our words, directing them toward constructive and nurturing ends.

Proverbs 13:3 (KJV) reminds us of the importance of our speech: “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” This Scripture emphasizes the critical nature of controlling our words for a well-lived life, reinforcing that what we say can safeguard our existence or lead us into turmoil.”

Every Part of my Being

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I gradually stirred from my slumber this morning, a powerful thought came to me about Peter, as described in the Book of Acts, specifically chapter 10:11-13. In that moment, I envisioned Peter going about his daily routine, engrossed in the ordinary rhythm of life. However, just as he was settling down for lunch, a single man’s prayer pierced through the mundane, disrupting his meal. It was a divine moment that shifted the course of his day.

A sheet descended unrolling before him with pictures of various animals on it. According to Jewish law, certain animals were considered forbidden, and as he processed this startling sight, he heard the voice of God commanding, “Arise, kill and eat.” Peter was firm in his convictions and responded, “Not so, Lord, for I have never partaken of anything common or unclean.” Undeterred, God spoke to him again, urging him to take action and consume what had been cleansed by his divine decree. “Do not call it common or unclean,” the Lord insisted, repeating this declaration three times. As the vision faded, the sheet rose toward heaven, a profound reminder that God often disrupts our daily routines to impart greater revelations and insights.

One evening, as the stars twinkled in the deep indigo sky, my sister turned to me with a thoughtful expression and said, “Darlene, I heard you singing softly, and in my dream, you were singing in front of a large crowd.” I felt a surge of anxiety wash over me, reminiscent of Peter’s denial. “Oh no, not me, Lord,” I thought, my heart pounding at the mere idea of standing before an audience. A profound fear gripped me, stemming from the depths of my soul.

In His infinite wisdom, God knows the hidden capabilities and talents that lie dormant within us. Yet, how can we be so audacious as to claim that He doesn’t know? After all, He created us in His image and spoke the universe into existence. He is the eternal being, the one who exists beyond time, who crafted the very laws of nature to fulfill His divine purpose.

God sees us not as we are, but as who we will become. The essence of the story is that when God declares we will accomplish something, we should not label ourselves as common or unsuitable. God perceives us not just in our current state, but rather as the individuals we have the potential to become. The heart of this message is that when God proclaims our capabilities and the greatness we are destined to achieve, we should resist the temptation to view ourselves as ordinary or inadequate. Instead, we should embrace the divine vision for our lives and recognize our inherent worth and potential.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16 KJV

Thank you, Angela Dempsey

You can subscribe to Author Angela Dempsey’s daily blogs at https://godfocus.net/

The Battle Between,

Truth, Condemnation, and Self

Author Darlene J. Conard

Surfed and conflicted, Pilate struggled to find a reason to punish Jesus for wrongdoing. He felt the weight of the people’s expectations, yet he grappled with a profound sense of hesitation within himself. His mind buzzed with questions about what to do in this challenging situation.

As a leader, Pilate found himself facing a multitude of weighty considerations. The bold and unwavering truth stood as a challenge before him, while his wife’s dream of the dangers of contending with the truth lingered in his thoughts. Pilate was in a fierce battle, wrestling with conflicting emotions, his principles, and the mounting accusations against a figure revered as the prophet of all time. The internal struggle was unrestrained, as Pilate, unable to find fault, was met with a kingdom in uproar. The people insisted that Jesus claimed to be God, directly challenging Pilate’s deeply held convictions.

As he paced back and forth through the corridors of justice, he keenly observed the weight of his conviction, the sting of condemnation, and the unwavering presence of truth. The Jews questioned him, but he did not receive a positive response as a spiritual battle of epic proportions took place instantaneously.

He was confronted with a difficult decision, as his mind was filled with conflicting voices. He didn’t want to bear responsibility for innocent blood. Pilate expressed his uncertainty to Jesus by asking, “What is truth?” He struggled hand-to-hand with the concept.

Take a deep dive into the Gospels. Consider Pilate’s position as he faced God’s challenge to his authority and power.

Who among them would sit on the seat of injustice, condemning this man to death? No one was willing to bear the responsibility for shedding His blood, as they were all fully aware of the situation’s truth.

Jesus was the incarnation of the Word, and he did not need a lawyer. He is the beacon of hope, the warrior for those seeking redemption, and a central, pivotal figure in the grand narrative.

This story concludes that we must realize we are in an unseen war, a war against truths, lies, and ourselves, dealing with the condemnation of others

We’ve contemplated the philosophical question, “What is truth?” Shortly, we will realize that everything we perceived as the truth was, in fact, a crafty deception.

Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”

The world is in chaos due to contention over the truth. Society’s voices are dominant, pulling us in every direction. Embracing the truth will transform us forever.

I encourage you to seek God for truth; when you receive it, don’t let go of it!

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 KJV

(Chapter 23 of Luke /Pilate before Christ read the book of John Chapter 18)

From Rags to Righteousness

Author Darlene J. Conard

In the renowned musical My Fair Lady, playwright George Bernard Shaw masterfully captures the essence of character transformation. The story revolves around a humble flower girl from the gritty streets of London, who seems an unlikely candidate for a dramatic change in fortune. The man’s refusal to accept a mere facade of refinement proves his beliefs about social class and genuineness. Determined to find a suitable subject for his experiment, he ventures into the bustling streets, patiently observing the flower girl’s struggles and missteps. He selects her as the subject of his social experiment, determined to challenge and ultimately disprove the professor’s theories.

As time unfolds, he watches in awe as she undergoes a remarkable transformation, shedding her past like a snake sheds its skin. Once a downtrodden figure attired in tattered, worn garments that clung to her frame, she blossoms into grace and elegance. Her posture straightens, and her once dull eyes sparkle with newborn confidence.

The storyline elegantly encapsulates the core of personal development, exploring the subtle intricacies of social systems and the diverse aspects of identity. It presents a vibrant tapestry of resilience, highlighting people’s challenges and victories, ultimately creating a striking illustration of hope that motivates and elevates.

This movie deeply connected with my spiritual path, weaving together themes that mirror my connection with God. I recall feeling wrapped in spiritual tatters, unnoticed and adrift. However, amid that darkness, Jesus saw past the exterior and acknowledged my genuine value, something I was blind to and that others had ignored. I had a praying grandmother, and my friend Bonnie, who refused to give up praying for me. Others said, “No, it’s not possible, she’s far gone.” Grandma said, “No, I’m not giving up on Darlene. God is going to use her in a mighty way. The devil wants my Darlene, but he can’t have her.”

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I want to encourage you to pray for your loved ones, as your prayers hold great power and can bring about positive changes. In moments of doubt and challenge, let your faith shine through and remind yourself that you have the strength to prove the enemy wrong. Stand firm on God’s promises and trust that your love and dedication can overcome any obstacles that come your way. Keep nurturing those connections with hope and positivity.

A Covenant is a Covenant

Author Darlene J. Conard

Life has an uncanny way of bringing forth waves of disappointment that crash relentlessly against our hope. These moments can feel overwhelming, as if we are struggling to keep our heads above water amidst a turbulent sea. In times like these, we often find consolation in Scripture, reminding ourselves of the promises that anchor our faith. One such verse resonates deeply: “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19-20)This robust assurance is a beacon of hope, encouraging us to stand firm and trust that God will intervene when challenges overwhelm us.

The Holy Ghost dropped something in my spirit as I sat staring at the floor on the edge of my bed. “Remember Naomi’s response when the citizens of Bethlehem asked, “Is this not Naomi?” She responded, “Don’t call me Naomi, but Mara.”

Naomi continued to express her feelings, her voice filled with sorrow. “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara. I departed from here with a heart full of hope and joy, but the LORD has returned me home with nothing but emptiness. Why do you still call me Naomi, which means ‘pleasant,’ when the LORD has demonstrated His disfavor toward me, and the Almighty has allowed me to endure this deep suffering?” In her time of grief, she affirmed herself as being bitter and empty. She chose a name that reflected her situation and challenges, yet the divine had a greater purpose for her within life’s grand design.

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV

Naomi pressed on through the deep, unrelenting pain she experienced in her struggle of faith, each moment weighing heavily on her spirit. Yet, despite the turmoil, she emerged with a profound and transformative blessing that surpassed her comprehension, illuminating her life in ways she had never imagined.

We must understand that our circumstances, no matter how challenging or favorable they may seem, do not ultimately define our identities or worth. Instead, it is our character, our choices, and our actions that shape who we are. Furthermore, we can find comfort and hope in the knowledge that God is a covenant-keeping God, faithful to His promises and committed to guiding us through every aspect of our lives. His unwavering presence assures us that we are more than the situations we face, reminding us of our inherent value and potential as we navigate our journeys.

Consuming Fire

Author Darlene J. Conard

Have you ever taken a moment to closely observe products that contain oil? If you let these products sit undisturbed for a period, you might notice an intriguing phenomenon. Over time, the oil slowly rises to the surface, creating a striking, glossy layer above the other ingredients. Meanwhile, the denser components gradually settle at the bottom of the container, resulting in a distinct separation that emphasizes that oil and other ingredients do not mix flawlessly. This means the product must be shaken well to mix the ingredients.

Serving God is a pursuit that demands intentionality and dedication. It’s not enough to go through the motions; we must actively engage our hearts and minds in this sacred journey. If we allow ourselves to become comfortable and stagnant in our spiritual lives, we risk losing the vibrancy that comes from a deep and living faith.

Consider how a still pond can quickly become murky and lifeless without the movement of wind or the ripple of a stone thrown into its waters. Similarly, our connection with God can start to fade if we don’t consistently nurture it. Without regular prayer, reflection, and acts of service, our spiritual lives may become dull and unfulfilling, lacking the excitement and purpose of an active relationship with God.

We must discover fresh ways to connect with God to avoid becoming stagnant. This may involve trying out various forms of worship, diving deep into scripture, and being a part of believers who encourage and uplift us. By refreshing our spiritual practices and remaining open to growth, we can ensure that our faith remains vibrant and deeply rooted in purpose.

^“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7)

We must stir ourselves and stay on fire for God.

Revelation

Author Darlene J Conard

As I readied to defrost my refrigerator, I cautiously pulled the appliance away from the wall. I looked down, and the faint scent of stale air mixed with a musty odor fanned up from the neglected floor beneath it, revealing a disheartening landscape of dust bunnies and long-forgotten crumbs that had collected in the shadows. I glanced down, momentarily entranced by the unkempt patches hidden from sight for far too long, before quickly averting my gaze to the side of the fridge’s once-gleaming exterior, now marred with smudges and fingerprints. Do I want to tackle that mess right now? I pondered, feeling a familiar wave of reluctance wash over me. Not at this moment, I decided with a mental shrug. I then slid the bulky appliance back into position, almost as if to erase the evidence of neglect. Nothing to see here! Then, the Lord spoke to me, saying, “That’s the way it is, when I reveal the truth, and no one wants to see it, so they ignore it.”

“Ouch, I thought, a sharp pang of discomfort coursing through me as the realization struck. In that moment, I knew, with a deep-seated conviction, that the Lord is always right. Yet, wrestling with this truth felt like climbing a steep, rocky incline—difficult and painful, especially when we have spent years entwined in the comforting illusion of a lie, convincing ourselves it was the foundation of our beliefs. It was disorienting to confront the discord between what I had accepted as reality and the stark clarity of truth now unraveling before me.

The term “revelation” encompasses the idea that elements or truths previously concealed or beyond our perception are made manifest and become apparent. It signifies a transformative moment in which secrets, hidden knowledge, or more profound insights are unveiled, allowing individuals to gain clarity and understanding. This process often involves a dramatic shift in perspective, where the awakening to these revelations can lead to profound personal insights, changes in beliefs, or even spiritual enlightenment. A revelation catalyzes deeper comprehension, illuminating pathways once shrouded in mystery or obscurity.

People are hesitant to challenge the status quo in the current era. A pervasive desire to maintain agreement leads many to accept a particular perspective and suppress the truth. This unspoken agreement raises a comfortable atmosphere but ultimately sidelines the more profound truths that might provoke discomfort or disagreement.

Understanding the truth requires honesty. I realize that accepting the truth can be difficult. John of Patmos said, “I went to the angel and asked him, ‘Give me the little book.’ He replied, ‘Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” (Revelation 10:9)

The truth will cause discomfort to anyone in their flesh, but it’s the truth that will make us free.

… “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 KJV

Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder

Author Darlene J. Conard

At one point, I found myself caught in a relentless cycle of self-reflection, constantly questioning my identity to the point of confusion. It felt like I was trapped in a loop, with memories from the past persisting around me. I kept reliving the same circumstances in my mind, feeling the familiar weight of emotions wash over me, and hearing the same voices whisper reminders of what I once was. Each iteration brought no new insights, only a haunting sense of déjà vu that made breaking free from this mental spiral difficult.

I recall the heartfelt moments I shared with the children I worked with. Their voices filled with longing as they asked, “I miss the other, Darlene. Why are you trying to change?” Their innocent curiosity struck a chord in me, making me reflect on the essence of who I am and the truth behind wanting to change.

Throughout my life, I’ve often engaged in a relentless cycle of comparison, constantly measuring my abilities against those of others. This preoccupation with how I stack up against my peers consumed me, overshadowing the unique gifts that I have been blessed with. In my relentless pursuit to fit into molds crafted by societal expectations and the opinions of others, I lost sight of the beauty inherent in my talents. It became clear that I was neglecting the vibrant aspects of myself, waiting patiently to be recognized and embraced. As I began reflecting on this, I realized that the journey to self-acceptance is not about imitation but celebrating the distinctive qualities that make me who I am.

The story of the magic mirror has always captivated me. I would often find myself asking it questions that echoed deep insecurities: “Tell me how I truly appear? Am I as wonderful as so-and-so? Who do I see in the reflection, magic mirror? What flaws do I possess?”

As I ponder these inquiries, I realize that we are surrounded by our image-reflectors, constantly sending back the opinions and perceptions of others. I’ve understood that these reflections can be uplifting and disheartening. In my life, the reassuring voices of my aunt and friends have become a balm for my spirit, reminding me, “It’s perfectly okay to embrace who you are.”

I am grateful that God desires us to be our authentic selves. It’s liberating to acknowledge that we are not obligated to absorb the negative judgments of others, for they do not hold the authority of the Creator. We are unique, deserving of acceptance and love just as we are.

There is no enchanted mirror that reflects my true self; instead, I seek to understand who I am by gazing upon my existence through the compassionate eyes of God.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV