Author: Darlene J. Conard

Retract From Distraction

Retract From Distraction

Author Darlene J. Conard

I find myself wrestling with the challenge of maintaining focus on the tasks I need to complete lately. The Lord has placed several important research assignments in my care, each one vital and requiring my utmost attention. Yet, despite the significance of my responsibilities, I often notice my mind drifting away from the work in front of me.

In this age of information overload, it’s all too easy to become ensnared by the innumerable distractions that the internet bombards us with—social media notifications, endless news updates, and the temptation to explore irrelevant topics. Each distraction pulls us into its stronghold. I think of it as a hypnotic mechanism that lures us off the path.

“Stay focused, Darlene,” The Holy Spirit reminds me, trying to center my thoughts.  The enemy of our souls is cunning and relentless, doing everything in his power to divert our gaze from the purposeful path ahead. We must be determined to resist these distractions and to pour our energy into the work that really matters, seeking wisdom and clarity in each task the Lord has entrusted to us.

As soon as Peter took his gaze away from the Lord, entrusting his focus to the turbulent waters around him, that was the moment he became ensnared by the fury of the storm. The howling winds whipped at Peter, and the towering waves crashed relentlessly, threatening to engulf him in their chaotic embrace. In that instant of distraction, fear overtook him, and the violence of the raging sea became all too real, pulling him into its grasp. (Matthew 14:29-31)

From my own journey, I’ve discovered that once you truly focus your spiritual vision on the promises that lie ahead, the challenges and turmoil of life’s storms begin to fade into insignificance. The weight of those troubles feels lighter, and what once seemed overwhelming transforms into mere hurdles on the path to something greater.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” —Colossians 3:2 KJV

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

Dear Subscribers,

Dear Subscribers,

This week I am setting aside time to seek God’s guidance concerning the nations and the events that lie ahead. As we approach Thanksgiving, I pray that your celebrations with family are filled with joy, gratitude, and peace.

There is a tremendous shift taking place in the spirit realm. Yet we can rest assured: God remains in complete control. His hand is steady, His plan is sure, and His timing is perfect.

With faith and hope, Sincerely, Darlene Conard

One Nail

One Nail

Author Darlene J. Conard

A thousand thoughts danced through my mind last night, rehearsed and replayed like echoes in the dark. Then, a message on Instagram pierced the silence—it spoke to me with startling clarity.

It told the story of a man who inherited a grand house, filled with furniture and memories. One day, a stranger appeared at the door, knocking with urgency. “Can I help you?” the heir asked. The stranger replied earnestly, “I want to buy this house.” The man shook his head firmly. “This house is not for sale.”But desperation burned in the stranger’s eyes. “Name your price—I’ll pay whatever you ask.”

Still, the heir refused. Again and again, the stranger returned with offers, each more tempting than the last. Yet the answer remained the same: “No.” Finally, the stranger tried a different approach. “Then at least let me buy that nail sticking out of the wall.” The heir laughed at the absurdity. A nail? What harm could it do? After all, it was only a nail. So he agreed.

But soon the stranger returned, carrying rotten meat, and hung it on the nail.

“You can’t do that!”

Oh, but I can, you sold me the nail that’s in the wall. He replied with a twisted grin.

 What seemed harmless at first became a source of decay, a stench that filled the house, poisoning the air. The heir had to leave.

The moral of this story is clear: never surrender even the smallest ground to the enemy. What may appear insignificant—a single thought, a minor compromise, a fleeting weakness—can become the seed of destruction if left unchecked. Evil rarely storms the gates in one blow; it creeps in through cracks, disguises itself in small concessions, and grows until it dominates. To give the enemy one inch is to invite him to take a mile. Guard your heart, your mind, and your purpose with vigilance. Stand firm in truth, because every inch matters. Victory is not won in great battles alone, but in the daily choices to resist, to remain steadfast, and to refuse the subtle encroachments of darkness.

Ephesians 4:27 warns, “Do not give place to the devil.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” — 1 Peter 5:8 KJV

We are in a season of preparation. This is not a wasted time, nor a forgotten place. It is the workshop of heaven, where God quietly shapes hearts, sharpening vision and strengthening faith. Every hidden moment, every unseen prayer, every trial endured is part of the divine blueprint. Preparation is not delay—it is design.

The next season will be glorious. What is being sown in secret will be revealed in splendor. The tears of today will water the joy of tomorrow. The wilderness will give way to promise, and the silence will break into song. God is not only preparing us for survival—He is preparing us for triumph. The glory ahead will make the weight of this preparation worthwhile.

We cannot afford distraction. The enemy thrives on diversion, whispering lies, magnifying fears, and tempting us with lesser pursuits. But every moment spent in distraction is a moment stolen from destiny. We must guard our focus like treasure, keeping our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith. The enemy’s schemes are small compared to the greatness of God’s plan, but vigilance is required.

So let us walk with steady hearts, anchored in hope. Let us resist the pull of distraction and embrace the discipline of preparation. For when the season shifts, we will step into glory—not unready, not unsteady, but fully equipped to carry the promises of God.

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

The Wilderness Season

The Wilderness Season

Author Darlene J. Conard

The wilderness seasons weigh heavily on me—I loathe them. They stretch on endlessly, marked by silence so thick it presses against my chest. The days feel long and hollow, the nights echo with uncertainty, and every step seems shaky, as though the ground beneath me might give way at any moment. It is a place stripped of comfort, stripped of answers, stripped of anything that could soothe the ache. There is a silence; God withholds details. He replies, “Trust Me.”

Nothing can fill the emptiness, because it is not meant to be filled by human effort. It is a void—a sacred emptiness—that God Himself has carved out. In that barren space, He intends to do His deepest work. The wilderness is not punishment, though it feels harsh; it is preparation. It is the place where He dismantles what is fragile, exposes what is false, and recreates what is eternal.

Though I resist it, though I long for escape, I know the wilderness is where God reshapes me. It is the crucible of transformation, the silent workshop of His Spirit. And while I loathe its loneliness, I cannot deny its purpose: the void is not abandonment, but invitation. It is the canvas upon which He paints new life, the soil where He plants unseen seeds, the silence where His voice will one day thunder with revelation.

The wilderness is not wasted—it is vital. It is the forge where tomorrow is shaped, the hidden classroom where God teaches lessons too deep for crowded places. Every barren stretch, every silent night, every trembling step is preparation for the season yet to come.

Do not think He has forgotten the promises He whispered over your life. The silence is not neglect; it is a strategy. The waiting is not a delay; it is a design. In the wilderness, He is weaving strength into your spirit, stretching your faith, and sharpening your vision.

He is not still because He is absent—He is still because He is working. Beneath the surface, He is aligning paths, opening unseen doors, and preparing you for your next great walk. The wilderness is the threshold, the rehearsal, the holy pause before the unveiling.

So endure the quiet, embrace the ache, and trust the unseen hand. For when the season shifts, you will step out not fragile, but fortified—not wandering, but walking with purpose into the promises He has kept all along.

James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.— Psalm 139:1-2 KJV

“I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”— Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

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

Carrying Purpose

Carrying Purpose

Author Darlene J. Conard

For many years, I wrestled with the pain of rejection, the loneliness of not fitting in, and the sting of being labeled as odd. I carried those experiences heavily, often turning the blame inward and punishing myself for what I thought were my shortcomings. I questioned my worth, replayed moments in my mind, and wondered why I seemed so different from everyone else.

What I once mistook for flaws were never failures at all, but markers of a path uniquely prepared for me.

This morning, as I gently rose from the quiet embrace of sleep, the first light of dawn broke softly through the fading veil of night. Its golden rays carried more than warmth—they bore a sacred whisper from heaven. In that tender stillness, God’s message unfolded within me, reminding me that His revelations arrive not in haste, but always in the perfection of His timing.

I’ve come to understand that every rejection, every season of solitude, and every label imposed upon me carried a hidden purpose—shaping my spirit, teaching resilience, and preparing me to realize that my identity was never meant to be defined by others, but revealed by God Himself.

There is a weight that comes with a heavy anointing. I asked God a question, “Why, God, is it that every time I’m in a crowd of people or with people, something bad happens, every—single—time?” He answered me that night through a dream. “Darlene, I sent you as a sheep among wolves for a reason. This is how I expose wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are lured in, and I will use My staff against them. That’s what shepherd’s staffs are for.” Yes, the hook is to pull the sheep out of danger.

Be wise as serpents, discerning and discreet—guided not by fleeting emotions but by steady judgment. Be gentle as doves, free from anger or frustration, walking in peace and harmlessness. (Matthew 10:16) We must have strategic awareness. It’s not in debate, it’s vital!

The attack is not random—it is aimed directly at the divine purpose God has planted within you. The enemy resists destiny because your calling carries weight in the Kingdom. People are naturally drawn to the radiant love of Christ shining through you, like iron pulled irresistibly to a magnet. Yet when the anointing upon your life begins to flow, it does more than attract—it illuminates. That light exposes hidden darkness, revealing what was concealed. And in that exposure, resistance rises. But remember: the very opposition you face is proof of the power and purpose within you. The anointing is both a fragrance of life to those who receive it and a mirror of truth to those who resist it.

Matthew 11:15 says: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (KJV).

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

The Familiar With Unfamiliar

The Familiar With Unfamiliar

Author Darlene J. Conard

Slowly, I drifted from sleep into wakefulness, and the room greeted me with its familiar companions. The decorations sat like patient protectors, unchanged, unmoved, the pictures still whispering their silent stories from the walls. Even the curtains—faithful guardians of twelve years— hung in their familiar folds, as though time itself had chosen not to pass.

Yet within me stirred a restless thought: I longed for change, though I knew the strangeness of the new would press against me like an unfamiliar wind. Still, the ache for renewal lingered— a quiet rebellion against the comfort of sameness.

In that moment, the Holy Ghost began to speak to me about change—not as something to fear, but as a divine invitation to grow. The Lord often works through the circumstances of our lives, especially those that unsettle us, to move us beyond our comfort zones. Comfort can feel safe, but it rarely produces transformation. By permitting challenges, transitions, and unexpected events, God is not abandoning us but positioning us to uncover new strength, to deepen our faith, and to grow in greater dependence upon Him. What feels disruptive is often the very means by which He prepares us for transformation and draws us closer to His heart.

Change, then, is not random; it is purposeful. It is one of the ways the Holy Spirit teaches us resilience, renews our vision, and prepares us for the next season of calling. What feels like disruption is often the very tool God uses to align us with His greater plan. It’s like being rooted in one spot for far too long—your body grows heavy, the blood slows, and a dull numbness creeps into every limb. Muscles stiffen, joints throb, and even the air feels stale, as if life itself is pausing around you. That’s what stagnation feels like: a slow erosion of vitality, a quiet surrender to spiritual slumber.

But my spirit refuses to settle there. I hunger for movement, for growth, for the living waters that flow endlessly from God’s heart. He is infinite—His depths unsearchable, His revelations without end. Each moment with Him holds the possibility of a new horizon, a fresh unveiling of His glory.

Beloved, I encourage you: lean into the changes unfolding in your life, even when they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. These shifts are not random—they are sacred invitations, divine nudges guiding you toward something greater than you can yet see.

Change often arrives cloaked in uncertainty, but within it lies the seed of transformation. Don’t resist it. Instead, open your heart to the possibilities it brings. Let go of what was, so your hands are free to receive what is coming.

In these moments of transition, I urge you to turn your heart toward Him. Ask for revelation—not just answers, but divine insight. Ask Him to show you what He sees, to whisper His wisdom into your spirit, and to illuminate the path ahead with His light.

You are not alone in this. Philippians 1:6 declares, The One who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Trust that even in discomfort, you are being led into deeper purpose, greater peace, and unexpected joy.

We are in a pivotal moment where God is making the familiar unfamiliar. Get ready for a heavier glory; it’s coming!

 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV

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

Shift the Atmosphere

Shift the Atmosphere

By Darlene J. Conard

As I sat quietly by the window, watching snowflakes dance like whispered prayers from heaven, my thoughts began to wander. Isn’t it extraordinary how a single word—spoken with grace, wrapped in spirit—can stir the soul and awaken forgotten feelings?

God, in His infinite wisdom, never intended for us to dwell in the shadows of negativity. I found myself asking: What if we lived in a world where every word breathed kindness, every gesture sowed love, and every heart radiated peace? Perhaps such a world seems unreachable. Yet, the power to shift our atmosphere lies within us. Job 22:28 says, “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” —KJV.

We may not control the voices around us, but we can train our mouths to speak life by walking in the Spirit. We become carriers of light, architects of grace, and vessels of divine love. The world may not change overnight—but when we shift our inner world, we begin to transform the one around us.

While sitting at the funeral home, I quickly typed the message that God reminded me of and needed to be written down earlier. As if the lady sitting behind me could read my thoughts, she said this very thing to another person, “We have to be careful what we speak, because we speak it into existence.”

God created us to speak things into existence and change the atmosphere.

The profound phrase “speak those things that are not as though they were” is found in Romans 4:17, highlighting that our words have divine power to summon into being what does not yet exist. It is often embraced as a sacred principle of faith—an invitation to envision the unseen, declare hope before its arrival, and co-create with divine intention through the spoken word.

Speak the unseen into light, call the distant dream near. Let your words be seeds of becoming, not echoes of fear. Name the healing before the wound closes, the reunion before the road is crossed. Speak not what is, but what shall be— And let love finish the sentence.

Shift your surroundings with words of faith.

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

Consecrate

Consecrate

Author Darlene J. Conard

To consecrate refers to the process of sanctifying, setting apart, or rendering something holy. The ancient Hebrew term for “consecrate” is קָדַשׁ (qadash), a word that embodies a deep and complex understanding of sanctification. This act signifies not only the dedication of objects or people to divine purposes but also involves a transformative process that elevates the ordinary.

Spiritual consecration, as presented in the Bible, is a significant and transformative act that entails dedicating oneself or an object to God for His divine intentions. This concept is interwoven throughout various scriptures, underlining the importance of being set apart for holiness and service to the Lord.

A key passage that emphasizes the idea of consecration can be found in Exodus 29, which details the consecration of priests. In this text, God guides Moses on how to ordain Aaron and his sons, symbolically distinguishing them for priestly duties. The application of oil in this ceremony represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the responsibilities of the priests involve interceding for the people before God, demonstrating the significant duty that accompanies being consecrated.

I Peter 2:19 says, … ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”

A strong example of spiritual consecration is found in Romans 12:1, where Paul encourages believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This verse captures the core idea of consecration, urging us believers to fully dedicate our lives to God’s purpose. In this way, consecration isn’t just a one-time act but an ongoing expression of devotion and commitment to a life that honors God.

Moreover, 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for a collective consecration of the people of God: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This passage highlights the communal aspect of consecration, where repentance and humility lead to restoration and God’s blessing.

In the New Testament, Hebrews 10:10 speaks to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose offering consecrated believers once and for all. This act not only made it possible for individuals to approach God with confidence but also signified that, through Christ, all who believe are made holy and set apart.

Spiritual consecration serves as an invitation to engage in a deeper relationship with God. It is an acknowledgment of His holiness and our call to reflect that holiness in our lives. Through prayer, worship, and obedience, we actively participate in this sanctification process, striving to align our thoughts and actions with His divine purpose. In this journey, we are reminded that consecration involves both a commitment to be transformed by God’s presence and a desire to fulfill His calling in our lives.to the sacred, highlighting the importance of purity, devotion, and the reverence inherent in the spiritual journey.

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

Your Promise Is Your Weapon

Your Promise Is Your Weapon

Author Darlene J. Conard

 Mary came into alignment for God’s purpose by declaring these words, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38 KJV)

Mary, described as highly favored by the angel of the Lord, faced numerous challenges despite her favored status. Rather than leading a life of ease, being highly favored brought her persecution, pain, and a need for sacrifice.

The moment the Holy Ghost enveloped her in a divine embrace; she underwent a profound transformation; it was unmistakable that she had experienced a powerful visitation from God. Similarly, after encountering God’s overwhelming presence atop the mountain, Moses needed to drape a veil over his face to shield those around him from the radiant glow of God’s glory that had saturated his features (Exodus 34:33).

In the depths of Mary’s womb, something more profound than the creation of a new life was taking place. She was told, “Mary, you are carrying a prophecy that the enemy will stop at nothing to obliterate. Evil will emerge from its seat of power. But do not be afraid, for light will inevitably triumph over darkness, swallowing it whole.” It is written, And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Revelation 12:1-13 KJV

Her position before the earth’s foundations were laid was to carry the promise that the enemy despised. He devised every wicked way possible to stop her from delivering our Savior. Yes, earthly kings arose in haste to protect their reign. It wasn’t about flesh and blood; it was against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) This battle would only be won by standing tall and strong on bended knees.

Beloved, know that Satan harbors contempt for the promises and calling that reside within your spiritual being. However, take courage, for you have the ability to stand up to the enemy with God’s unwavering declaration that His promises will be fulfilled! His word is an omnipotent, steadfast source of strength and reassurance amid spiritual warfare.

If you seek God with all your heart, you will experience abundant growth and prosperity in various aspects of your life. I pray God grants you the strength and guidance to bring spiritual blessings and fulfillment. Embracing your spiritual purpose will be essential in unlocking the path to your prosperity and realizing the complete satisfaction of God’s divine plan for your life.

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

Condemnation

Condemnation

Author Darlene J. Conard

Let’s probe into the shame and condemnation. It is a spirit, but not one that comes from God. For many years, I viewed these feelings as a form of punishment, believing they were God’s way of reprimanding me for my shortcomings. This mindset created a heavy weight on my heart, filling me with a sense of unworthiness and fear of judgment. The experience was deeply isolating, as I navigated through moments of self-doubt and guilt, convinced that I was constantly being scrutinized and found lacking in the eyes of God. A preacher I sat under used his carnal ways, drilling them into our souls; it was God’s conviction. He would use these words, “God condemns us,” which is contrary to the word of God. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” —Romans 8:1 KJV.

The word condemnation means censure, blame, and accusation. This comes from Satan.

  • Revelation 12:10 calls him the accuser of the brethren who accuses day and night.
  • Job 1:8-11 Satan goes to and fro to accuse
  • Zechariah 3:1-2 Joshua the high priest stood before the angel of the Lord wearing filthy rags, which the Lord commanded Satan to remove.

In Romans 8:33, it is declared that it is ultimately God who holds the power to justify us. The story of Job serves as a profound illustration of this truth. Despite facing relentless accusations from Satan, Job remained steadfast and unwavering in his faith, demonstrating that he was truly justified in the eyes of God. Through his trials, Job demonstrated resilience and integrity, proving that divine justification is not swayed by human judgment or worldly challenges.

Conviction is an entirely distinct emotion, characterized by a deep sense of certainty and unwavering belief in a principle or idea. It goes beyond mere opinion; it envelops you with confidence and determination, compelling you to stand firm in your beliefs even in the face of opposition or doubt. This feeling often ignites a passionate drive to pursue your convictions, influencing your decisions and actions with a profound clarity of purpose.

God corrects in love and edification. “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” —Proverbs 3:12

I invite you to take a moment today to reach out to the Lord, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Ask Him to uncover the specific ways and through whom the enemy may be attempting to bring feelings of condemnation and shame into your life. Remember, Jesus is ever-present, ready to heal and transform every aspect of our existence. Embrace the opportunity for renewal and freedom that He offers.

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