All But One Wall

Author Darlene J. Conard

In remarkable bravery, Rahab sheltered two spies sent by Joshua in Jericho. She concealed them on her roof among flax stalks and fearlessly misled the king’s men, claiming that the spies had already departed the city. Rahab’s bold actions played a crucial role in the mission’s success.

As the Israelites readied themselves for the conquest of Jericho, Rahab, a woman of remarkable courage, boldly professed her faith in the God of Israel. Her plea for mercy, a testament to her unshakable belief in the power of the Israelite God, was a fierce determination to protect her loved ones.

In a compassionate response, the spies agreed to her request and instructed her to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a signal. They also advised her to gather her family inside her house for safety.

The walls eventually collapsed as the Israelites marched around Jericho according to God’s instruction. Rahab’s house, part of the city wall, remained intact. The spies honored their promise, and Rahab and her family were saved.

After the fall of Jericho, Rahab and her family were welcomed into the Israelite community. Her faith and actions, which were later celebrated in the New Testament, hold a significant place in Jesus’s lineage and are commended for her faith in the Book of Hebrews, underscoring their historical importance.

This shows that although some who are not living for God yet fear Him, this is changeable!

The ancient city of Jericho met its dramatic fate when the Israelites, led by Joshua, encircled its formidable walls. For six days, they marched in solemn procession, and on the seventh day, they completed seven rounds, accompanied by the resounding blasts of priests’ horns. As the anticipation reached its peak, the people raised their voices in a triumphant shout, and the walls of Jericho, in a miraculous display of God’s power, came tumbling down.

Modern archaeological sites at Tell es-Sultan, believed to be the site of biblical Jericho, have not yielded evidence of a city from the related period, casting a captivating veil of mystery over this legendary account. Some scholars suggest that the story may have originated as a means of declaratory regional claims by later rulers of Judah, adding an intriguing layer of historical interpretation to this timeless account.[1]

Remarkably, all the walls fell except Rahab’s. You see —when she let down the scarlet cord, it had the same symbolism as the lamb’s blood applied by the children of Israel. Her wall became a safeguard.

Archaeologists have not found remains of the walls of Jericho, but Rahab’s wall shall stand in defense against the enemy.

In times of need, it’s essential to remember to apply the redeeming power of Jesus’s blood to every aspect of your life. Just like the life-giving umbilical cord, the scarlet cord symbolizes the continuous flow of life from Jesus to you, beloved child of God.

Rahab hides the spies: Joshua 2 KJV – And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of – Bible Gateway.

The falling of the Jericho Walls: Joshua 6 KJV – Now Jericho was straitly shut up – Bible Gateway

Refernce 1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jericho

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I observed, the workers carefully removed the apple tree’s branches. I couldn’t understand why they were dismantling something so beautiful. The tree’s delicate white and pink blossoms had always brought joy to the picnic area, filling the air with a gentle, calming fragrance in the spring. Now, their absence left me feeling disappointed and disheartened. I realized that my negative reaction was due to my lack of understanding. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the purpose behind this process — pruning. The men were only doing this to ensure the tree’s future growth and survival. I would have to wait until next year to witness their beauty again. This year simply wasn’t their time.

In a spiritual sense, I felt a deeper connection with the idea that if those trees could scream out in pain, asking, “Why have you cut my branches?”  I could relate. Just as the men knew exactly how and where to cut, God knows exactly when and where to remove things from our lives. He has to. Pruning is an indication of fruitfulness. For the trees to bear fruit again, they would have to be pruned.

Mark 2:22 says, “No man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.” “It can’t be done. Human nature kicks in to do things our way prematurely. We step in with our thoughts and ideas. God requires us to walk in spirit and truth.

God deals with people, but it takes time.

Saul, surnamed Paul, encountered the two-edged sword on his way to Damascus. Deep within, he honestly thought he was doing God’s service. Jesus’ appearance blinded him. (Acts 9:1-9) We go through pruning not because something is wrong with us but because we want to know what is right. God knows much more about lay dormant than we are aware of.

Through trials, I have gained more than I lost, which initially didn’t make sense to me. We will receive an honorary position. The Almighty Creator Himself puts us before the small and great, saying, “They have glorified Me well.”

God permitted Satan, knowing that Job was fruitful and would not lose his luster or faith in Him.

Jesus stood silent before Pilate as he searched deep within himself for the right questions. How would he unlock Jesus’ silence? He was wise. His refusal permeated truth into Pilates’s physical authority. “Don’t you know I have the power to crucify You?” In response, Jesus answered,” You could have no power at all except it be given from above.” John 19:9-11

Satan only has the authority that’s given from above to test us.

Be encouraged knowing that God is in control of our lives if we allow Him to be.

 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

Written by Darlene J. Conard

The mustard seed is tiny yet mighty, measuring 1 to 2 millimeters (0.039 to 0.079 inches) in diameter. In Luke 17:5 to 6, Jesus uses the mustard seed to show that even the smallest amount of faith can accomplish great things, like moving mountains and uprooting trees. Some people may be skeptical, saying, “I don’t believe those things are movable.

In 2 Kings, Elijah’s followers sought a more prominent dwelling place. While cutting trees for beams, one of the men’s axe heads flew off its handle into the water. The servant pointed to its location. Elijah then cut off a stick and threw it toward the axe head beneath the water. To their amazement, the axe head floated to the top and became attached to the stick.

We serve the same unchanging God. It’s not that God has changed; it’s our faith that has wavered. I have an unwavering belief that God will restore and strengthen our faith.

It may not look, feel, or sound like we are living in one of the greatest times, but just hold tight—God is preparing to leave us speechless! Let’s not overlook the miracles that surround us daily.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”   1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” -Corrie Ten Boom-

References Google search

Author Darlene J. Conard

After several days of battling a stomach virus and sinus infection, receiving the devastating news of a close family member, coping with the unexpected death of my cousin and my mom’s heart palpitating, and facing various spiritual challenges, I felt utterly overwhelmed. It seemed like one thing after another, and I was struggling to cope with the emotional and physical toll it was taking on me.

This morning, I heard this song in my spirit: “Satan, your kingdom is coming down, Lord, we declare Your glory, and we declare Your victory in this place!”

“God, You’re up to something — aren’t You?”  During that time, He directed me to the stories in His Word, where it seemed like His people were defeated, but God was setting a trap to ensnare the enemy.

We must remember that when we seek Him wholeheartedly, He won’t ignore us!

God’s reminder echoes through history: many battles have been won by just a few or even a lone warrior.

The intricacy of God’s divine plans often astounds humanity. He selects the most unlikely individuals and empowers them for His holy purpose. When God starts removing specific individuals from your life, it’s a sign that He is preparing you for something significant. Some are only absent for a season.

The blacksmith expertly manipulates the sword in the intense heat of the flames, carefully calculating the precise number of hammer blows required to craft it into the perfect shape for the severities of war. The process of tempering a sword involves exposing it to heat for a specific duration. If the sword is heated for too long, it will result in excessive hardening, making it brittle and prone to shattering. On the other hand, if it is not heated for a sufficient amount of time, the sword will be too soft and lack the necessary strength for effective use in combat. Therefore, achieving the optimal balance in the tempering process is crucial to ensure that the sword possesses the ideal combination of hardness and flexibility.

God confronted Satan concerning Joshua, asking, “Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” God affirmed Joshua as a brand used to stir and smolder fire, passing through the flames unscathed. Satan sought to belittle Joshua’s significance in light of his destined future. In response, God ordered the removal of Joshua’s filthy garments. (Zechariah 3:1-5)

Keep in mind that God possesses the ability to transform both us and our circumstances. He is shaping us for the upcoming intense struggles that will ultimately bring glory to Him and deepen our connection with Him.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Nehemiah had a clear vision to restore the walls of Jerusalem. He knew that the walls were vital for keeping the Jewish people safe and protecting their identity. Nehemiah was good at explaining his vision to others, inspiring them to support his plan.

He was a particular strategic planner and took great care in thoroughly evaluating the condition of the walls before embarking on the reconstruction project. Under the cover of night, he led detailed inspections to accurately measure the damage’s extent. Afterward, he meticulously devised a complete plan, strategically assigning specific wall sections to different groups to ensure the ideal operation of resources and manpower.

His leadership was tested by daunting opposition from adversaries such as Sanballat and Tobiah. Despite the daunting challenges, he demonstrated extraordinary skill in inspiring individuals to work together while defending themselves, making steady progress, and ensuring their safety. His resilience and unwavering determination are effective examples, urging us to persist in adversity.

Nehemiah’s empathy towards his people was not just a sentiment but a passion for change. He addressed complaints, restructured to ease burdens, and fostered unity and trust among the public, making them feel understood, cared for, and secure.

His decision not to abuse his position for personal gain was not only a choice but also a display of his unwavering dedication. His integrity-based actions and decisions earned him widespread respect and loyalty, making his followers feel valued and respected.

Nehemiah’s leadership involved both everyday strategies and deep faith. He frequently sought guidance and strength through prayer, importance, and reliance on God. His strong spiritual guidance was key in reigniting the people’s trust and commitment to their religious practices, inspiring them with his unwavering belief. Nehemiah’s story is gripping evidence of the power of visionary, strategic, and compassionate leadership in conquering challenging obstacles and attaining unexpected accomplishments.

As I reflect on these words, I come to understand that the journey of a visionary and a leader is laden with challenges. Each day, God guides us through His teachings, showing us how to emerge His Word into our daily lives while navigating the pressures we face. It is through this process that He molds and shapes us into capable leaders. Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

“Be encouraged and do not lose your vision. Stand firm in God’s word!”

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I lay in bed, feeling utterly exhausted, the words “Jesus, I’m so tired” escaped my lips. At that moment, a response echoed in my spirit, urging me to press on and assuring me that this weariness was only temporary. Despite witnessing miraculous movements of God in the past, it’s natural for us to grow weary at times because, after all, we are only human.

The Lord has been guiding my attention to the book of Nehemiah, specifically chapter 4. In this chapter, Nehemiah and the workers faced persistent harassment from their enemies who opposed their efforts.

Nehemiah faced Mockery and Ridicule. He encountered opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who mocked the Jews and doubted their ability to rebuild the wall (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3). Have you ever experienced mockery, a laughing stock, because you believe God to do what He says He will do? Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” KJV

His enemies plotted to attack Jerusalem to disrupt the construction process. Nehemiah organized guards and armed the workers in response to protect the city. (Nehemiah 4:7-9) I assure you that you will not get by without a spiritual battle. But God promises to have our backs!

Intimidation and false accusations? Oh yes, I’ve had my share of those as well. Nehemiah’s adversaries attempted to intimidate him with false accusations and threats, including a plot to assassinate him. (Nehemiah 6:5-9)

Fatigue and Discouragement: The laborers grew weary and disheartened due to the heavy workload and constant threat of attack. Nehemiah rallied them, encouraging them to remain focused and reminding them of the significance of their work. (Nehemiah 4:10-14) Remember Zechariah 4:6, … “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Economic hardships resulted from a famine, leading to widespread debt and poverty. Nehemiah addressed this by implementing economic reforms and urging the wealthy to stop exploiting the poor. (Nehemiah 5:1-13). Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. KJV

The community was engulfed in fear and anxiety due to the ongoing threats. However, Nehemiah’s unwavering leadership and strong faith reassured the people, keeping them motivated despite the challenging circumstances. (Nehemiah 4:14-23).

To complete the rebuilding of all wall sections, it was essential to carefully coordinate the work and ensure that resources were managed effectively. This required detailed planning and strategic resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of efficient resource management as described in Nehemiah 3.

Night Inspections: Nehemiah conducted clandestine night inspections to assess the damage and plan the reconstruction without attracting attention from enemies. (Nehemiah 2:11-16)

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 KJV

We are facing all these, but don’t lose heart! Remember, God is there and nearer than we realize!

Be encouraged and know that He is doing something miraculous in your life. Keep praying, and keep pursuing God!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Rain starts soon, displayed on the taskbar of my computer screen. For several days, I waited for the eighty percent expected rain. Just maybe I have typed the wrong location. Nope!

Following this wonder, “When is the rain coming,” reminded me of a fishing story.

Expectations hid from the disciples the night they floated across the sea for a catch. Nothing, all night long, NOTHING! You can imagine the magnitude of frustration they experienced. Weary, disappointed, and anxious are all brought back instead of a net full of fish.

Upon their arrival, Jesus requested permission to set foot in their boat. Isn’t that just like God?

Waiting until we feel exhausted to do something? He is never exhausted and never grows weary. “Cast your net to the right of the boat.” God did the most miraculous thing at their weakest point. Matthew 13:2 

God does not rely on how we feel. That is not how He operates.

We must keep our hopes up no matter what we see, feel, think, or hear.

My friend recently shared a fascinating revelation in her blog titled “Come and Dine.” In her post, she described how she felt inspired by the Holy Ghost to look up the Hebrew numeral 153. Curious about the significance of this specific number, she was astonished to discover that it corresponds to AniElohim, which translates to “I am God.” This revelation was a powerful and profound moment for her.

We grow weary and tired of waiting for a miracle; some miracles are instantaneous, and some take time. Don’t worry while waiting for God to answer because our boat will tip from the blessing when it’s His timing.

You can watch and subscribe to Angela Dempsey’s videos and blogs on Rumble or YouTube or go to www.godfocus.net

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.

She became a different person the moment When the Holy Ghost overshadowed her; it became clear that a visitation from God had occurred. Similarly, after being in the presence of God on the mountain, Moses had to wear a veil over his face to conceal the radiance of God’s glory that had permeated his face. (Exodus 34:33)

In the depths of Mary’s womb, something more profound than the creation of a new life was taking place. As 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. (I will do a breakdown of these scriptures in depth)

Her position before the earth’s foundations were laid was to carry the promise that the enemy despised. He devised in every wicked way possible to stop her from delivering our Savior. Yes, earthly kings arose in haste to protect their rein. 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 the unwavering declaration of God that His promises will be fulfilled! His word is an omnipotent and unwavering source of strength and reassurance in the midst of spiritual warfare.

If you wholeheartedly pursue a connection with the divine, you will witness significant personal growth and abundance in all areas of your life. My hope is that you receive the necessary inner strength and direction from God to bring about spiritual blessings and deep fulfillment. Embracing your spiritual calling is crucial in uncovering the route to prosperity and fully realizing the divine blueprint for your life.

Remind Satan that you have a promise from God and that God cannot lie! Tell your circumstance that God is in total control, and it will be as God says.

       Author Darlene J. Conard

Over the past couple of years, I have undergone profound and unsettling transformations. It’s as if the protective barriers I had constructed around myself were gradually dismantled, brick by brick, under divine guidance. Throughout 2017, I dedicated much of my time to introspection, delving deep into the recesses of my spirit in search of the scattered remnants of my being.

The process of God teaching us life lessons is often compared to a potter working with clay. The scattered bits and pieces within us represent new transitions in our lives. As I prayed about this early this morning, I had a revelation: the old fragments are sorted, and the good pieces are gathered.

He never allows the fiery furnace’s temperature to reach a degree that would destroy our lives. Instead, he beautifully and gently recreates us.

If you are uncertain about the transitions in your life now, don’t fret—it’s the Hand of the Potter.

I trust God more than I ever have. He is with us anywhere we go or face.

…. “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”     Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

   But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.”   Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

“God does not waste an ounce of our pain or a drop of our tears; suffering doesn’t come our way for no reason, and He seems especially efficient at using what we endure to mold our character. If we are malleable, He takes our bumps and bruises and shapes them into something beautiful.  – Frank Peretti –

Author Darlene J. Conard

As the warm water cascaded over me in the shower, I pondered the idea that I might have to accept the current situation, resigned to the belief that “it is what it is. However, in a sudden moment of clarity, I heard a comforting Word in my spirit, “You don’t have to accept anything that is not of Me.”

Accepting things as they are is a basic part of our existence. We rely on the expertise and trustworthiness of professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and others in various fields. I’m not implying that we disregard these professionals’ help. But we shouldn’t leave God out.

Impossible is in no way, shape, or form a part of His character. The only impossible with God is lying.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17 KJV) Every object that, when in light, casts a shadow. God doesn’t have a shadow; He’s pure light.

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV.

Our circumstances seem impossible when we look at them from a natural perspective. That’s why we are to pray, praise, and thank Him. While doing this, we are building ourselves upward. 

Beloved, I urge you to persevere in your journey, trusting solely in God’s guidance.

He is our protector and guidance.