Author Darlene J. Conard

In her latest blog post, my friend Angela Dempsey discusses the importance of treating others with love and compassion, especially about salvation. Her insightful perspective reminds us of the value of approaching conversations with openness and kindness. She encourages us to understand the vast effect of God’s timing through her words. How is the person going to receive anything if salvation is force-fed? Her blog inspired me to write about this.

Several nights ago, I dreamed about this man claiming to be a pastor. I no longer attend there. The dream begins with my sister and I riding in the area where his church sits. “I don’t want to go there, please Janet.” Ignoring my pleading, she continues driving towards the building. “I feel like we need to. It’s important.” Refraining from persuading her, I tensely pressed my body to the seat. Upon our arrival, we prepared ourselves as we exited the car. We entered the building choosing the front-row center, which was not my preference in this case. Across from us sat a man bruised and dirty with massive open cuts on his body. I saw myself sitting there before my conversion. The “preacher” comes up to him with a microphone and starts shouting in his face, “You need to repent! You’re going to hell if you don’t change!” Confused, the battered man replied, “I don’t understand you.” Getting closer to his face, he shouted louder. “You -are going to hell! Do you understand that?”

“All I know is I’m hurting and need help.” Sterner-faced, the “preacher” replied sarcastically, “Well, if you weren’t living a life of sin, you wouldn’t be in the mess you’re in! “He then walks over to my sister and me, shouting in my face, “Who do you think you are? You’re not a Christian!” I lifted my arms and turned them over to expose my wrist. “You see these arms? These arms once bore razor-blade and glass cuts. No longer does my body have a single scar.” I walked over to the man. “Sir, look at these arms that once bore cut marks. They are no longer there because of Jesus. Jesus did this for me, and He will do it for you. He loves you too.” Tears dribbled down the man’s face, making clean places on his cheeks. “That’s all I needed to know. That there is someone who loved me enough to care about my wounded soul.”

I do not apologize for writing what God tells me to write about. How will the alcoholic know Jesus is the way unless a converted alcoholic relates? How can the harlot on the street know that God can fill her void unless someone walks in her shoes once? How can a drug addict know that Jesus is a permanent fix unless another born-again addict says, “Hey, I once was there. I get you. There’s hope, my friend. I know because I was there myself.” Most people I come in contact with have difficulty believing that I was once an evil person. I say evil without exaggeration. I haven’t begun to speak of it all. “Hey, this is evidence of the power of Jesus’ blood! I didn’t get where I’m at on my own! I will always give Him glory, honor, and praise!

I have never bashed people with the word of God, nor will I start! People will watch our lives and see God in our lives. Continue in love, but be careful not to be a doormat. I’m coming out of this myself.

God bless and continue sowing seeds of God’s compassion.

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:36-40 KJV)

Author Darlene J. Conard

Heaviness refused to let go of me. Its familiar presence sat upon the entry of where hope entered. Declining to give in to it I continued praying, quoting scriptures to remind it that God is faithful to deliver. I wouldn’t comply!

An incident took place yesterday that God used to teach me something. Heaviness is a significant indication something is going to transpire. Why else would the devil stir chaos? Jesus experienced such heaviness in the garden. He eventually found himself praying alone. His disciples fell asleep in the cradle of night’s arms. Oh, how greatly heaviness suppressed Him! He stood in the sight of the Father, pleading with Him to let the cup pass. Then he allowed, “Not my will but thine be done,” pass the self-will gate. It was out, into the open, no longer trapped in His belly. Soon His executors would be led to Him by someone who sat at the same table eating and communing with Him. “And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” (Matthew 10:36 KJV) Yes, it’s hurtful. It didn’t end in tragedy. Actually, the heaviness fulfilled a purpose. (Matthew Ch. 26)

Sweet child of God I encourage you to hold on to every promise He’s made. Remember the unwelcoming moments heaviness tried to prevail. It didn’t because the Lord saw you through. He heard the trapped pleas for release within you. He felt the thudding of your heart against its skeletal cage. He saw that you almost complied with its boasting claims, “There is no hope! Give in! God doesn’t care nor is He hearing!” Realize that it’s trying to exalt itself against everything the Lord is. Those heavy tears will water a beautiful glorious garden.  

Jesus did His praying in a garden that manifested a spiritual one.

Let me add, that an angel came to minister to Jesus during heaviness. We too have the same privilege.

Hold on your prayers are manifesting!

“And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” Hebrews 1:7 KJV

Author Darlene J Conard            

God is not discrete concerning the persecution of the Israelites. All through His words, there are details brought to light. He wanted all to know that His mercy was greater and more valuable than any other possession. The Lord’s delivering power is power so great; kingdoms and rulers have stood without hope, Egypt’s fear of going against Almighty God in spite of their power. 

God made a covenant with Abraham Isaac and Jacob. God revealed to Abraham that his people would be under bondage in a strange land. He also assured him that there would be provisions and that they would triumph over their enemies.  

To the house of Levi, mercy runs to rescue a baby boy from the hot temper of Pharaoh. Jochebed’s faith in God was much greater than the circumstances. She acknowledged her faith as she took her baby to the river brink, put slim and pitch together making an ark in the hope that God would direct the basket to safety. The basket she made was not just made with slim and pitch but with love, prayer, and faith.  

When I read about Jochebed’s love for her baby, I visualize a young Hebrew mother trembling knowing deep within her soul God had a destination for him. She no doubt prayed that he would find the will of God for his life as she sang a soft lullaby. I believe her heart was broken but she knew the promises of God were true. Mercy would find him and cradle him she had hope that redemption would draw near to her son.  

 When Pharaoh’s daughter opened the basket, the baby found her favor. She took him as her own and gave him the name Moses. Again, Pharaoh’s plan was to rid Egypt of the Israelites in fear that they were going to grow in number and possess their land, little did he know of the power of God. When God made a promise to Jacob at Bethel, He promised in that very place that a church would arise.  

“O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me: give thy strength to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid. Hew me a token for good that they which hate me may see it and be ashamed because thou O Lord has holpen me and comforted me.”  (Psalm 86:16-17)  

One mother birthed more than a prophet but a church that brings one nation and its pride to the ground. 

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child: and they were not afraid of the king’s commandments.”  (Hebrews 11:23) 

Pharaoh’s daughter gave him to her maid to find a Hebrew mother to nurse him. (Exodus 2:8-10) Guess what? Jochebed’s empty arms received her son back into her arms once again. That’s what faith does!

We find ourselves at times in a similar situation. Giving something God asks us to but it will return.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Come up higher,” the softness of God’s voice poured through my spirit. I understood what He meant. I became weighed down by sickness, taking care of finances, and keeping my apartment clean, which caused me to shut down. Being sick made me vulnerable. No matter how I felt I had to push through.

Our mind wonders, our bodies don’t feel like operating, and nothing is clear. Our emotions lie to us. Therefore, we need to pray for God to cleanse our thoughts.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV

I admire the eagle.  They are majestic birds, strong, very sharp eyesight, wise, swift, fearless, and can fly to higher altitudes impossible for other birds. An ocean of blue without limits to sore through. Just Him and his Maker. My imagination just can’t wrap around the beauty!  There’s a lot that we can learn from these creatures of the sky. We can submerge ourselves in the presence of God and get lost in it.

I’m fearful of heights; however, it would be worth it to touch the face of God.  

We can reach God in such a way through our prayers, admiration, and thanksgiving. Be encouraged beloved. Cast of those heavyweights.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Author Darlene J Conard

While lying in bed last night I thought about how often I sat in church very cold. I needed something more. Yes, something dynamic, something exciting!

For years the Ark of Covenant sat inside the temple behind a veil. No one dared to touch it or enter unless he had authorization. Only the priest had that unless they had sin in their life. Those priests who entered the Holy Place never came out alive. Upon the cherubs’ wings that stretched forward sat the living God, upon the mercy seat. Jesus came changing everything! He no longer sat on a box hidden behind a curtain.

God is beyond four walls. He sat hidden away for years. I Kings 8:1-11

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

The moment Jesus lifted His voice, and gave up the ghost the veil rent in half. Nothing hung to separate God from man. Mercy ran into the streets breaking chains of darkness. The crucifixion’s power eliminated the old law of sacrificial atonement. The crucifixion itself wasn’t the cause but who?

I examine myself, “Do I have Jesus in a box? Is He tucked away like a souvenir? No, He should be spread abroad. Don’t misunderstand me. Can people see the glow of His glory on our faces? Can people say without hesitation that we are Christian without second-guessing? Can people see a change so great they know we’ve encountered God? Is prayer so active and reading and studying His word that it challenges us?”  I don’t want a cold powerless life!

Let’s pray for one another and cast away any bitterness, strife, debate, jealousy, or hatred.

Heavenly Father,

I approach You in all sincerity to search my heart. Reveal to me where I’ve fallen short in serving You. Rekindle the fire I first experienced stepping into repentance. Lord, take me further than I go. Search me, know my ways. Keep me from falling into temptation.

  In Jesus name, Amen

Author Darlene J. Conard

Years ago, during vacation Bible school a girl at the age of thirteen opened up about her insecurities. I’ll call her Hannah to protect identities. Hannah dropped her head saying, “I’m a mistake.” Focusing entirely on the sweet young girl I asked, “Hannah, what makes you say such a thing?” Refusing to look at me or anyone else, she kept her eyes fixated to the floor. “My mom told me so.” My heart dropped to the floor as I understood her pain. “Oh no honey you are definitely not a mistake!” I’m going to tell you what I told her. I’ve had to tackle the same demon with the word of God.

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb,” … (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV) That’s astounding to me! That before we were conceived, He knew everything about us.

Esther, Samuel and many more were on a timely schedule. God used Esther to intercede for her people. Samuel brought order back into the house of God. Jeremiah may have been young, but his timing was still perfect.

In all honestly, I hesitated writing this message. I prayed for guidance. My friend posted the picture you see at the top with the scripture in Jeremiah.  DNA is the post title. It’s a message to remind humanity that God is creator of life. He ordained our beginning and our end. He already knew of our failures and imperfections. God uses it bring forth His will.

Thirteen-year-old Hannah didn’t realize she was born for the glory of God. No one told her that she was born to do what no one else could do or be. Her character was a vital part of this generation.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for someone to say, “Here I am.”

Author Darlene J. Conard 

Every morning for the past several weeks I’ve awakened at 4:00 pm. My eyes were opened to a noticeable single light in the sky. Thinking that it was a satellite, I didn’t give it another thought. Its illumination made ignoring it impossible.  

Shoving back the blankets, putting my feet on the floor, I went to the dresser to slip on my glasses. Silently standing in the window beside my bed I wrestled against sleep. No, it wasn’t a satellite, or a tower. For a star it’s pretty big, I thought. Even this morning I saw it until it disappeared into the dawn.  

The single star reminded me of the three wise men in Matthew chapter 2. Herod deceivingly portrayed his interest in worshipping this king whom he heard of. A single star in the velvet night cast an array of God’s glory upon the Philistinian land. After stepping in the presence of Heaven’s King they knew not to return to Herod.  

Christ birth isn’t a one-year event. It’s a reminder that God Himself came down to be among man who’s unworthy to free us of the debt of sin. The star surpassed the compasses of this earth.  

“You’re telling me that I don’t have to wonder around aren’t you God? That although I feel uncertain which step to take next, You’ll never leave me to wonder about.” A supernatural warmth penetrated every single part of my being. Those I’ve always believed were hugs from God.  

You find yourself saying, “God give me the strength to withstand long hours of this job. How am I going to get through the death of my child? How am I going to do anything?”  

Well, God is faithful in all His ways! 

“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” Psalms 138:3 KJV 

“And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”  Isaiah 58:11 KJV 

He will not let us wonder. Keep praying, praise Him for He is worthy, thank Him for He will answer! Emanuel still and forever will mean God with us.  

• Matthew Chapter 6 click on the link to read.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Magic erasers are nice. They remove markings of all sorts. They are designed so that when used on dingy white surfaces it brings out a look of newness! Wow what technology!  Why can’t there be a magic eraser that wipes away unpleasant memories? I thought while sorting laundry. “I would wipe everything away, every-single-thing.” Finally verbalizing the debate in my spirit that weighed me so heavily down. God forgets when we put it under the blood. God and I had a talk about this as I continued chores.

God reminded me that we have an adversary seeking diligently to destroy His people. Nothing would make satan happier than seeing a child of God fall and not get up. Revelation 12:10 says, the accuser comes before God, day and night to accuse the brethren. Accuse them of what? Anything he can us to afflict pain, bring self-hatred, or hatred for another human being, question God and so many other things. That’s why it’s important to be prayerful and submerse ourselves in His word. You can take this piece of bread break it down and slowly eat it. Could it be that one of many reasons we remember is to learn from our mistakes, learn how to withstand the next challenge, learn how to use the word of God? I’ve learned God doesn’t waste anything. One night I heard God speaking to me through a dream. “Darlene, I was with you here, here and here. He reminds me that I was never alone nor would there be a first. Yes, it’s painful to remember. Yes, some situations are absolutely devastating it’s hard to imagine getting through another day or having a peaceful night’s sleep.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 KJV

 … “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 KJV

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV) Paul wrote this in his letter to Corinth because it’s truth. God will not allow satan to push us to the edge.

The accusations that come forth constantly will come to not. We have to hold on, keep praying, keep believing the Lord is going to do what He promised to do. Romans 4:25 and 5:1 says through Christ we are justified and through Him we are defended by the shedding of His blood.

 Keep that armor on!  “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Could you imagine going into battle half equipped? No helmet, shield, shoes nor belt -well at least you have your sword, shield, and breast plate, right? No helmet exposes your head. No shield, nothing there to protect you from arrows. No shoes to protect your feet from the harshness of the ground. Without a belt you can’t possibly gird your loins. In biblical days they pulled the train of their robe between their legs then used their belts to secure movement in battle. 

God instructed Jeremiah to arise gird up his loins, and make an announcement. “Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.”  (Jeremiah 1:17 KJV) He stood as commander because God chose him for the role after Moses’ death.

“For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.” (Jeremiah 1:18,19 KJV) Let that description sink in, a defense city, iron pillar, and brazen walls, wow! A brazen wall meaning, shameless, bold and without bends. God doesn’t say the enemy wouldn’t put up a fight, they wouldn’t prevail.  No matter what came their way deliverance was a promise.

God gives us the same promises only ours is unseen. Every day we are challenged to keep peace within our minds, walk by faith and not by sight.  Don’t forget, our hearts are always a target.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

^“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:11-24 KJV)

Stay firm in God and stay equipped!

I will write more about this subject.