Author Darlene J. Conard

Diamonds aren’t created from coal but the carbon of the earth. In the mantle of the earth where it’s most pressurized with heat is the diamond, the stability zone. When volcanoes erupt diamonds are embedded in chunks of the earth’s core. It’s the weight of the pressure under heat that makes this valuable gem. The mantle is very significant, darkness is significant.          

Darkness is significant for this reason: when a child is in the mother’s womb, he/she is hidden from light. A seed is planted deep into the ground hidden from light. A secret is kept in the dark, yet God sees all. An unborn child is a tiny soul developing and receiving nourishment from the mother for nine months.

The ground provides nourishment for the seed while it’s incubating in darkness. As it lays buried it begins to germinate. The root then breaks out of the seeds coat. This is the “breaking away from dormancy stage.” Amazingly, the germinating stage means coming into existence. Developing is slow, but it’s becoming what the planter knew it would become. Light, water, gravity and nurture are all it needs to become beautiful and productive!

Everything that’s collected for harvest is harvested. Some plants after dying leave seeds behind until spring.

God allows trials as an incubation period. We die out to our will, characteristics that are not Christlike. Jesus taught, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, еxcept a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” We have to lose our life, let go and let God do what He needs to do.

 Our trials are not to destroy us. The cord of grace will transfer strength in that dark place. In time we will come forth renewed, stronger, wiser and ready for where we are going.  Often than not, I have said, “This trial is going to destroy me. It’s too painful and unbearable.

God will use discomfort to lure us out of comfort zones. I can discern God’s drawing power to draw closer to Him and prepare for challenges coming. I become very uncomfortable. I toss and turn at night, pace the floors and feel miserable! The one alternative is to seek Him in prayer and fasting. It will destroy us if we allow it. We have to pray and praise our way out of it.

Remember previously that I wrote a secret is kept in the dark? Isaiah 45:3 promises, “I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” God will share His secrets with you in the darkest of times.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Fear at one time controlled my life. It was a constant presence. Sleeping alone was out of the question. You would never see me walking without my middle sister at my side.

Sitting beside my grandma’s bed one evening, she took my hand squeezed it saying, “Fear is an ugly thing isn’t it, Darlene?” Understanding all too well I didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes, it is grandma very ugly, and tormenting. I’m thankful God gives us power over it.”

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 KJV

I realized something the day my friend took me to the DMV to take the skills test for my learner’s permit. I’ve come farther than I thought. She surprised me as we entered Richwood, our hometown. “You’re going to start now.” Snapping out of my tired mode, looking at her with an off-guard expression. “Now?” She wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You’ve got this.” She pulled over, we switched seats, I checked everything I was supposed to and asked God to help me. As I started out as she guided me, I realized I wasn’t as anxious as my discouragers said I was. I drove through town without any problems. Many times, rehearsing in my thoughts, I saw myself unable to get behind the wheel of a car. Over and over the discrediting words screamed at me and the laughter at the jokes made me even want to drive. I realized a lot of things Thursday March the 4^th, God used the friends He put in my life to plant encouragement through words and prayer cutting the curses into pieces.

James 3:10-11 mentions curses, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

 It’s not just referring to profanity. If we are cutting someone down using derogative words, a stumbling block is put in their lives. “You’ll never be anything! You’re trash! You’re fat and ugly. Your stupid, ignorant.” For this very reason I want to abolish those weights by declaring over you, words spoken from the very mouth of God.

“My beloved is mine, and I am his,” … Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV

… “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;” 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalms149:4 KJV

“Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Matthew 7:24 KJV

Last but not least the Lord says, “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) This means He’s thoughts towards us are not of destruction, or anything near this world’s guidelines. Misconception is not in God’s vocabulary.

I leave you with this be encouraged knowing that God Himself has not given an opinion about you but truth and life. These are only a few scriptures. Diligently seek Him, He will speak to you!

Author Darlene J. Conard

There He was just waiting, In our old familiar place, An empty spot beside Him, Where once I used to wait, To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day, I would have passed Him by again, If I didn’t hear Him say

I miss My time with you, Those moments together, I need to be with you each day, And it hurts Me when you say, You’re too busy, Busy trying to serve Me, But how can you serve Me, When your spirit’s empty, There’s a longing in My heart, Wanting more than just a part of you, It’s true, I miss my time with you,

What will I have to offer, How can I truly care
My efforts have no meaning, When Your presence isn’t there, But You’ll provide the power, If I take time to pray, I’ll stay right here beside You, And You’ll never have to say, I miss My time with you, Those moments together, I need to be with you each day, And it hurts Me when you say, You’re too busy, Busy trying to serve Me, But how can you serve Me, If your spirit’s empty, There’s a longing in My heart, Wanting more than just a part of you, It’s true, I miss my time with you ….  Written by Larnelle & Phil McHugh

When I first heard this song, the words penetrated so deep in my spirit. Jesus, longing to spend time with us, wow, that’s very personal!  

Our absence in that special meeting place with Him is our lifeline. Without that time spent with Him there will be an unbearable void. Remember when the Lord spoke into the creation? The earth was without form, and void, darkness was present. Darkness was on the face of the deep. Void is the absence of light. Void means nothing is there, empty space, vacant. (Genesis 1:2) So, if we go without spending time with God, it leads to emptiness. It leads to spiritual poverty.  We become bored, restless, without purpose. God’s purpose of Hosea marrying a harlot was to teach the message of His enduring love.  Hosea knew of Gomer’s unfaithfulness from the beginning.  In order for Israel to see the light they needed a visible demonstration. God continued perusing for Israel’s full attention. (Read Hosea)

Exodus 34:14 says He’s a jealous God.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22: 36-38 KJV) It’s not an option. God has to have our heart, mind and soul.

While writing this blog something downloaded in my spirit. What good would it do if I rush to get this devotion published, paint masterpieces, send out cards of encouragement if I haven’t spent time with God in spirit and truth? These things were embedded in my life to glorify Him. If He doesn’t have my attention, I fall short of knowing Him. I’m being very transparent because it’s the heartbeat of God.   

Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”  (Matthew 7:22-23) We get to know people by spending time with them. Their thoughts, actions, what they like, dislike are readable without giving a second thought.

I leave you with this, draw close to Him. Spend time with Him. We will find rest, peace and restoration. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you,” … James 4:8

Author Darlene J. Conard

Blind Bartimaeus while sitting by Jericho’s roadside heard the multitude passing asked, “What does this mean?” He knew something was going on! The crowd replied, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Instantaneously his insight of hope became verbalized. “Jesus, son of David have mercy on me!” Disturb by his cry the crowd’s exertion had no prevail to restrain his faith. The tone of his cry arose. “Son of David have mercy on me! “Jesus stood still commanding him to be brought to him. He tossed his garment aside as he went forth. He was made whole. If he had listened to the discouraging waves of doubt, he would have remained blind.

Hellen Keller quoted, “It’s a terrible thing to have sight and not see.” That’s a powerful statement.  We can see with our eyes but completely miss the vision God has for our lives. Hopelessness is no respect of persons.

 Revelation 2:18 says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.”

“Lord, anoint our eyes that we may see. Awaken our spiritual senses. Our circumstance appears to be final, ending in devastation. No, don’t accept that! We don’t have to!

God promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. His sons and daughters would possess land and not have need of anything. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17-22)

I encourage you to keep calling out to Jesus. He will not pass you by. Your voice will exceed the uncanny voices that say, “God doesn’t hear you. All hope is lost!”  God promises, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

Here is a clencher! As soon as Blind Bartimaeus heard Jesus’ invitation to come to Him. He cast the garment he wore off. He was made whole.  

… “unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 KJV

Cast off that heaviness on your soul. Give Him the ashes that once was. Take on the oil of joy and cloth yourself in praise before Him. He will do something about it!

Author Darlene J Conard

“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

He crouched among the rubble surrounding him. Frozen in position with his arm folded resting on the left of his lap with one knee settled on the ground, Nehemiah remembered the promise.

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you into Myself.”  repeated in his spirit. With one hand he scooped a piece which once was a part of the gate. Rubbing his thumb over it remembering his prayer to God.

“Nehemiah how are we going to rebuild from this rubble? The gates are burnt, the wells are no more, the city now lays as a heap screaming, I have perished.” He kept the plan God spoke to him as a man protecting his treasures. “Yes,” Nehemiah glanced up at him. “She cries out as a battered soul. The Lord God hears her, and I’ve felt her pain. She will live again. Her scars will be a memorial of victory in the sight of all enemies.

He reminisced about the night he laid flat on his back with his arms folded beneath his head staring in the celestial body. Stars twinkling here and there with the moon’s face visibly shining.

Secretly he arose mounting on his beast, he rode here to examine her battered foundation.

This is how I imagine Nehemiah as he prepared himself and workers for the great work ahead. 

A sense of sadness came over me as I sat waiting for the wash cycle to end. The softness of the light brought back memories of my visits at our community hospital that no longer exist.

Double glass doors opened only in a small space entrance with a wall payphone on the right. Disinfectant cleaner filled the area with a pungent smell. Another set of glass doors opened to a large registration room. On the left the secretary’s booth-built area sat at a short distance from the entry. Her slightly hidden face left visitors to guess her mood.

I remember the old interior of the floors, windows, the light blue green tile in the restrooms and the installed chicken wired windows. My little town reminded me of the story of Nehemiah.

 She’s labeled helpless, destitute, filled with drunks and drug addicts. I don’t see that. God sees restoration. God sees broken souls who need compassion and redemption.  

Jesus answered the Pharisees question, “Destroy this temple in three days I will raise it up.”

“It took forty-six years to build this temple. How and You say it’s going to be built in three days?” (John 2:18-20) Spiritual things can’t be received unless we have a Christlike mind.  

We must have hope, stay founded in prayer and follow God. There’s nothing impossible for Him. He is rebuilding.

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Author Darlene J. Conard

“Is salt even coming out of the shaker?” I raised the dispenser to examine it. No, it wasn’t clogged or trapped which meant the salt lost its flavor.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”  Matthew 5:13, downloaded in my spirit as I tried one more time to successfully salt the simmering soup. Still no flavor. Even if I’d dump the salt into the soup, it wouldn’t be noticeable.

Out of curiosity I paused what I was doing to research, “Does salt loose it’s flavor?” The answer is yes. Salt that sits beyond its date loses its flavor. Since it wasn’t beneficial to flavor food, it was used on the icy spots in front of my apartment.

God, I don’t want to be a useless Christian! I don’t want to lose my savor! Our world is full of hurting souls searching for answers. At one time I didn’t have the right answer, now I do.

Genuine salt will create thirst. It doesn’t take much! Salt is used as an antiseptic to cleanse the newborn in the book of Ezekiel 16:4. Numbers 18:19 speaks of the agreement between God and Aaron which is called the salt covenant. Salt covenants were also made between friends.  Salt preserves, I understand why it was used as a covenant. God required the priest to season every offering with salt. (Leviticus 2:13)                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

…. “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,” …  (2 Peter 2:9 KJV) Born again believers we are required to salt our offering to God. Give Him the praise and recognition He’s worthy of! Have you heard the saying, “You can lead the horse to the water but can’t make it drink?” True, we can’t make them drink; however, the right amount of salt can make them want to drink. Every time we eat salty foods, it makes us thirsty. Here is another interesting fact, salt reduces bitterness but increases the sweet and sour. Salt is even used to kill weeds. It’s clear way Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.

(There will be an extensive study on this subject)  

Author Darlene J. Conard

God doesn’t need you!  God does- not -need -you! Why are you even ministering? Why are you even writing a book? Why are you even bothering to pray or read the bible, since God doesn’t need you? drilled deeply in my spirit like a hammer’s forcing power to drive a nail in a board.

“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

Why am I? The statement swallowed all the hope that I held. Though I tried praying the accusing words away they become louder. My sleep became interrupted by confusion once again. I should’ve stayed on the streets walking at night, going to strange places and stayed in the dark pit, as I remembered the many times a pastor angrily got in my face to make the statement clear; God doesn’t need you! It wasn’t your prayers God answered!

During a Bible study the words, “God doesn’t need any of us,” came out. The sudden feeling of abandonment, worthlessness and dirtiness came over me. I screamed while outwardly putting on my joyful mask. 

I’m wasting my time then, since God doesn’t need me! Prayer, encouragement and peace spiraled downward instead of absorbing in my spirit. Then why doesn’t God do things Himself? Why bother with any of this? All kinds of thoughts generated in my mind as overwhelming insecurity squeezed life out of me. I’m rejected by my dad and God too?

The prompting voice of the Lord pulled me from giving into the temptation of staying in bed sleeping the day away. “Darlene, get up.” He reminded me of the passages in Ezekiel 22:30, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” The absence of an intercessor, prayer warrior, caused God to proceed in judgment.

Another example is Abraham. God asked the angels a question, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?”

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.  And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” And the LORD said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” Genesis 18:16-21

Abraham remained standing after the Lord turned to talk with the men who were angels. Overhearing the conversation Abraham drew near, opened his mouth to get God’s attention toward him once again.

This gets my thoughts generating, how many times have we interrupted God’s conversation with angels such as this? It certainly matters or God wouldn’t need to speak to Abraham. Our voice does matter. God does need us and hears our voice.

God communed with Abraham. The word commune means to focus on, converse, talk, often with deep intensity, intimate communication or relationship as sharing your heart and mind: an interchange of ideas or thoughts, resulting from French “comun” meaning – common, to share.

God came to Abraham with His plan. It was important to God that He shared His thoughts with him. In Isaiah 41:8, God declares what Abraham is to Him, my friend. He didn’t speak in the form of past tense. In the same discussion He promises as He comforts Jacob, “I will not cast you away.” (Isaiah 41:9-10)

Moses caused God to change His mind about destroying Israel. If it hadn’t been for Moses God would have destroyed them.  (Psalm 106:19-23) Moses reminded God that His enemies would mock Him.

God described how His people made him feel, furious enough to melt them like wax. Exodus 32:10) God spared the people due to an intercessor; however, He didn’t wink at their sin. (Exodus 35:1-35)

In verses 32 and 33, Moses’ desperation for the redemption of the people took him as far as requesting his name be blotted from His book. God replied, “Whoever has sinned against Me, him will I blot out.”

Thankfully through the blood of Jesus and Jesus only we can come boldly to the throne of Grace.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV

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What is the biblical meaning of commune?

Commune means to focus on God, converse, talk, often with profound intensity, intimate communication or rapport as sharing your heart and mind with God in prayer: an interchange of ideas or sentiments, derived from French “comun” meaning – common, to share.

Author Darlene Juanita Conard

We have a woman bleeding to death going to physicians for twelve years still finding no cure (Luke 8:43-48), a demoniac that cuts himself screaming in torment among the tombs (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39), an adulterous trying to fulfill her loneliness (John 8:1-11), lepers suffering as their flesh rots away (Luke 5:12-16  11:11-19  Mark 1:40-45), the blind feeling their way around in the world to get where they need to go (Mark 10:46-52), the deaf and mute deprived of the ability to speak or hear words (Mark 1:40-45). These are a few out of many who have one thing in common, a need for a savior.

Often, I contemplate details such as them sitting in secrecy. “I’m going to die like this.” Legion didn’t have a right mind. Perhaps his torment began in his youth? I don’t know. I’m sure the adulteress didn’t know how to break free. Desperation plunges people into doing harmful things. They’re just searching for answers but have no one to lead them in the right direction.

Before Jesus stepped in their path, they were outcast. The outcast became sons and daughters of the Most High God. Praise His Holy Name! Talley Trio sings a song called Orphans of God. Every word is true Jesus knows no stranger, there are no outcast, nor orphans. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude! Not just anyone but the Messiah Himself came to me.  In my filthy shameful state accusing Him; He opened His arms and said, “Come.”  He does not limit His love and mercy.

Many are bound by drugs, alcohol, social media, pornography, material things of all sorts and more. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.”  

Jesus is not limited or intimidated by anything or anyone. He is still seeking the lost. That’s why we as Christians are needed to go into the highways and the hedges. (Luke 14:23) We are around people daily.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16 KJV

Never be afraid to share what God has done for you!  We were at one time outcast. Through Jesus, we are sons and daughters as well.