Darlene Juanita Conard

Soft, gentle breezes tossed loose strands of my hair back and forth.  The mid-grey clouds broke away, revealing a carefree blue sky. Spring’s invigorating scent traveled through the air. Comfortably sitting at my desk, I sat quietly, waiting to hear God’s ministering voice. I couldn’t break away from the moment. spring’s fragrance filled the air.

Yielding to the moment, I closed my eyes. Sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled my ears. An orchestrated melody arose as God comforted me.  Nature danced in His presence. God’s sovereignty carried me to tranquility. Locked in time is what it feels like.

Completely surrendering, I leaned back in my chair with my eyes remaining closed. Angels certainly were present. “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18:10 KJV) What is there to fear? Nothing, nothing at all. Clarity presented itself as a platform for the ministering power of God. Faith-filled once again with hopeless feelings. Nothing tore me away from desperately seeking God’s counsel.  Pleasant whispers of His abiding promises repeated in my spirit.

Yes, it’s possible to feel such peace, the only peace that brings chaos to not. Moments such as these are priceless. I almost said heaven can be experienced on earth. Paul wrote about this kind of experience in 1 Corinthians 12:2-3: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.  And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) It’s possible to feel true peace.

The world promises peace in so many ways. “Do what makes you happy! Doing what made me happy led me into a snare. I’m talking about doing things that lead to destruction.

If you are struggling to breathe, Jesus is oxygen. If you are hurting, He is the comforter. He is so much more than these! He’s gentle even in correcting us.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

Let Jesus, who is light, break through the walls of chaos. He will make everything good!

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Sleep fled from me for many nights. A steady stream of tears cascaded down my cheeks, each drop a testament to the swirling anguish deep within my heart. An invisible weight pressed heavily upon my shoulders, a burden so intense that it spurred me to seek intercession not just for myself, but for entire nations caught in the throes of despair. A profound sense of urgency enveloped my spirit, compelling me to pour forth my innermost thoughts and emotions as I beseeched for healing, peace, and restoration in a world rife with chaos and suffering.

The poignant cries of the broken and weary resonated in the chambers of my mind, echoing through the silence like a haunting refrain. Each plea for relief fueled my desperation, intensifying my yearning for divine intervention on behalf of those lost in darkness, wounded by grief, and in desperate need of the glimmering light of hope.

I received an unusual phone call from my middle sister with a message from God yesterday. Part of the conversation was, “I feel a charge in the air, Darlene. Not bad, I feel God in the air, and He’s making a change and going to heal nations.” She confirmed everything that God revealed to me and another person.

We often trust news and opinions, which can distract us from listening to God. In a noisy world, we prioritize headlines and trends over God’s quiet voice. We pay more attention to influencers and experts, rather than the gentle guidance that offers a deeper understanding and fulfillment.

One of my most cherished activities is to silence the distractions of modern life, turning off radios, screens, and devices that pull me away from focusing on God’s voice. I open the windows wide, letting in the invigorating rush of fresh air. In these moments, I tune my senses to the world outside. Though we cannot see the wind itself, we can feel its gentle caress against our skin, hear it rustling through the leaves and whistling past the eaves of the house, and inhale the fragrant aromas it carries—perhaps the earthy scent of soil or the sweet notes of blooming flowers. Each breath fills me with a profound connection that says, “God is ever present and in control.”

“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. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Author Darlene J. Conard

The golden amber sunlight streamed through the delicate sheer curtains, suffusing my bedroom with a warm, radiant glow that felt heavenly. The room was transformed into a captivating canvas, awash in layers of orange and gold that swirled gently across the walls, casting intricate patterns that danced playfully. I lay there, motionless in the perfection of that moment, allowing the serene atmosphere to envelop me like a soft, comforting blanket. The gentle warmth permeated the space, creating an inviting sanctuary of peace that only God could bring; time itself had decided to linger and bask in the stillness.

A light morning breeze whispered through the open window, playfully tugging at my hair and caressing my cheeks with its cool fingers.

This refreshing breeze, filled with the vivid scent of blooming lilacs, invigorated my senses and wrapped me in a sensory tapestry of freshness as it glided across my skin. Each breath filled my lungs with nature’s essence, providing a delightful contrast to the soft warmth surrounding me, and together, they wove a perfect moment of serenity.

My thoughts were focused on one thing: change. There is a reason for all this chaos, I thought. Many would disagree with me, but I believe that change brings chaos. However, amidst the confusion and fear, the sound of the gentle breeze took control of my senses. All I knew was that the sound and feel of that gentle morning breeze carried a completely different message.

On the day of Pentecost, everything changed due to the wind; amid persecution, doubt, and fear, prophetic winds and decrees brought transformation.

As I pen these words, I can feel the profound presence of the Spirit of the Living God enveloping me with a surge of inspiration and clarity. This moment is not a finale, but rather a vibrant dawn, signaling the start of a new journey for every nation across the globe, filled with hope and potential called the Latter Rain.

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7 KJV

Recall the moments when the wind sweeps through; it influences everything around it. The trees dance in unison, their leaves rustling softly, while the scent of nature shifts in the air. It carries whispers of distant places and stirs up the surface of lakes, creating ripples that reflect the changing sky. The wind is a powerful force, touching every corner of the atmosphere in its invisible embrace.

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Author Darlene J Conard

I was filled with reluctance and determination as I stood amidst the clutter in my utility room. “I know I need to, but I don’t want to,” I mutter. At this moment, I earnestly declare, “The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing!” As I sifted through my belongings, I realized that what I might dismiss as mere clutter could be a hidden treasure for someone else. When I finish dragging everything out, my foyer transforms into what can only be described as a hoarder’s paradise—an overwhelming array of items sprawled in chaotic disarray. Dust dances through the air, settling thickly on surfaces, making my apartment appear to have experienced a minor explosion of debris.

Navigating through this maze of forgotten possessions is no small feat; each step down the hall feels like an expedition, with me digging through the emotional and physical clutter to create a tenuous path from room to room. I can’t help but wonder how long it will truly take to restore order to this space, to lovingly sort through piles of clothes, stacks of books, and countless odds and ends that have accumulated over time. The task ahead feels monumental, yet a small part of me is excited at discovering lost gems hidden within this jumble.

Chaos creates an overwhelming atmosphere.  So much truth is in that!

What if I told you that chaos is a tool for God? “No, He isn’t the author of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV) He works in it.

In the book of Esther, Haman’s lust for power drove him to deceive the king. All it took was the right strategy since he was the king’s right-hand man, no problem! “Here is the plan. I’ll convince King Ahasuerus that the Jews are enemies.” Mordecai knew Esther was in the right place at the right time. He depended on his niece, whom he raised as his own, to intercede on their behalf.  (Read the book of Esther)

Arrogance led Haman straight into the very snare he built for Mordecai. Chaos ceased in God’s time. Israel was spared.

Jesus, upon entering Bethsaida, encountered a blind man in need of a miracle. “Touch him, my Lord,” the people urged. (Mark 8:22-20) First, He touched the man’s eyes with His spit and asked, “What do you see?” The blind man looked up and replied, “I see men as trees, walking.” At first, he didn’t truly see. Have you ever had your eyes examined? Sometimes drops are put in your eyes to dilate them. It can be overwhelming to want to see clearly. The second time, Jesus placed His hands upon the man’s eyes. His vision was restored as if he had always been able to see. Chaos only lasted for a moment; then, by the touch of the Master’s hands, the order was restored.

“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

“God has the power to restore order to chaotic things. Before doing so, everything must be disorganized and misplaced. But there’s no need to fret, as He has already paved the way for this restoration. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

Our natural sight betrays us. Focus on what God said He would do.  “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8 KJV) His eye is our compass. It says eye. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”  Single vision is a term that confuses me when ordering glasses online. It taught me something valuable, though. The two lenses are created for optical correction for a single distance, meaning only one. Focus is one way, not two, three, or four. Jesus says, “But if thine eye is evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness; how great is that darkness!”  Proverbs says, ^“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”  To have an open vision, our circumstances mustn’t blind us, and we believe in a physical manifestation of God’s order.

I have a remarkable uncle who is visually impaired yet incredibly skilled at counting money with precision. Despite his blindness, he enjoys “watching” TV and experiencing “sightseeing” by vividly imagining them. When it comes to counting change, he relies on his acute memory for the unique characteristics of coins, such as their size, texture, and engravings, running his fingers over them to discern their value. His resilience and wisdom have been invaluable, teaching me the profound lesson of navigating life with unwavering faith rather than relying solely on what meets the eye.

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

                                             Helen Keller

Hold on to the vision that God has given you!

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

 Author Darlene J. Conard

 

 Perpetrators are and will remain anytime we seek to do good. No worries, though.

Paul wrote, ^“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”  (Romans 7:27 KJV) 

Daniel remained favored after King Belshazzar’s death. King Darius preferred Daniel over presidents and princes to oversee the nation. Why? His spirit was outstanding, had no faults, and remained trustworthy.

 Through God, he carried a wisdom that penetrated through mysteries that left scholars empty-handed. For this reason, government officials felt threatened. Presidents of the kingdom, governors, princes, and counselors all united in a meeting to conspire against this upright man, who wasn’t even a Persian by blood. They felt violated that royal protocol was given to a Jew.   

Since nothing could be found, his innocence was preyed upon with a concocted scheme of trickery. King Darius had to be convinced to sign a law prohibiting requisitions to any god or man for thirty days. The major hurdle was out of the way. King Darius sealed the order with his signate ring under the trust of legal counsel.

  If the decree were broken, they would find themselves in a den of hungry lions. The conspirators knew the king couldn’t back out of a signed agreement. They also knew Daniel prayed at his window to the Almighty thrice daily towards Jerusalem. Oh, what a perfect plan! There was nothing no one could do about it! Reporting back to the king, they announced that Daniel was guilty of breaking the law. I can imagine them running as fast as they could to the king’s throne room, “Treason! Daniel is guilty of treason! Remember, my king, you did sign a decree unbreakable. It clearly states the penalty of the guilty.”

King Darius was furious with himself for signing the decree! He did something fascinating. He declared that Daniel’s God, whom he remained dedicated to, would deliver him.

The decree was still in effect but didn’t apply to him. King Darius shut himself up in his room and fasted for Daniel’s deliverance. He arose at the dawning of the day, hastening to the lion’s den. Upon reaching the mouth of the blocked entrance, calling grievously, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

“O king, live forever. My God has sent His angel to shut the lion’s mouths so they don’t hurt me because I have been found blameless before Him. Nor have I done no wrong before you.” Overjoyed, the king demanded that Daniel be lifted out of the den.

Remember when I said, “No worries?” it’s true. The deception came back to bite them. The ones involved with the wicked plot ended as planned for Daniel. Mercy fled, and the lions consumed them. Wrong was found in the sight of God and the king. (Daniel chapter 6)

 “Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their nets, whilst that I withal escape.”  (Psalm 141:9,10 KJV) God will also shout the mouths of the lying.

Why believe evil-doers go unpunished? Why believe any lie or accusation lives forever? If we dedicate ourselves as Daniel to God, it will not come to us. “I shall remain in position!”

 

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Ants are pesky and relentless creatures, constantly scouring our kitchens, flowerbeds, and any nook where traces of food may linger. Their industrious nature drives them to invade our spaces, creating trails of determination as they hunt for even the smallest morsels left behind. Whether it’s a crumb on the counter or a fallen petal in the garden, these persistent little scavengers never seem to tire in their quest for sustenance!

We can derive a wealth of knowledge from the behavior of ants, as emphasized in the Bible. In Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV), we are instructed to observe these remarkable creatures: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

Throughout the warm summer months, they diligently collect food, ensuring they are well-equipped to face the more challenging winter conditions. Their capacity for foresight and teamwork serves as a potent reminder of the values of diligence, planning, and self-discipline, prompting us to examine our habits and motivations in the service of the kingdom of God.

The demands and challenges of everyday life can slowly accumulate over time, evolving into a heavy burden that we often carry without fully recognizing their effect on our well-being. This accumulating weight can drain our energy and enthusiasm, leading to a sense of lethargy that stifles our drive and motivation. As a result, it becomes increasingly complex to engage in meaningful actions or to pursue our true purpose and calling, particularly in our spiritual lives and service to God.

Amid life’s chaotic pace, we might neglect the vital practices that sustain our spiritual health—reading the Bible, studying its teachings, and dedicating time for prayer. These activities are not just rituals; they are essential for nurturing our faith and maintaining our spiritual vitality. When we fail to engage in these practices regularly, we risk spiritually withering away, losing touch with our source of strength and guidance. It is crucial to prioritize these disciplines, as they serve as lifelines that connect us to God and empower us to live out our purpose in the world.

Idleness represents a mental state characterized by weariness and a reluctance to take on the responsibilities that have been entrusted to us by God. It embodies a passive attitude, where one neglects the call to action and falls into a pattern of disengagement from meaningful work and purpose.

We must actively resist the temptation of idleness and wholeheartedly strive to attain all the promises that God has bestowed upon us.

“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15 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. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Author Darlene J. Conard

I dedicated a substantial amount of time in quiet anticipation, immersed in prayer and reflection, tuning my heart to hear the whispers of divine guidance. “What message do You have for me, Lord?” I implored, longing for clarity and understanding in the stillness of my spirit.

 The melody of an old hymn, “God’s Unchanging Hand,” echoed in my spirit, stirring emotions and memories that had long been buried. The chorus played repeatedly in my thoughts: “Hold to God’s unchanging hand; Build your hopes on things eternal; hold to God’s unchanging hand.”  

God is an unchanging force in our lives, a steadfast presence abundant with love, care, and compassion—just as he has been since the dawn of creation. His power is immense, but he can move mountains literally and metaphorically, shaping circumstances in ways we may never fathom. In our moments of great distress, he offers solace that soothes the aching heart and calms the restless spirit, providing comfort that transcends our understanding.

Our paths may sometimes feel rugged and obstructed, yet he clears those barriers through faith and trust, revealing routes we thought were lost. He is ever-present in every moment of our existence, serving as a wellspring of strength and guidance. His unwavering mercy and grace towards us remind us that no fault or mistake separates us from His love; instead, He invites us to seek Him in every situation, illuminating our way forward with profound assurance and hope.

I urge you to remain steadfast during challenging times and to avoid placing your trust solely in what you see, feel, or hear around you. Life can present us with uncertainties and trials that may cloud our judgment and shake our faith. However, I want to remind you that God is unwavering and reliable in every aspect of His existence and dealings. His faithfulness is a constant that never falters, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise. Trust in His promises and hold on tightly to your faith, for He guides us with purpose and love.

… “I am the Lord, I change not.”   Malachi 3:6 (KJV)