Author Darlene J. Conard

This morning, at a little past 5 a.m., I was enveloped by the unmistakable presence of the Lord in my bedroom. The verses in Philippians 4:1-8 resonate with a peace that surpasses human understanding and cannot be replicated by the world, a peace I felt in that very moment!

“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. 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 4:1-8 KJV)

Let’s break these verses down.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. “

• Don’t be afraid to confide in God about your needs, concerns, or struggles. Tell Him all about it, then give Him a heartfelt thank you and praise for who He is! Gratitude is the key to finding peace amid our struggles.

As I sat at the table, a moment of divine communication occurred when the Lord spoke to me, saying, “Darlene, too many of My people are pleading with me for the things I have promised them. I’m patiently waiting for them to believe in my promises.” For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”  (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

• The peace of God is unexplainable. It’s one of those things you have to experience for yourself.

The world tries to imitate peace. A peace that is a false peace. The enemy masks sin as being better than serving God.  Hebrews 11:24-25 says, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” It’s not worth it! Jesus is the true peace!

“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.”

When you meditate on God’s teachings, reflect on His word and seek His understanding. If the thoughts occupying your mind do not align with truth, purity, or loveliness and do not lead to enlightenment, then they are not from God. Ask God to grant you the discernment to distinguish between good and evil and to reveal the truth about the situations you are facing.

Beloved, I am testifying for the first time in my life. I have had a steady, sound mind for months! God has healed my thoughts! There’s just something about the way God increases your faith!

God is good, and I pray for you that you will grow in grace and abundance in His spirit!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Hannah endured a series of painful experiences. First, God closed her womb, causing her deep emotional anguish. Then, her sister-wife Peninnah ceaselessly taunted and provoked her. On top of that, her husband was unsympathetic to her desire for a child and tried to distract her from it. As if that weren’t enough, when she poured her heart out at the altar, she was accused of being drunk by Eli, the priest, who even went as far as categorizing her as a daughter of Belial, essentially a follower of Satan.

The Hebrew term “Belial” comes from “without” and “to profit,” implying “worthlessness” or “wickedness.” This concept evolved to encompass moral force, leading to the term “wickedness”. The Talmud suggests it may mean “without a yoke,” while others see it as referring to someone who has cast off the yoke of heaven, symbolizing lawlessness.

Eli branded her with these words, she had to confront this at the altar. Hannah undeniably had a connection to heaven!

It’s tough to understand why God would allow such adversity, but eventually, her prayers were answered, and her situation improved. Her strength and determination grew, and she found solace in God’s intentions. She prayed for grace and was granted it, culminating in her becoming an ancestor to Christ.

Hannah’s key lesson is the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith, even in trials and pain. The hardships we endure may lead to blessings far beyond what we anticipate. It’s a poignant reminder never to lose hope and to persist in our faith.

We must confront adversity even in prayer, but we must persevere. When Hannah rejected Eli’s negative assessment, she received the answer to her prayer. It was already answered; she just needed to thank God for it.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:13 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

“This situation is bigger than me. There’s no way it will change!” This is how we see things most of the time. It’s impossible!

 As I delved into Joshua and Caleb’s story in Numbers 13:25-14:10, I was captivated by the ongoing conversation with the Lord. Caleb’s unwavering desire to ascend the mountain and lay claim to the land promised by God stirred my soul. The vivid depiction of the land, overflowing with milk and honey and adorned with colossal clusters of grapes, would be a beautiful sight! But the spies painted a rich tapestry of abundance with horrific detail. Giants occupied the land. “We saw ourselves as grasshoppers.” Take a moment to imagine this scene: a grasshopper is a tiny creature that can easily be preyed upon. “We are like grasshoppers because these giants are not just giants; they are massive,” is what they were reporting.

Caleb silenced the people. “Let’s go and take possession of the land because we can do it.” The people murmured regretfully, longing for their days in Egypt or the wilderness, wishing they had stayed there and perished. God had intended to destroy them, but Moses interceded on their behalf. Overwhelmed with conviction, I confessed, “God, I wish I hadn’t stepped out.” The situation seemed impossible to resolve.”

There is a song titled “He’ll Do It Again.”[1] We serve a mighty God whose ways are past; finding out! Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts more than your thoughts.”

No matter how impossible things seem or how we feel, God can more than remove any obstacle standing in the way. Remember, He is a covenant-keeping God!

God has something on the other side of our circumstances awaiting us.

[1] Produced by Shirley Caesar; He’ll Do It Again is copywritten

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Author Darlene J. Conard

As I sat in front of my computer, the only sound that broke the silence was the steady tick-tock of the clock. The solitude provided the perfect environment for me to sort through my thoughts.

Lately, I’ve been pondering the idea of giving God complete control. I’ve often heard people refer to our society as a “microwave generation,” but for the first time, I’m genuinely starting to grasp the depth of that statement.

I’ve understood that certain prayers take time, especially involving other people. In His mercy, God is careful not to rush changing and teaching them. This brings to mind the words of Jesus: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6). It’s clear that the comparison of faith to a mustard seed holds great significance. A small and seemingly insignificant thing can go a long way when deeply connected to God.

…“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Matthew 19:26 KJV

God uses impossible situations to reveal His power. In the song “Keep Believing” by the Gaither Vocal Band, these words echo the loudest: “You can trust God’s word, as He is faithful, kind, and true. No prayer will be left unanswered. In His time, He will guide you through. Keep believing in what you know is true. You will be okay if you continue to believe.”

It’s difficult to believe that the impossible can become possible when only seen through natural eyes. It’s in our nature to ask for evidence.

Remember this: John 2:4 – it’s not yet time to respond. Thirty-three verses in the Old Testament express that God’s timing is appointed, meaning it is chosen when, where, who, how, and what. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is in control when He is at the wheel. “

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

This morning, the Holy Spirit awakened me with a clear message: “I want you to write about counterfeit Christianity.”

It’s vital to remain faithful and speak the truth, even when others may not understand. I have been divinely called to be a messenger of truth, not to belong to a social club.

Last night, I dreamt of standing in a line at a market. I announced that I had lost a five-dollar bill. “Has anyone seen it? It’s folded up into a square.” The gentleman before me confessed, “I believe this is yours.” He reached into his pocket to hand me the square-shaped folded bill. “Wait, let me open it and examine it.” I watched his reaction as I unfolded it. “Indeed, it is a five-dollar bill, but it’s not mine.”

“It is yours,” he insisted. “Sir, this, this is not mine. “Number one, I said, I lost a five-dollar bill, but two one-dollar bills were folded in that five-dollar bill. Secondly, this five-dollar bill isn’t genuine; it’s missing numbers, and the seal is wrong. This is counterfeit.”    

1 John 4:1-3 is a warning, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

We must be sensitive to the voice of God and study it line upon line, precept upon precept. (Isaiah 28:10,13)

“It is considered counterfeit if a message or teaching does not align with the principles outlined in God’s Word. It’s important to be aware that there are many fraudulent or inauthentic representations out there. As I reflected on these concepts, I found comfort in the idea that God serves as our ultimate guide and source of security.

 I had a conversation about this with a friend over the phone. Interestingly, she also felt compelled by the Spirit to create a video blog on the same topic. During our discussion, we delved into the topic of various versions of the Bible, noting that some of them remove or alter the original text, potentially distorting the intended meaning.

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:1 KJV)

Seek God for truth, pray, and it will be revealed to you. Study His Word, He will keep you in His ways.

Author Darlene J. Conard

I want to share a significant moment with you. One evening, my fellow intercessors and I gathered for prayer. The Lord had a specific message for us among the five people present. One of the members happened to be the same lady who I turned to for help with all my scars, cuts, bruises, and confusion years ago.

I sat in the chair, trembling under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. She began by saying, “Darlene, the Lord told me that you have looked for a father figure, but they all failed, leaving you hurt. You have blamed yourself, believing you should have never been born and that you are unlovable, but the Father wants you to know you are not a mistake and it’s not your fault. I break the orphan spirit off you in Jesus’ name.” I am deeply moved still, for she only knew this through divine revelation!

Since that moment, I have experienced a deep sense of liberation from guilt. For the first time, I wholeheartedly believe that the only forgiving and compassionate God unconditionally values me despite my imperfections.

As I wrote this, tears spilled down my face. My friend’s dad surprised me during a video call that night by asking, “How is my god-daughter?” In my thoughts, God said, “He chose you without you trying.” He continued, saying, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.”

I hope you feel the all-encompassing love that I am experiencing. My prayers are for the Heavenly Father to envelop you in a moment as profound as I’m feeling. I want to offer encouragement to anyone who has faced rejection; remember that God’s love for you is unwavering, and He has chosen to call you His own.

“And I will be a Father to you,” …  “you will be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. (AMP)

“I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;” (Isaiah 43:6 KJV)

Author Darlene J. Conard

Every so often, I take out my old journals to read through the entries and carefully analyze them. Each entry reflects who I was at that specific point in time. These writings remind me of the struggles I faced and how circumstances seemed to overwhelm me. At the time, I held onto my faith in Christ, even amidst my difficulties. I vividly remember pouring out my heart in writing and then uttering a prayer for hope, a plea for deliverance: “Let deliverance come, please God.”

On August 16th, 2000, I truly began to know Christ personally. Reflecting on my journey with God from its inception until now, I realize the significance of building altars and memorials as we walk with God. I purposefully use the term ‘altars’ because the first altar I constructed is not in the same place as it once was. As we grow and evolve, our altars take on new forms. The person we were yesterday does not define who we are today.

In the sacred scriptures, Abram became Abraham after God made a covenant with him, cementing promises in his life. The passage deeply moves me: ‘And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him.’ This encounter serves as a powerful memorial. Abraham built the altar on Mount Moriah with a different pattern than his first altar.

In an emotional turn of events, Abraham obediently prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as instructed by God. Unlike his previous questioning, Abraham displayed unwavering faith this time (Genesis 22:1-8). I find great significance in the idea that our circumstances are not meant to be stumbling blocks. Instead, we can use the blocks from these circumstances to build our altars. We can trust that God’s answer is on the way. Our altars will become memorials, testaments to the faithfulness of Jehovah-Jireh. We can confidently proclaim, “God brought me through that. He’ll do it again!”

“Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and “these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 KJV

“Faith in God is having faith in His timing.” – Neal A. Maxwell-

Author Darlene Juanita Conard

“Answered prayer becomes the rule and not the exception for those who abide in Christ and are immersed in His Word.” – Jennifer Eivaz –

As I peered into the all-consuming darkness, I contemplated the biblical text I had recently immersed myself in. It struck me how every victory in the text stemmed from unwavering trust in God. I was drawn to the stories of young leaders like Josiah, who ascended to kingship at the tender age of eight, and Samuel, who obediently heeded the voice of God as a simple boy. Conversely, the account of Joseph, Jacob’s son, evoked a deep sense of injustice, as his brothers robbed him of thirty-one precious years and deprived him of his mother’s comforting presence. Despite the unfairness, I found comfort in the promise of uncovering the unfolding of Joseph’s life in Egypt, as depicted in Genesis, chapter 39.

Deborah, a remarkable figure, served as a prophetess and a judge of Israel. I realized that the most minor aspects of their lives hinged on their obedience to God’s guidance. The contrast between human imperfection and God’s persistent call to share in His glory never fails to captivate me, drawing me closer to the text and its teachings.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

The journey of faith is not without its moments of discouragement. Yet, it is in these moments that our unwavering resolve is most crucial. We must hold fast to our trust in God’s plan, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every trial.

These scriptures deeply resonate with me. They remind us that some prayers are answered swiftly, while others require patience. The passage from 2 Corinthians 1:20 reassures us, ‘For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.’ It’s a reminder that we must not give up, but continue to seek His guidance and delve deeper into His word. Our persistent knocking is a symbol of our perseverance, and it is through this act that we actively participate in our spiritual growth. The door will open in His time, and it will never be shut again.

As we persist with unwavering determination, we will navigate the transition into the next phase of our lives. In the face of challenges, let us not yield to despair. Instead, let us confront and overcome Satan’s deceitful tactics with fervor and wholeheartedly embrace the inheritance that is destined for us.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” Luke 18:1 (KJV)

Let’s persevere in prayer and hold on to hope.

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8 KJV

These Words are written in red to signify that Christ is speaking. He is the One Who will set the door before us.

Beloved, stay cheerful, keep praying and obeying Him. Witness how He brings about a glorious outcome!

Author Darlene J. Conard                                

As I have sought guidance for my next message, the word “breach” persists in occupying my thoughts. The words continue to echo in my thoughts, insisting on being noticed. What significance does it hold on a spiritual level? In my quest for answers, I delved into its meaning and discovered that it symbolizes a broken wall according to Nehemiah. However, there seems to be a deeper message concealed within these words.

My grandmother taught me the following: “When there is a need in someone’s life, God will send someone to fill it.” In the book of Ezekiel, God looked for an intercessor to stand in the breach for Israel (please read Ezekiel 22:23-31). However, He couldn’t find anyone to intercede. The king granted Nehemiah permission to go to the site, and God gave him instructions on what to do.

As the laborious task of constructing the fortified wall began, the dedicated workers gradually surrendered to weariness. The persistent toil and lengthy effort led to a sense of discouragement among them, with murmurs of “It’s taking too long!” permeating the air. As their initial enthusiasm and passion gradually diminished, they found themselves increasingly vulnerable to external threats. The unguarded territory became an easy target, and the enemy wasted no time in seizing this opportunity. It is worth highlighting the significance of adversaries choosing the perfect moment to strike, particularly when a weary child of God is in a state of vulnerability. (Read Nehemiah 4:6-23)

My heartfelt message to you is this: When our loved ones are distant from God, we must stand in the breach and intercede for them. We must firmly oppose the forces of opposition using the spiritual armor that God has bestowed upon us. Let us take courage and trust in God’s strength to bring our loved ones closer to Him.

“And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

“You have made us for yourself, O God and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”   – St. Augustine 

Author Darlene J. Conard

“El-Roi, El-Roi, oh, El-Roi,” I recited repeatedly, each word a gentle plea, as I lay still in bed, eagerly awaiting the embrace of sleep. (“Roi” pronounced as “ROY” or “ROY-ee”)

Overwhelmed by Sarah’s relentless fury, Hagar found herself in a desperate situation. Sarah’s anger, fueled by her unfulfilled desire for motherhood, was directed at Hagar, who was carrying a child that should have been Sarah’s. This resulted from Sarah’s impatience, which led her to take matters into her own hands.  

Hagar found herself ensnared in the conflict, engulfed by Sarah’s unyielding anger. In her desperation, she fled to the desert, her tears a testament to her anguish.

At times, we may find ourselves unexpectedly and unjustly entangled in situations that are completely beyond our control, leaving us with no choice but to seek refuge in a place of utter desolation and hopelessness. It is during these moments of despair that God visits us, bestowing comfort and reminding us of His promises.

El-Roi is a name that Hagar gave to God, which means “God sees me” (Genesis 16:13). While we cannot see Him face to face, we can perceive His presence and influence in our lives and circumstances.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

Be comforted and reassured, knowing that your heartfelt cry has not gone unnoticed. Allow the divine embrace to envelop you in this moment, and listen attentively to His Words of wisdom and guidance.