Written by Darlene Juanita Conard

This morning, I’ve reviewed many things: but one message resonates with me strongly – a message of hope. It’s undeniable that the media constantly bombards us with messages of chaos and loss, perpetuating a narrative of despair that seeps into our consciousness. This pervasive negativity often leaves us devoid of faith, prompting us to question our emotional well-being.

The scripture “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; … Romans 6:16” has been a challenging yet enlightening lesson for me, one that I am beginning to embrace.

Consider the impact if the media were inundated with optimistic content, infusing hope into our lives. The remedy to many of our societal challenges can be found in Calvary, and it requires a collective effort. As I contemplate the setup of dominos, I am struck by how meticulously arranging them in a long line signifies time and dedication. The profound realization that the very first domino is the adequate lead to affect the entire upright-positioned chain.  One push that’s it, watch the accuracy of one domino on many.

Each of us possesses unique qualities, yet when we pair these individual traits with positive thinking and speaking empowered by a higher force, the transformation can be truly profound. Witnessing the difference this mindset shift can bring is awe-inspiring.

          “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 KJV

 “A leader is someone who demonstrates what’s possible.” – Mark Yarnell-

Author Darlene J. Conard

A friend and I had a conversation, on the phone about wrestling against things within our minds. “One voice is saying, “Give up, what’s the use while the other is saying, “Don’t give up, you’ve come too far.” She gave an example. “It’s like, in cartoons where you’ll see an angel on one of characters’ shoulder, while on the other the is the devil, whispering in their ear.” Well, that’s true. The animator captured a perfect illustration for Roman 7:23, … “I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

Paul didn’t leave out that he had a battle inside of him. We often think of those in the Bible having it all together. They are as prone to failure as we are.

I’ve always said that spiritual warfare is exhausting! It’s certainly no picnic, however, God gave us His Word to invoke evil accusations and temptations. I’m not going to tell you that the enemy’s voice will stop after one

Author Darlene J Conard

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

God chooses impossible situations to reveal His power. There is a song titled “Keep Believing” sung by the Gaither Vocal Band. These words stick with me the most: “You can take God at his word, He is faithful, kind, and true. Not a prayer will go unanswered. In His time, He’ll see you through. Keep believing in what you know is true. You’ll be fine if you just keep believing.”

It’s hard to believe, that the impossible can become possible, only through natural eyes. It’s in our nature to say, “Show me evidence.” Every day the news reports chaos, but God is not a of chaos. Yes, it’s a fact that there is violence on the earth, but the truth is, God is turning everything around.

Here are things to remember: John 2:4 – it’s not time yet to answer. There are thirty-three verses in the Old Testament explaining God’s time is appointed. This means it’s chosen, when, where, who, how, and what. Be encouraged to know Jesus is in control when He has 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 29:11KJV

Hold on and watch God work!

Thank you, Tommy Bailey, for permitting me to use your beautiful photography! God bless you!

Stream Curling through Sugar Run Stones, WV © Photographer Thomas Bailey of Richwood, WV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Genesis chapter 14 voices the trouble Lot encountered during the conflict of the kings of the nations.

 After Abram (Abraham) received word out f his brother’s distress, he immediately prepared to rescue him. He did prevail and restored their things with the people to Sodom and Gomorrah. “Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God, and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” Genies 15:18-19

After observing the situation, the king asked him to exchange the people for goods. I admire Abram’s response: “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take anything from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich.”
Undoubtedly, God is with us in every battle. Honoring Him will bring blessings into our lives. Don’t be disheartened by the enemy’s efforts; a greater vision lies ahead.  Genesis 15:22-24

And the LORD answered me, and said, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for theit; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

I understand the frustration of waiting while feeling pressure from our adversaries. It might seem like the odds are stacked against us, but I want to encourage you not to lose hope. Despite how things may appear, the outcome is not what it seems. I firmly believe that God is actively rearranging situations to work in your favor, even though it may not be apparent at the moment. Hold onto this promise, meditate on it regularly, and whenever the enemy tries to deceive you with lies, remember that they will ultimately fail in their attempts.

  Author Darlene J Conard

“A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond, and the suffering of a person in Christ only turns you into somebody gorgeous. “

– Tim Keller-

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV

In the passage, mentioning “light affliction” prompts a reflection on the perception of hardships as minor when experiencing them. It can be challenging to accept this perspective, especially when enduring pain with no clear end in sight. However, the scripture implies that our suffering is transitory, parallel to a moment that will withdraw once we relinquish it to the divine, saying, “OK Lord, take it, it’s yours.” While there might be a temptation to take back control of the situation we have entrusted to God, it is crucial to exercise faith in His guidance. The verse conveys that our afflictions, compared to the extraordinary weight of glory surrounding us on earth, are indeed light. This realization fills me with profound gratitude knowing that by seeking Him, we can experience the expansive reach of His glory. “

The heavy trial we are enduring is preparing us to face future challenges. Once it passes, our glorious encounter will diminish the significance of any difficulties, as His presence will fulfill its purpose!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1 KJV

 Author Darlene J. Conard

  ^“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

The passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 beautifully describes the attributes of pure love. It emphasizes that pure love is characterized by patience and kindness, lacks envy, boastfulness, arrogance, irritability, and resentment, and does not delight in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It also highlights the enduring nature of pure love, stating that it bears all things, believes in all things, hopes in all things, and endures all things, never losing its essence. In contrast, the passage also touches upon the transient nature of prophecies, tongues, and knowledge, emphasizing that while these elements may eventually pass away, pure and true love remains everlasting.

This gives us an understanding of why and how love has so much power. It doesn’t however this doesn’t mean we permit people to take advantage of us.

Love is telling the truth with compassion. Nowadays when people are told the fact they take offence. It’s considered hate speech.

I watched a true story about parents who gave their daughter money anytime she wanted to, and let her go as she pleased. When she got hooked on drugs, they couldn’t understand why she was a mess. “You never set boundaries,” the counselor informed.

 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1 Timothy 1:5

“Your actions in service of God are always meaningful and have a purpose. Keep offering prayers, sharing hope, and showing love to your loved ones in the spirit of Christ. Stay steadfast and observe as He works wonders and performs miracles in your life and the lives of others.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2 KJV

“Nothing is impossible for pure love.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Author Darlene J. Conard

I never tire of recounting the story of Calvary. The sacrifice was undeniably brutal. Although Jesus was not obligated to make such a sacrifice, the love within Him was more powerful than His self-will. There is a poignant song that expresses how He was thinking of me when He died, emphasizing that it wasn’t the nails through His hands and knees that held him on that cruel tree, but rather a self-denying, all-consuming love for someone like me. This signifies a powerful, unconditional love. There have been numerous occasions when I’ve needed mercy and release, and each of us has our own story to tell. Finding comfort in knowing there is a higher authority than this world is reassuring. Every day, we can acknowledge that we’ve been at the foot of the cross, seeking mercy in our brokenness. The more I meditate on His death, burial, and resurrection, the more it is impressed upon me that I was on His mind, and so were you. While rivers may dry up occasionally, the crimson flow from Calvary still flows just as fluently as it did then. We require that experience every day.

“Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:4-5 KJV

“Only in the Cross of Christ will we receive power when we are powerless. We will find strength when we are weak. We will experience hope when our situation is hopeless. Only in the Cross is there peace for our troubled hearts.   –Michael Youssef- “

You were on His mind when He hung on the old rugged tree.

   Author Darlene J Conard

Jesus saith unto him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:9 KJV

It’s frustrating when people claim to know me well but question my loyalty simultaneously. Those who truly know me have no doubts. It’s bewildering how we can spend so much time with someone only to realize that we’ve been strangers to them all along. It happens. Important details get overlooked.

Jesus approached his disciples while fishing, walking along the sea, and during John the Baptist’s ministry. When they heard the announcement, “Look, the Lamb of God,” they followed him (Reference Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, John 1:35-51). Despite all this, they failed to recognize the face of the Father through Christ. Jesus reminded His disciples, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.”

We must actively pray, seek, and knock to overcome apathy and develop intimacy with Him. That’s the only way to know Him without any doubts truly.    

“I want to truly know my Savior, the One who rescued me from darkness. I don’t want to assume I understand who He is. I aim to grow closer to Him each day. It’s important to acknowledge that His ways and thoughts are beyond our understanding. Nevertheless, God desires our trust, believing He is exactly who He says He is. “

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” …      James 4:8 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

I’ve realized that God often doesn’t change our external circumstances, rather, He transforms us to cope with them. The more time we dedicate to prayer and immerse ourselves in His word, the more we find strength. He molds our character to align with His purpose.

My grandmother’s life stories provide me with hope and reassurance. Despite facing seemingly impossible trials, she remained steadfast and resilient.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul talks about a “thorn in the flesh,” a source of anguish that Satan used to afflict him. Although he pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it, Paul received the response, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Essentially, Paul realized that embracing his weaknesses allowed the power of Christ to rest upon him.

Remember this any and every obstacle you face, God will meet you there

Never lose hope, for He will never abandon you.“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV

“There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer.” – Beth Moore