Author Darlene J. Conard

I’m learning a lot about faith — what it truly means and doesn’t. Take telemarketers, for example. They can be quite persistent, spending a considerable amount of time trying to convince you that their product is essential. It’s crucial to consider how much of your time you’re willing to give. They will push as long as possible, hoping to get their foot in the door. “Maybe I do need it?” they make you question. You need to resist this temptation and seek the truth, as they often don’t reveal all the details. Resisting the temptation with a clear conscience will guide you in the right direction.

When those voices of discouragement start whispering, saying, “It’s hopeless, give up! Look at this mess!” That’s when faith should step in and firmly shut the door on them, assuring you, “It’s going to be alright. God is all-powerful. He will never leave or forsake you. He’s going to turn this mess into a masterpiece.”

I have two remarkable young people to whom I send pictures of my unfinished art. When I’m feeling frustrated with my progress, their unwavering faith in me banishes my discouragement. They don’t merely believe; they truly know. God uses people to teach us extraordinary things!

   “The battle is not ours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:14-17 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I woke up feeling a bit drowsy, I made an effort to start my day. Suddenly, a scripture resonated in my spirit: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1 KJV). After enduring a spiritual wilderness that lasted over three months, I was determined not to be pulled back into it.

Then, the Holy Ghost began speaking to me, conveying, “Darlene, you can’t move forward if you keep looking back. You must cease looking backward and cannot progress forward without falling.” I responded to the Lord in my thoughts, acknowledging His message. This difficult season has brought about a resurrection within me and has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life.

Too often, we become fixated on the beginning of the previous season of our lives, failing to recognize the new things that God is doing in our midst. For a moment visualize yourself planting seeds in a garden. Imagine yourself sitting by waiting for the seed to turn into what it’s expected to be. That’s time wasted on false expectancy. We are to do other things and care for that garden properly. We have to know that in its time it will flourish!

This is where faith comes in. Trust God to do what He said He would do.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

Author Darlene J Conard

The oppressive presence of the night stubbornly lingered, leaving me desperate for sleep, while the gentle light of dawn remained concealed. I lie restlessly, tangled in the confines of the blankets, as an internal struggle overwhelms rational thought.

As I reach under my pillow for my iPhone, the burning sensation in my eyes intensifies as I squint to read the time. “Only 1:30 am,” I mutter to myself.

Voices of defeat scream in my mind, banishing any hope of peace. Clutching the blankets tightly, I resist their grip, refusing to succumb to weakness. “I can’t bear this any longer,” I whisper determinedly.

Finally able to rise, I sat on the bed’s edge, tears streaming down my flushed cheeks. Perhaps sitting in my chair for a while will provide some relief. I thought. Is this how Jacob wrestled at the brink of the brook? Did the night still wear its timeless cloak even then? The radiant moon and twinkling stars offered no solace, their heavenly display dismissed by my turmoil.

I abhor these moments, but afterward… the light of day began piercing through the night.

We often go through things we do not understand and feel we will live through it. One of the greatest feelings is seeing God’s Light through a new set of eyes.

I declare Isaiah 58:8, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.” KJV

I decree that darkness has no dominion and God’s Light will break forth. Your health is restored by the spoken word of the Lord. His righteousness is a path before you for the glory of the Lord is upon it in Jesus’ name, Amen

Author Darlene J. Conard

… “David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God. What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. O Lord, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (1 Chronicles 17:16-20 KJV)  

As I immersed myself in these verses, tears of gratitude streamed down my face. “Who am I, God? Who am I that such a mighty, all-knowing God desires to hear my praise? Who am I that You, Lord, would choose to speak to or inspire to write Your messages? What words can Darlene speak of You that truly capture Your greatness?” Sometimes, all we can do is stand in awed silence because His ways are so mysterious and incomprehensible!

In moments when we feel insignificant, fragile, and stuck, His love continues to pour into our lives without ceasing. God wants you to understand that you are incredibly precious in His sight. He longs to spend time with you.

Take heart, for God is in control, and His ears are open to our prayers, with open arms ready for us to find rest in Him.

Author Darlene J. Conard

As children develop, they frequently encounter various levels of pain that can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. Similarly, as we mature in our spiritual journey, we may undergo periods of discomfort that challenge our sense of security and familiarity.

Even amid our trials and tribulations, we can find solace in the presence of God. Our pain is temporary; we can draw upon His strength to navigate challenges. Psalm 92:12 (KJV), “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon,” conveys the idea that those who are faithful will thrive and grow resilient, like the sturdy palm tree and cedar in Lebanon.”

I understand that pain feels unbearable to the point of our destruction. Hold on, something greater is beyond that pain! Continue reaching for God. He will give strength and comfort during that time.

And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

While doing research I learned something astounding about a double-edged sword. This type of sword’s ability could pierce through armor. Due to its double edge and razor-sharp sides, the enemy couldn’t grab the sword from his opponent’s hand.

 It is written in Hebrews 4:12 KJV, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” This scripture tells us that God’s Word is fast, powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. It can and will penetrate separating every single thing within us.

Recently I researched the difference between the soul and the spirit. I thought they were the same but they are not.

1 Thessalonians says, 5:23, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sanctification means elevation. To be elevated we must first examine ourselves through the word of God.  Paul’s prayer saying, sanctify you through and through, “meant a complete cleansing consummately. Only God can perfectly remove things within us.

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.” (Deuteronomy 10:16 KJV) How else will we do that except through the Word of God? The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6 KJV)

The soul is the identity, personality, character, and emotional part of mankind. Conscience, self -will and dwelling place of sinful nature and evil. That’s why our souls must be saved. (Hebrews 10:39) We have to be transformed through Jesus.

The spirit is the lamp of man’s inward parts. Proverbs 20:27 KJV, “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Our spirit acts as a connector with God since He is a Spirit.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 KJV

With our bodies, we must honor God, and give Him praise.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Yesterday a newly posted video popped up in my Facebook feed. I skipped, and the Holy Spirit said, “Go back and listen. I scrolled back and began listening to the message. His message started with a story about visiting his friend’s home.

On his friend’s mantle amid burning incense lay money and personal photos.  He asked his friend, “You have an altar in your house? Why do you have money and pictures on it? “His friend replied, “Our gods live there. we give sacrifices to our gods because they bless us with money.”

“That’s crazy!” His friend in response said, “You have an altar in your home.” Confused he replied, “No I don’t.”

“Yes, you do. You sit in front of your TV for hours and hours. You dedicate your attention and sacrifice time to it.” The man stood mute knowing that his friend had a point. His answer made him examine the condition of his soul. It made me search myself as well.

Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”  (KJV) It could be anything, problems, games, social media, it can be anything.  Not to say that it’s wrong, but if something is ruling our lives to the point it’s taking over our hearts, minds, and souls: well, it’s a problem.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 KJV

I first examine myself, as Paul when he wrote,
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV

Let’s seek the Lord and He will fulfill the emptiness in our souls.

Darlene J. Conard

The roses stood strong, defying the aftermath of the fierce storm. Their vibrant pink petals remained untouched, exuding a lively beauty. Each delicate petal glistened with tiny droplets of rain, resembling shimmering diamonds. Its rosebuds were just as alive! For a moment I admired it as it conveyed a message of God’s hope.

Life’s storms come rushing in so fast that we are stunned! One early morning sitting at my desk, staring at the ceiling I thought, I don’t know how to pray about this situation. In silence, I shook my head and closed my eyes tightly. The word life dropped in my spirit. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the prophetic encounter of Ezekiel. He stood in a valley filled with dry bones.

“Can these bones live?” The Lord asked Ezekiel. “Lord, You know all things,” he replied without hesitation. God continued saying to him, “Prophesy upon these bones and say, “Oh dry bones, hear the word of the Lord Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you will live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you will live; and you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:3-14)

Tear-filled eyes I spoke to my situation saying, “God You know the enemy is in this situation. It’s a valley of dry bones and I speak life into this situation.” Satan will sow seeds of discord and he begins with those close to us. He’ll put a thought in their minds or use someone to do it.

My encouragement to you is if you have a situation speak life while in that valley. That’s where we are in the valley. Prophesy over those dry bones and command life. Colossians 2:15 says Jesus, … “ spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The Bible says when Ezekiel prophesied the bones began to rattle, they came together, stood up and flesh began growing on them. The moment we say to our situation, “Situation hear the word of the Lord life is coming forth. Bones will be no more!” In time it will manifest. First, those bones will rattle. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Then it will stand upright, crooked places are made straight, and then life! Keep believing it!

Author Darlene J Conard

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10 KJV

Jesus taught the disciples about stewardship through the Good Samaritan parable. The traveler planned to go to Jericho. Minding his own business as he continued toward his destination, he was attacked. He lay battered, stripped, and hanging on by a single thread. Perhaps he thought, “I will never see what I planned to see in Jericho, nor perform what I desired to do.” The priest and Levites saw him as they walked in the same direction, but sadly, they crossed to the other side of the road.

A concerned Samaritan took time to care for him, pouring oil and wine into his wounds. Not only did he transport the victim, but he also came back to check on him. He even paid for expenses. This parable touches my heart for these reasons: he paid money from his pocket to help a stranger, involved himself with caring intentions, and perhaps the two became lifelong friends. (Read about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus asked them, “Out of the three, who is the neighbor?” He continued answering, “He who showed mercy. You do the same.”

The keyword in the scripture is “compassion.” Compassion goes a long way. God is concerned that we are wounded. Some of us, I’m sure, wrestle with that pain. Without a doubt, we know someone who is hurting severely within. Do what Christ commanded: have mercy and compassion. Pour into that hurting soul encouraging words. Do what needs to be done before all is lost.

We are living in times when people’s hearts have hardened, and many are hurting. Love like Jesus loves.

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Hebrews 6:10 KJV