Author Darlene J. Conard

We are seeing things we’ve never seen before, hearing unimaginable things. Children are confused about their gender. Same sex marriages are permitted, “Love is love,” society says.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20 KJV)

Our government is turned upside down. Abortion is uncommon. Chaos floods the media. We are living in a time that being kind to someone is misunderstood. What’s going on? I’ve heard this and I’ve said it myself, “I remember a time those things weren’t heard of.” Here is the truth. Ecclesiastes 1:9 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.” The Bible is loud and clear on these things. I’m not even effected that you disagree with me. Darlene is not the author of the Bible, God is.

So, why are we being informed daily of all this? Early this morning the Lord woke me up to go into this. This is not a hate speech nor is it an attack on anyone. As a messenger of God, it’s my responsibility to love enough to tell the truth. I have several accountability partners in the ministry who check in on me often. I trust them to be honest without being judgmental to keep me on track.

This is what’s happening, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) What happens the moment roaches and rats or other infestations are disturbed? They expose themselves. Here, there, and anywhere just to hide from exposure. But, if the root of the pest is destroyed things begin to come under control. Beloved, what we see and hear as a spiraling setback is quite the opposite. It’s a result due to an awakening from sleep and calling on God to heal our land.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”  Isaiah 9:2 KJV

The Holman Bible says it like this, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.”  

I was once in darkness too. I’m grateful that I saw the light!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Grandma pointed at the seat next to her at the table, “Sit down and have coffee with me. I want to show you something. She patiently waited for me as I made myself a cup of coffee. With carefulness I sat the cup of hot steaming coffee down, then pulled out a chair. After she saw my readiness, she pulled a notebook beneath her raggedy Bible then opened it. “The Holy Ghost told me to go over this with you.” I pulled the notebook close to look over it. Her scribbled text indicated that she quickly wrote down all that was being downloaded in her spirit. Her study revolved around the teaching of Christ, love one another as I have loved you.

I remember many things about grandma. One of her strongest areas was forgiveness, praying for one another and do not hold grudges. She reminded me by doing so meant holding on to a debit when the Lord forgave. My grandmother taught me so much after being born again. Many times, she would lay on the couch watching her Bill Gaither DVD’s or preaching I would come sit down in the recliner at the end.  “Grandma, I want you to know that I admire you,” through tear filled eyes I looked over at her. “You are my inspiration. I don’t know if you know this or not, well I’m sure the Lord revealed it to you. When I was in the darkness, I had hoped many times that you wouldn’t stop praying for me. Even though I said, “Stop praying for me.” She raised up and looked at me, “I know honey, I knew it wasn’t you.” Grandma thank you for not giving up on me when most did.”

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Though she is at rest I know here many prayers are still alive and will be answered.  

Author Darlene J. Conard

A vibrant white light touched my closed half awakened eyes. Its pureness reminds me of the song, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Oh, precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow, no other found I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

With gratitude I thanked the Lord for His redeeming blood, that is all power. Once in sin, bound by satan but now I am made whole!

During a conversation my friend Tigger had one night she asked me, “What drew you to my house that day Darlene?” Our discussion was about Jesus setting us free. “Well,” I paused for a moment, “I was on my way to a secluded graveyard. I felt drawn to them, but instead I felt drawn to your house.” Tigger was and still is on fire for God. “I was tormented in my mind, and I knew you prayed.” She did just that. 

As time goes by, I realize how great His ministering power is. There is a song with the words, “Take me back to where I first believed,” I do understand revisited our day of redemption is a part of getting us back into motivation.

Jesus is beautiful! His ways are passed finding out! He conquered death and the grave, and he is alive and well!

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15 KJV

It is good to revisit our rebirth in Christ.

I’m grateful that I am not what I use to be!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Slowly God’s presence awakened me from a deep slumber. His glory saturated the atmosphere. Although weightless and carefree I couldn’t move. I didn’t want to. “Oh Lord, how I’ve yearned to finally reach this destination, out of the valley of shadows, thorns, and thickets- here I am, in the realm of faith.

Finally, I saw things from a unique perspective. We lose things we pack as we fight through those harsh thistles. Yes, they grab, tare, and bring blood; but in the end the realization will come of how unvaluable those things we’ve carried are.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:6-8 KJV)

Multiple temptations are a sign that God is doing something. Jesus faced it during His forty days fast. Satan didn’t win. Jesus understood that he wanted one thing, failure. (Matthew 4:1-11)He can’t take away what is given to you but if he can tempt us into giving it up, he will. Every one of us can agree that temptation is heavy, especially being surrounded by it. The challenge of our faith brings strength, revelation and closer to God.

According to the scriptures in 1 Peter being challenged is an honorable thing. Our faith exceeds the value of gold, it reveals we have something satan fears. The joy that is showered on us in the end is greater than anything.

… “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

Through the eyes of faith, we can see what God is going to do. Our feelings are unreliable, so we mustn’t base faith on what we feel, see, hear, or think.

Be encouraged beloved. My friend has a mission statement that says, “Be brave, be bold and stay focused. You will be more than alright!

To read about Jesus being tempted click this link

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

 Grandma loved berry picking. Together we would take baskets out and pick raspberries to freeze and extra for baking two or three pies. “Be careful,” she sternly warned, “watch for snakes.” Snakes were the number one reason I despised berry picking.

Last night during a prayer and video chat we began ministering to one another. Everyone made known their need from healing to spiritual warfare. God’s ministering power descended on us as we talked then prayed about it. During that time, the Holy Ghost dropped something in my spirit.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:

Paul had a place that God expected him to be. He understood that great and affectual doors had their challenges. Effectual means powerful. In this verse he is going somewhere not because he’s fruitful but that which is beyond a door. He says that adversaries are many. God wouldn’t have sent him if he wasn’t experienced and equipped.  

Tarry a while, for how long, and until are all keys as to what lay behind that door, Pentecost. Jesus said, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:35-38 KJV)

Snakes are drawn to fruit. The smell of it entices them. When I studied this, I was amazed!

If you are facing adversity don’t be discouraged. An Evangelist by the name Benson Auxier would say to me, “If you ain’t got anything the devil wants, he’ll leave you alone. Fruitfulness is what is after.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Something burned within him that day. Why didn’t it taunt him before? Moses snapped as the taskmaster’s torso stood superior over the Hebrew slave with forceful lash after lash across his weakened frame. Adrenaline burned in his veins! No longer could he stand watching the barbaric actions. As though his feet had wings, he charged towards the abuser, tackled him then pushing him to his death. He stood on the monument looking down at the lifeless body. The Prince of Egypt died that day, he was that prince, now he was a fugitive.

He ran as far and as fast as he could. What was happening to him? Moses began experiencing I believe the pull of God. As I write this, I can’t help but to guess that Moses not yielding to the call of God added years onto Israel’s bondage. “Why God is it taking so long?”

“I’m waiting for the man who is one of you by blood but not among you in cause.” Why would he? His dwellings were in the boundaries of Egyptian living. Their laws were his. Their gods were his and lifestyle. (Exodus 2:11-15)

“Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?” (Isaiah 43:13 KJV)

God’s covenant descended to him from Abraham, Isacc and Jacob. A covenant is a contract. Breaking it has consequences.

Let me tell you, running from God is useless and a waste of time and will absolutely wear you out. Moses’ circumstance chased him right into the will of God. I guarantee misery will not lift. Each time it becomes heavier and heavier until, snap! I’ve been there.

Moses’s mother instilled God’s word within him. It never leaves. Once that seed is planted, prayer waters and it will take root.

My encouragement to you is to seek him wholly. You or someone you know maybe be hesitating to yield to the call of God. The covenant is compelling saying, “Come forth!”

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 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; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.  Hebrews 11:23-29 KJV

I too believe by faith that you will reconcile to the call of God.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Slowly sipping the steaming cup of coffee, I once again reviewed over the past few weeks. “Where did I go wrong? Where?” Pausing my conversation with God with a sigh I took another careful drink. I feel like I’m treating this like sorting through a pile of unmatched socks, I thought. Truly I was, except not with the word of God.

Past hurts, mistakes and hopelessness began accumulating slowly and cunningly pressing against my soft compassionate Christian characteristics. I certainly didn’t want to be that way. The Lord began speaking to my spirit. “Don’t let your heart grow callused.” I envisioned soft feet walking bare on a dusty rough road. Over time the soft skin began toughening, callus.

Calluses are caused by walking barefooted or loose shoes. Okay here we go! I understood. Our spiritual shoes are necessary, no if’s and’s or but’s about it!

Calluses are formed by the skin to protect itself from harm.  After a while our hearts can grow callused. Yes, the Bible says our hearts can be deceiving and wicked who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) It also says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26 KJV

 Acts 28:27 entails the diverse effect of a hardened heart. “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

The Holman Bible Version translates Acts 28:27 to this, “For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; (otherwise), they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them.” Again, calluses are formed by the skin to protect itself. It’s not a good thing. It’s painful.

Hardened hearts work like a fort denying God access. Deaf ears, spiritual ears, and choosing not to see the truth is a deception.

I understand that being so transparent puts me in a line of fire for criticism; however, Paul didn’t hide his weaknesses, so why should I?

 Colossians 2:11-14 speaks of circumcision of the heart not made by physical hands, but through the word of God.

Life’s dusty, rocky road can wear and tear at our peace overtime. Ephesians 6:15 instructs us to shod and prep our spiritual feet with the gospel of peace. It’s not possible to put on the gospel of peace loosely and not get hurt. Doing so we believe Him for what He promises to do.

I encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Him to filter out all negative implications.

Beloved, soften once again as you did when you first believed.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Past circumstances have taught me to embrace its lesson. Assuredly knowing that God could work all things together for the good, I’ve pressed into deeper insight as to who He is.

El roi, meaning, God sees me, introduced Himself in Hagar’s unpleasant circumstance. She fled from an angered Sari despising everyday watching her husband’s child growing within her womb. She was a surrogate mother.

Not everyone is acceptable of the supernatural growth in our lives. Envy and despise control those looking to destroy our promise.

Her wails reached heaven in an unforgiving desert where she received direction and a promise. Pressure creates all kinds of emotions and thoughts.

 I’m not speaking from experience, only what I know is natural. Mothers have explained to me that as a child grows within the womb pressure overtime intensifies. Cramps, increase of back pain, and fatigue are only three signs that birth is near.

There is pressure in our walk with God. I guarantee that it’s a sign of something which lays dormant within is ready to flourish.

“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 reward.” Isaiah 58:8 KJV

Beloved I encourage you to press. Embrace the promises of God. Embrace knowing, He sees you and you will flourish!

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Oh, Sleep why have you fled? Moments ago, I yielded to your embrace.” As I laid with my head buried in a soft pillow preparing for dreams you quickly slipped away. “God has said, “Step away for a little while Sleep,” that my ministering power my rest upon the crown of her head.” Then the floodgate of His knowledge flowed seeping through the crevices of my mind.

It is written, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3 KJV) I did call out His name. Jesus, giver of life, who brings comfort in broken heartedness. The one and only Sheperd who leads me by still waters. Living Water whose boundaries are none, let me drink of You.

A few of my accountability partners discussed spiritual sleep disturbance.  One of my friends who God kept me up to pray for gave me a message to text her. She keeps her phone silent at night. If I wanted sleep myself, I’d better obey. “Lord, I know she needs to see this by morning. You’ll have to wake her up.” Through heavy eyelids I managed to type the message and send. A few minutes passed she text back saying I just woke up and saw this.”

“God told me to send this to you. You need it now, so I asked Him to wake you up.” Laughing faces followed saying, “Quit having God wake me up. I’m sleepy head.” The message prepared her for what was to come the next morning.

Have you experienced that as well? I’m sure you have. Multiple times I’ve encountered the same need. As always, the message hit home. Jokingly I would say to Him, “Lord, I know You never slumber or sleep, get tired but show me mercy since I don’t.” (Laughing)

What an awesome, loving God we serve, and He knows what we need and when. My transparency concerning this subject came about last night.

I wrestled within to deliver a message to you, and this is it.

“Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.” (Psalm 17:3 KJV)

The NKJV says it like this, “You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”

“I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. Psalm 16:7 KJV

Sleep abstained from us most of the time means God calling you into prayer. Drink in His presence.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Confusion is an invisible enemy that sneaks in through twisted conversations. No wonder, I thought, there is great confusion upon the earth. Continuing in my research, my own understanding began unfolding. One doctor’s claim eating certain foods is a danger while another claims a breakthrough discovery: that unhealthy fruit we were told causes arthritis reduces it. Recycle to save our earth. Some have documented recycling is costly and the process releases poisonous chemicals into the air. Reduce waste by using cloth napkins, save on water though. On and on the list continues. It sounds like we can’t win for losing, doesn’t it? One end in the loop whole over another multiple times becomes a tight knot. Confusion and an unsettlement bare heavily upon this generation. Yes, college degrees can be presented verifying their major; however, it doesn’t relinquish the inward tug of war.

The point that I’m making in this is, in a sea of obstacles truth is an anchor. Isaiah 9:6 foretold a Counselor would come. Not just any counselor, one who is omniscient. He is also referred to as the Prince of Peace. Uncertainty is banished by His holy presence. Darkness is swallowed by His marvelous light. We do what we know to do, the things we don’t He’s guiding hand will steer our feet in the appointed destination.

Society pushes their belief system hoping that we fall prey to it.

One Truth, with forever and always stability is God’s word. Isaiah 55:11 declares, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

If you are seeking a truth about a matter pray, seek the counsel of God. You will find not a truth but the Truth.

… “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”   John 8:32 KJV