Author Darlene J. Conard

Jesus fulfilled the law by healing the lame, opening blind eyes, healing those paralyzed, including innumerable incurable diseases. (Matthew 5:17-20)

Dwarfism made Zacchaeus a candidate for helplessness. Tax collecting was his profession. The Levitical Law was clear about dwarfism and other things. “For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or anything superfluous,  Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,  Or crookbackt, or a dwarf,or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.”  (Leviticus 21:18-21 KJV) They were still under that law. That is why the Pharisees constantly harassed Jesus. His actions were unacceptable according to them.

 Imagine that, so he may as well become a tax collector, right? People resented him anyway, so why not do something society hated for pay? His stature made him who he was in humanity’s eyes, but his faith made him tall enough to reach heaven.

Take a moment to visualize this scene I am about to present. Zacchaeus is Ping ponged in crowds.

He barely made his destination without getting scuffed. Dust from the ground on which feet and animals tread settles on his body. Occasionally he found himself shoved to the ground like a piece of junk. Every single day he dodged such challenges.

One beautiful day shifted in an unexpectd way. For once he stood apart as the crowd swarmed to Jesus. He could not see anything! Jumping in the air did not give him any justice. Forget about trying to pry through the crowd, no entrance available for him.

Desperately seeking with his eyes, he found his high spot. Waddling to the sycamore tree Zacchaeus knew for sure he would see. He climbed the tree without difficulty. “You are going to receive something besides a view Zacchaeus!” Faith shouted boosting him upward.

Faith was right, always pleasing to the Lord. “Jesus come by here!” She shouted. Jesus did stop and looked up. “Come down Zacchaeus, quickly.” Jesus smiled motioning him down. “Today I am going to be your guest.” Gasps arose in disbelief and apolled. “He is a sinner,” a lady leaned over to her neighbor with her nose in the air . Branches and leaves cascaded around as he climbed down. “You see, Lord, half of my belongings I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Zacchaeus finished dusting himself clean as he once and while glanced up at Jesus. “This day is salvation has come to your house. For you are also the son of Abraham. I have come to seek and save that which is lost.”  (Luke 19:1-9)

The creation of the tree was for Zacchaeus to climb especially. I believe this!

“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”      Genesis 1:12 KJV

You can ead about Zacchaeus by clicking this link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019&version=KJV

Author Darlene J Conard

Another author posted a message on her Facebook page that caught my attention. “Not everyone is on your prayer assignment.” After reading it I silently laid still to give what she wrote some thought. The parable of the ten virgins dropped in my spirit. Five were foolish but the other five were wise. Here is the revelation revealed to me by the Holy Ghost. Five of the wise trimmed their lamps. “Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.”

“No,” the wise replied, then we will not have enough for ourselves and you. Go to those who sell it and buy for yourselves.” 

This parable is about the bridegroom coming unexpectedly. (Matthew25:1-13) But let’s look deeper into this. How many times have people worn us out because they didn’t want to help themselves? They want you to pray, and not pray. They want direction but do not seek direction themselves. Soon we wither under weakness. Our own minds are invaded by the negativity ruling their lives. Guess what? We run low on oil, just like a vehicle does when it keeps going without a refill. Wicks that are burnt black will barely light. It goes out, smokes until the wick is trimmed. After that it’s good to go.

“My cup runneth over, when it does it spills! More than anything I would love to experience that every single day. We are human. Valley experiences are going to come. Keeping ourselves connected to God is a must. Stay strong by plugging into God’s power. To help those who are helping themselves we need to be strong in the Lord ourselves.

 Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

Autor Darlene J. Conard

“Lord if You would have been here my brother would not have died,” burst from her mouth. Unable to stay in silence the mourners began wailing. Trouble stirred within His spirit groaning within Himself. “Where have you laid him?”

“Lord come and see.” The mourners motioned Him to follow their lead. His own tears surfaced each step that took Him closer to the grave of Lazarus. In a whispering tone the mourners began conversing among each other. “Oh, how He loved him.” Another replied softly, “Could not this Man which opened the eyes of the blind, not heal this man- so he wouldn’t have died?”  Jesus groaned within Himself as He stood in front of a blocked cave. “Take the stone away.” Shocked, Martha turned to Him as she stood by His side. “Lord by this time he will stink. He’s been dead for four days.” He unfixed His eyes from the tomb and onto Martha. “Didn’t I say that to you if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” She couldn’t say anything more. The men who walked with them approached the cave to roll away the heavy stone. Looking at each other His fellow disciples still did not understand. Lifting His eyes into the heavens Jesus began to pray. “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know You hear Me always. But because of the people who stand by I have said it, that they will believe You have sent Me.” His gaze in the heavens then fell to the opened grave entry. He simply said, “Lazarus come forth.” At the mouth of the tomb, he who was dead came forth. From head to foot, he stood before them dressed in graveclothes. Gasps arose from among the people as they saw Lazarus taking breaths. “Lose him and let him go.” Martha who stood by Jesus turned to around looking into Mary’s eyes. For a moment, the silence said what could not be. Hushed by the miracle all waited to see the image behind the graveclothes. Life and restoration revealed itself as the men removed the cloth covering his face. Lazarus opened his eyes seeing the face of His Redeemer. Lazarus lives because Jesus conquered the grave.

As King David wrote, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth,” Psalm 30:11 KJV

You may feel the Master has forgotten you. Remember this, His delays mean He has something greater up His sleeve. It will be a mess, but the aftermath is unforgettable!

You can read about Lazarus by clicking this link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011&version=KJV

Photo is from the series, The Chosen written by Dallas Jenkins

Author Darlene J Conard

“Martha, Jesus has come.” Refael’s heavy steps reached her ears before he entered the door of her house. She propped the broom against the fireplace and followed him out. Staying busy kept her mind from wondering.

The sun’s light embroidered her stature as she walked towards Him. “Jesus, Lord, if you would have been here, my brother would not have died,” easily flowed from her lips. Her swollen bloodshot eyes revealed anguish. “But I know, that even now, whatsoever You will ask of God, God will give it to You.”

Jesus waited for Mary to trail behind her. The whole thing became an enigma. Mary, Martha, or anyone else could not perceive it. Her brother was dead. A reliable source delivered the message to Jesus that Lazarus fell terribly ill. “Why? Why did He wait until after her brother died? Why?

 Walls of isolation kept her fragileness safe.

“Your brother will rise again.” Jesus softly spoke with assurance. She wasn’t prepared for the glorious manifestation about to transpire. “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection in the last day.” Jesus focused His eyes on her as He placed a hand on her arm. “I am the resurrection, and life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead will live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me, will not die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord, I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Did she believe it or was she simply speaking it, to be speaking it? She broke eye contact with Jesus as she turned to walk back to her house secretly to get Mary. None of this makes sense! He healed the lame, opened deaf ears, turned water into wine, delivered demoniacs and the list goes on! But why, oh why did this happened to her beloved brother Lazarus?” Martha could no longer try unraveling the mystery. It only worsened.

Martha opened the creaking door to find Mary at the table with her face buried in her folded arms sobbing. She stroked the back of her sister’s scarf covered head. “The Master has come, and He is asking for you.” Her hidden demeaner lifted. Without hesitation she ran out the opened door leaving Martha behind falling at Jesus feet.

Once again, she found herself at His feet, only this time overcome with grief. Heavy hot tears spilled from her eyes onto the opening of His sandals. Her wails froze the rest of the mourners in position.

… To be continued (Luke Chapter

Author Darlene J Conard

 “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out of my spirit unto you, I will know my words unto you. Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; (Proverbs 1-4)                   

“Pharoah, it is me, Mercy! Let God’s people go, and I will dwell with you.” She continued knocking on his palace doors. “No!” I am Pharoah I have power over the great and small!” Mercy looks at Truth as he shakes his head. “I am not going to go away Pharoah! That is not true! You may have power over the great and small upon the earth, but God is all power. He has sent Mercy to you to accept!” Truth hastly replied. Laughter echoed from his chamber. My gods will never fail me!” For the tenth and last time Mercy came knocking on Pharoah’s door. “I will not bow to anyone! I am the great Pharoah!” She fled as darkness entered. There was no knock. Evil consumed him. God hardened his heart.

The children of Israel prepared themselves. A required young lamb was slain for its blood to be applied on the post of their homes. In the middle of the night the destroyer retrieved the lives of every firstborn of man and livestock without the scarlet frames. “No don’t stop here!” Mercy cried.

Night indeed carried the wails of Egyptian parents from one house to another. Pharoah’s dynasty ended with the loss of his own.

Furiously he commanded the Israelites out of Egypt. He had a scheme up his royal sleeve. He and his army would pursue after them getting them all at once! No one mocked the great Pharoah!

There was no knock at the door. Fate swallowed the boasting king with his army. The entrance made for Israel became a deathtrap. They were to never see them again. Exodus 5-12

The story you’ve just read is how I visualize it.

Pharaoh’s actions are related to Lucifer, the fallen angel. They both were brought down.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms,” Isaiah 14:12-17 KJV

God will always be the higher power.

Pharoah, the bondage and deliverance of Israel: Exodus 5-12 KJV – And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, – Bible Gateway

Author Darlene J. Conard

“How amiable are thy tabernacles. O Lord of host!   My soul longeth, yeah even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and soul crieth out for the living God.  (Psalm 84:1-2 KJV) There’s no other words to describe a longing for the presence of the Lord.

Diligently, Moses sought to please God seeking His face. “I beg You, show me Your glory.” God replied, “I will make My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before You; and I will be gracious to whom I’ll be gracious, and I will sow mercy on whom I will be show mercy. You cannot see My face; for there shall be no man see Me and live. Behold, there is a place by Me, and You will stand upon the rock, and it shall come to pass, while My glory passes by, I will put you in the cleft of the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by. And I will take away my hand and you will see My back parts; but My face you will not see. God gave him that. (Exodus 33:18- 23)

Moses grazed the sheep on the backside of the desert where he had an encountered with God.

It was nowhere that no one would ever believe God would reveal Himself, especially as a burning bush. As soon as God told him what His mission was Moses became uncomfortable. He was going to lead his people out of bondage. Going back meant facing Pharoah. Facing Pharoah meant putting his life on the line. His excuses didn’t go over well with God. Moses discovered that arguing with God became a lost cause. (Exodus chapter 3 and 4)

Isn’t it amazing how we think we know ourselves better than God?

The moment we enter His presence everything changes, everything! Situations are nothing, people’s opinions don’t even affect us.

Moses got to experience God in a way that no one else could. It was all due to being alone. I’m not the same person I was a few weeks ago. I have had a life changing encounter with God. The things that used to matter no longer affect me.

Beloved I encourage you to press into prayer. Hold on, those circumstances are going to become your greatest blessing!

• Exodus Chapter 3: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%203&version=KJV
• Exodus Chapter 4: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%204&version=KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

I could not think of ways of rearranging my apartment, other than changing the curtains. Furniture would either block the windows or vents. God reminded me, … “in whatsoever state you are in, be content.”  (Philippians 4:11)

Noah and his family had to be content among noisy animals, the brawling among family, the stench, the chores, and the heavy rain. It was one year and seven days before they stepped foot on land. It would be difficult to be content during that time. It was out of their hands, and they had to make the best of it. God had a plan.

Some things I do not understand. Since I do not know the answer, I am in the habit of searching for an answer. Quitting is not an option for me. God does not always give us an answer. Seek and ye shall find, right? Well, I did get an answer on certain things. He took me to Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”  (KJV) The secret things that belong to God will remain a mystery. In that we must be content with the answers He gives us.

The word content means, in a state of peaceful happiness: willing to accept a particular thing; satisfied. [1] If God put us in a position of waiting, then we must solely wait upon Him.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

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Noah and the Ark: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206-9&version=KJV

[1] content meaning – Search (bing.com)

Author Darlene J. Conard         

Simeon knew by foreknowledge that Jesus was born. I have no doubts an atmospheric shift emerged. He knew that it was time to go to the temple.

I can imagine Simeon holding the Savior in his arms, just a little bundle but a powerful manifestation of God. Simeon lived an old age only to depart from life with the promise of seeing the Messiah! I can visualize hot tears surfacing. Perhaps he could only stand in awe. His eyes beheld the promise he so longed for. Cradled in his arms lay a pure lamb. A lamb that would break the barrier to mercy and grace.

I’ve wondered what Simeon’s experience would be like. For a moment I imagined him savoring the moment embracing a supernatural, holy sovereignty.

The small bundle struck fear in the hearts of kings. They had it all wrong! He wasn’t their usual king. He couldn’t be eliminated. Authorities couldn’t perceive the spiritual side of God’s kingdom. One day this child would become a man and in time become a sacrifice for all.  (Luke 2: 24-38)

“Lord, You are a witness before me that I must see You in a manifestation promised to redeem my people from all sin and evil. Messiah, You have made yourself as one of us to teach us humility and give us power over infirmity prevailing over darkness.”

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,  ^“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”   (Luke 2: 25-32)

While envisioning this in my mind I wept. He would now be able leave earth in peace. He didn’t give up hope. He literally held God in his arms. Perhaps he even heard the angels singing.

• Simeon: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:25-32&version=KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Over and over, I recited Hanna’s declaration. “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord‘s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” (1 Samuel 2:1-10 KJV)

The words brought strength to me each time I read it out loud.

“He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” These words stood out to me. Our strength is small from time to time. As long as we continue reaching for God nothing will stand in our way.

Several nights ago, I had an experience. In the middle of the night, in a midsleep I could hear myself saying, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. No weapon, physical or spiritually will ever destroy me in the name of Jesus.” Our God is greater than anything on this earth. Someone told me once there was no devil. “You know why? Because I say there isn’t one.” It doesn’t work that way. Satan can do what he wants with that. I choose to believe that Jesus King and has defeated evil.

I encourage you to pray, stay in His word and live for Him with all your heart.

Author Darlene J. Conard 

In my personal time of devotion, I have asked myself, how would I have felt if I had been in the place of Simon of Cyrene? Would I be able to stand behind the Master as he carried the cross? It is heartbreaking to imagine being in such a place.  

The Experience of being involved with such a brutal judgment would be devastating. Jesus rebuked Peter for objecting that He would be crucified. (Matthew 16:22-24) Honestly, I don’t know how to answer.  

Do you believe that after such an experience, Simon of Cyrene could go back to his normal life? The Bible does not say much about it. This is one of the Biblical events with little written about Simon of Cyrene.  

Fill his shoes. How would you act, think, or feel if you were walking behind Jesus to help Him carry the cross on which He would soon hang from?  

The story you are about to read is how I imagined it to be.  

With the rest of my strength, I regained as I watched the brutality. Taking deep breaths, I placed my palms upon my chest, feeling the throbbing of my heart. The core of my soul stirred to the uttermost. Breathing seemed to be impossible. I looked away. Although I closed my eyes, an imprint remained in my mind. The usual beauty of the sun hid itself today. His feet bore into the heated Palestinian sand.  

The days that the sun shone her light were very enjoyable, but not today. Today is a day that will haunt me as long as I live.  

This Man called Jesus is being falsely accused! What wrong has He done? I have seen Him with my very own eyes heal the lame, open deaf ears, heal those afflicted by incurable diseases, and so much more. Mostly what has cleaved to my soul is His refusal to walk away. I have never recalled experiencing heartache in such a manner. His very own people mocked Him without conviction. “Hail, King of the Jews!” religious leaders burst out in laughter. The reed that Jesus was being smote with was the same as those used by believers joyfully praising Him, saying, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!”  

Upon the head of the One who carried wisdom and spoke, knowledge sat a crown of thorns. He spoke not a word, in doing so wisdom and knowledge arose in defense against false witnesses but spoke volumes to believers.  

The ripping of His linen garment echoed through the air on which angels took   flight. “He bowed the heavens also and came down; and the darkness was under His feet. As the psalmist wrote “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly; yeah, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18:9-10)  

His olive skin hung like raggedy ribbons. Continuing in a mocking laughter they raised their whips beating Him with pleasure. Spittle mingled with blood dripped from Jesus’ badly bruised face. Trickling down His chin upon His olive torso, which once had a fair complexion, became brutally beaten and broken. One day out of my life became unordinary. The course of my life completely changed, pulled right into the path behind Jesus Christ. I no longer became a part of the crowd standing by. Pressed by the crowd in the path Behind Him, I helped carry the end of the cross. Immediately after the cross-fitted upon my shoulders, its weight drove splinters deep into my skin. If it is just a small amount of pain and weight for me, my question is, how great is the load for Him. It should have been me. Nevertheless, I am not worthy only Jesus of Galilee. 

Jesus must have a great love for the world to go through this, I thought. Marching toward Golgotha Hill Jesus stopped. Discerning my thoughts, He replied, looking deep into my eyes without hatred, bitterness or even regret but passion burning in His eyes. “You’ve seen Me heal the lame, open blinded eyes, heal the broken hearted, delivered those bound by affliction, today Simon is the day you find yourself in need and the need is met. Behold redemption is at hand. In His entire affliction, He had enough passion to smile laying His palm on my forehead to pray for me.  

Tears fell from my swollen eyes for I felt compelled by the cross. Reconciliation bonded my soul to the foot of the cross where I first recognized repentance marching forward behind my Redeemer, He being God stands before me as a witness. Yes, the sight truly is disturbing, but then my eyes were enlightened to the power of His death, burial and resurrection, Emanuel God here with us in the flesh. The Lamb pure, holy, and spotted defied the works of darkness as His side soldiers pierced with forth blood and water. No weakness has been involved but a victorious battle won! I denied myself taking up the cross to follow Him. I know my Redeemer liveth! 

The word of God is full of possibilities. Jesus wants us to walk with Him. These are not just stories told at Easter, they are for every day. Through faith we will reach the heart of God. The horror of the brutal acts of mockers didn’t end that way. We that are believers know He is alive and well in our hearts.

(Matthew 27:32-44/ Mark 15:21-32/ Luke 27:26)   

You can read about Simon of Cyrene by clicking the link below:)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A32-44&version=KJV