Author Darlene J. Conard

“Come up higher,” the softness of God’s voice poured through my spirit. I understood what He meant. I became weighed down by sickness, taking care of finances, and keeping my apartment clean, which caused me to shut down. Being sick made me vulnerable. No matter how I felt I had to push through.

Our mind wonders, our bodies don’t feel like operating, and nothing is clear. Our emotions lie to us. Therefore, we need to pray for God to cleanse our thoughts.

“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 4:8 KJV

I admire the eagle.  They are majestic birds, strong, very sharp eyesight, wise, swift, fearless, and can fly to higher altitudes impossible for other birds. An ocean of blue without limits to sore through. Just Him and his Maker. My imagination just can’t wrap around the beauty!  There’s a lot that we can learn from these creatures of the sky. We can submerge ourselves in the presence of God and get lost in it.

I’m fearful of heights; however, it would be worth it to touch the face of God.  

We can reach God in such a way through our prayers, admiration, and thanksgiving. Be encouraged beloved. Cast of those heavyweights.

“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

Author Darlene J Conard

While lying in bed last night I thought about how often I sat in church very cold. I needed something more. Yes, something dynamic, something exciting!

For years the Ark of Covenant sat inside the temple behind a veil. No one dared to touch it or enter unless he had authorization. Only the priest had that unless they had sin in their life. Those priests who entered the Holy Place never came out alive. Upon the cherubs’ wings that stretched forward sat the living God, upon the mercy seat. Jesus came changing everything! He no longer sat on a box hidden behind a curtain.

God is beyond four walls. He sat hidden away for years. I Kings 8:1-11

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

The moment Jesus lifted His voice, and gave up the ghost the veil rent in half. Nothing hung to separate God from man. Mercy ran into the streets breaking chains of darkness. The crucifixion’s power eliminated the old law of sacrificial atonement. The crucifixion itself wasn’t the cause but who?

I examine myself, “Do I have Jesus in a box? Is He tucked away like a souvenir? No, He should be spread abroad. Don’t misunderstand me. Can people see the glow of His glory on our faces? Can people say without hesitation that we are Christian without second-guessing? Can people see a change so great they know we’ve encountered God? Is prayer so active and reading and studying His word that it challenges us?”  I don’t want a cold powerless life!

Let’s pray for one another and cast away any bitterness, strife, debate, jealousy, or hatred.

Heavenly Father,

I approach You in all sincerity to search my heart. Reveal to me where I’ve fallen short in serving You. Rekindle the fire I first experienced stepping into repentance. Lord, take me further than I go. Search me, know my ways. Keep me from falling into temptation.

  In Jesus name, Amen

Author Darlene J. Conard

Years ago, during vacation Bible school a girl at the age of thirteen opened up about her insecurities. I’ll call her Hannah to protect identities. Hannah dropped her head saying, “I’m a mistake.” Focusing entirely on the sweet young girl I asked, “Hannah, what makes you say such a thing?” Refusing to look at me or anyone else, she kept her eyes fixated to the floor. “My mom told me so.” My heart dropped to the floor as I understood her pain. “Oh no honey you are definitely not a mistake!” I’m going to tell you what I told her. I’ve had to tackle the same demon with the word of God.

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb,” … (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV) That’s astounding to me! That before we were conceived, He knew everything about us.

Esther, Samuel and many more were on a timely schedule. God used Esther to intercede for her people. Samuel brought order back into the house of God. Jeremiah may have been young, but his timing was still perfect.

In all honestly, I hesitated writing this message. I prayed for guidance. My friend posted the picture you see at the top with the scripture in Jeremiah.  DNA is the post title. It’s a message to remind humanity that God is creator of life. He ordained our beginning and our end. He already knew of our failures and imperfections. God uses it bring forth His will.

Thirteen-year-old Hannah didn’t realize she was born for the glory of God. No one told her that she was born to do what no one else could do or be. Her character was a vital part of this generation.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for someone to say, “Here I am.”

Author Darlene J. Conard 

Every morning for the past several weeks I’ve awakened at 4:00 pm. My eyes were opened to a noticeable single light in the sky. Thinking that it was a satellite, I didn’t give it another thought. Its illumination made ignoring it impossible.  

Shoving back the blankets, putting my feet on the floor, I went to the dresser to slip on my glasses. Silently standing in the window beside my bed I wrestled against sleep. No, it wasn’t a satellite, or a tower. For a star it’s pretty big, I thought. Even this morning I saw it until it disappeared into the dawn.  

The single star reminded me of the three wise men in Matthew chapter 2. Herod deceivingly portrayed his interest in worshipping this king whom he heard of. A single star in the velvet night cast an array of God’s glory upon the Philistinian land. After stepping in the presence of Heaven’s King they knew not to return to Herod.  

Christ birth isn’t a one-year event. It’s a reminder that God Himself came down to be among man who’s unworthy to free us of the debt of sin. The star surpassed the compasses of this earth.  

“You’re telling me that I don’t have to wonder around aren’t you God? That although I feel uncertain which step to take next, You’ll never leave me to wonder about.” A supernatural warmth penetrated every single part of my being. Those I’ve always believed were hugs from God.  

You find yourself saying, “God give me the strength to withstand long hours of this job. How am I going to get through the death of my child? How am I going to do anything?”  

Well, God is faithful in all His ways! 

“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” Psalms 138:3 KJV 

“And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”  Isaiah 58:11 KJV 

He will not let us wonder. Keep praying, praise Him for He is worthy, thank Him for He will answer! Emanuel still and forever will mean God with us.  

• Matthew Chapter 6 click on the link to read.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Magic erasers are nice. They remove markings of all sorts. They are designed so that when used on dingy white surfaces it brings out a look of newness! Wow what technology!  Why can’t there be a magic eraser that wipes away unpleasant memories? I thought while sorting laundry. “I would wipe everything away, every-single-thing.” Finally verbalizing the debate in my spirit that weighed me so heavily down. God forgets when we put it under the blood. God and I had a talk about this as I continued chores.

God reminded me that we have an adversary seeking diligently to destroy His people. Nothing would make satan happier than seeing a child of God fall and not get up. Revelation 12:10 says, the accuser comes before God, day and night to accuse the brethren. Accuse them of what? Anything he can us to afflict pain, bring self-hatred, or hatred for another human being, question God and so many other things. That’s why it’s important to be prayerful and submerse ourselves in His word. You can take this piece of bread break it down and slowly eat it. Could it be that one of many reasons we remember is to learn from our mistakes, learn how to withstand the next challenge, learn how to use the word of God? I’ve learned God doesn’t waste anything. One night I heard God speaking to me through a dream. “Darlene, I was with you here, here and here. He reminds me that I was never alone nor would there be a first. Yes, it’s painful to remember. Yes, some situations are absolutely devastating it’s hard to imagine getting through another day or having a peaceful night’s sleep.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 KJV

 … “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 KJV

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV) Paul wrote this in his letter to Corinth because it’s truth. God will not allow satan to push us to the edge.

The accusations that come forth constantly will come to not. We have to hold on, keep praying, keep believing the Lord is going to do what He promised to do. Romans 4:25 and 5:1 says through Christ we are justified and through Him we are defended by the shedding of His blood.

 Keep that armor on!  “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Could you imagine going into battle half equipped? No helmet, shield, shoes nor belt -well at least you have your sword, shield, and breast plate, right? No helmet exposes your head. No shield, nothing there to protect you from arrows. No shoes to protect your feet from the harshness of the ground. Without a belt you can’t possibly gird your loins. In biblical days they pulled the train of their robe between their legs then used their belts to secure movement in battle. 

God instructed Jeremiah to arise gird up his loins, and make an announcement. “Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.”  (Jeremiah 1:17 KJV) He stood as commander because God chose him for the role after Moses’ death.

“For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.” (Jeremiah 1:18,19 KJV) Let that description sink in, a defense city, iron pillar, and brazen walls, wow! A brazen wall meaning, shameless, bold and without bends. God doesn’t say the enemy wouldn’t put up a fight, they wouldn’t prevail.  No matter what came their way deliverance was a promise.

God gives us the same promises only ours is unseen. Every day we are challenged to keep peace within our minds, walk by faith and not by sight.  Don’t forget, our hearts are always a target.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

^“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:11-24 KJV)

Stay firm in God and stay equipped!

I will write more about this subject.

I didn’t write this. I wanted to share this beautiful story with you. We don’t realize how much the Lord loves us sometimes. Let this sink into your heart ❤️

Every once in a while, an ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken.

These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” Unless the Shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the Shepherd does?

He takes that rejected little one into His home, hand-feeds it and keeps it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to His chest so the bummer can hear His heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the Shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

But that sheep never forgets how the Shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the Shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to Him first?

That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows His voice intimately.
It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the One who loves it and has experienced that love one on one.

So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.

I am a bummer lamb adopted and loved by The Good Shepherd!! ❤ ❤ ❤ Hallelujah!!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Psalms 23 at one time was difficult for me to read since it’s read at funerals. That changed. He said to me, “Darlene Psalm 23 isn’t for the dead but the living.” It’s true, not that I’m implying that those who have died in Christ will not live again.    

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 (Corinthians 15:55-57 KJV) The dead in Christ are at peace.

 Walk with me while I present Psalms 23 as an   application to everyday living.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

• “You will watch over me and so to my every need. Provisions will be made.”

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

• You will calm my spirit and I will transition in peace.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

• “I declare my soul is no longer weary. I will not wonder aimlessly for You Lord will lead me in all righteousness for Your name. “

 ^“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

• I declare that as I am dying out to my own fleshly desires I will not fear when I encounter the evil in this world. You are with me Lord and will never forsake me. Your words will comfort me. When I do sin, You will correct me.”

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

• “I declare that I am blessed before my accusers, and they will know that You are Lord of my life. You will pour out a blessing that I cannot contain.”

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

• Your mercy chases after me and Your goodness is daily. I will dwell in Your presence and commune in Your house.

My prayer is that you abound in every aspect of your life. God bless you today and forever!

Author Darlene J. Conard

Lydia, who resided in the city of Thyatira, found herself in the midst of opportunity. According to the scriptures she already worshipped God. Acts 14 says, the Lord opened her heart to hear. She accepted all that Paul preached. She and her family were baptized. After reading the text the words, “whose heart the Lord opened,” lingered in my spirit. It was then I realized God absolutely does have the ability to open hearts. She worshipped Him giving Him an entry. He didn’t have knots to untangle. God simply pulled the tail of the bow causing it too effortlessly open. Acts 16:14-40

Pharoah’s stubbornness laid a snare before not only him, but all of Egypt.

… “the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.” (Exodus 9:12 KJV) In this case God hardened the heart. Have you had the experience of knowing someone who had an encounter with God’s presence one day, but the next closed themselves completely shut? Your light bothers them. Being in the presence of God is noticeable. It challenges their perception of life as they know it.

 “As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” (Proverbs 27:19 KJV) The heart is a reflector.

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” (1 John 3:17-20 KJV) Many times I’ve been tempted to harden my own heart. Before I became a Christian that’s how I protected myself. If I would harden my heart, I would be extinguishing Holy Ghost fire. Darkness would be in control just like Pharoah’s. I want to be like Lydia so that God can have complete access to every chamber of my being, nothing denied to Him. Unexplainable warmth envelopes me when I do not refrain from expressing compassion.

Our hearts can quickly become consumed by unwanted things; however, God is greater than our hearts. Yes, He can open hearts and make them soft.

… “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20 KJV)