Author Darlene J. Conard

You would think that after Delilah’s three false alerts, “Sampson the Philistines are upon you,” would trigger a red flag. He instead continued to lay his head in the lap of deception. Continuously she hammered at him. “Where does your strength lay?” (Judges 13-16)

Delilah didn’t withhold from using manipulation. Weary him is what I’ll do” She vexed Sampson’s spirit the bible says unto death. That’s intensive pressure.

Paul and Silas were also vexed; however, the circumstances were different. The two were on their way to the temple to pray. The demonstration of the Holy Ghost flowed. Unbelief wasn’t present. The familiar spirit in the young girl followed them crying out,” These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.” Daily she stayed hot on their trail, provoking them. Paul didn’t waste time to command it to come out of her. (Acts 16:14-17)

Samson was vexed unto death. Paul was grieved. See how this spirit operates? Think of the nature of a python. Gradually it coils its body around the victim until it has complete power. The beast strips every ounce of strength the victim has squeezing life out.

The name Delilah means, Amorous, delight, languishing, temptress

“But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out at the same time.”

“Come.” she petted her slender palms on her lap. Rest your weary head. The softness of her voice made the invitation irresistible. Without further delay he sat beside her then laid his head in her lap. Her velvety fingertips swept over his brow. “I love you. You know that.” With closed eyes he gave a smile. “When you love someone, you tell them everything,” she continued. Her foxlike characteristics is something she used well. I can imagine the story.

 Years ago I worked with an individual who seemed nice, caring and always present when I needed help. Things didn’t add up. “You’re being judgmental!” snapped the person I confided in. Instead of speaking another word I prayed about it. That night I dreamt this person turned into a fox. Foxes are sly, sneaky shrewd and shy. In the end everything came out in the open. Those who I confided in saw that God protects and does warn us. Seeking His counsel is so important! Satan doesn’t appear as an evil entity to deceive.

^“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14–15

I encourage you whole heartedly to pray and ask God to guide you in every situation. Refuse to allow the enemy to squeeze life out of you. Keep perusing after Him.

---

[DC1]Delilah: Name Meaning and Origin – SheKnows

Author Darlene J. Conard

Sitting in the silence of my living- room my determination to win the battle over grogginess was set.  Sleepless nights of tossing turning and restlessness, no more: this has to be the last! “God what do You have to say?” I breathed out pushing against reminders of all that needed done.

I don’t understand! Yesterday I received a phone call from a friend that I hadn’t heard from for a year with encouragement. Not long after I finished praying, he called. I should be encouraged by great things that are happening in my life. God is opening doors. He’s moving in the lives of those around me, so, what is the problem? I reviewed everything that happened. A splinter isn’t always felt wedged beneath the skin. Sometimes redness or infection sets in before it’s discovered.

I remembered a conversation that turned negative last week. That’s when it started.

 Just a few words that implied as to what women should look like is all it took. Negative voices from the past began resurfacing.  

Several weeks ago, I watched a 3D animation short. It begins with a mother bird swooping across the land hunting then returning to her unhatched egg. Not far away a snake-like creature waited for the right moment to send distraction. The ugly creature released a small snake to lure momma away from her nest. She chased it for miles. Her nest was now unguarded. Her unborn baby’s life fell in the clinching fingers of fate. She looked back, realizing what had happened.  Fast and furious she confronted the creature running with what belonged to her. During the heated battle she got wounded by its poisonous fangs. All her strength and fight seemed until remembered what she was fighting for. With the little strength she had she dug her talons into the creature destroying it. The short clip drilled a message into my spirit.

Satan will use little things to entice us to unmount from God’s promise. Before we even realize what is going on, we are off chasing after an opinion or an idea that has nothing to do with God. It’s all centered around societies’ ideology of who, what and how. The Song of Solomon says, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” (Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV) Little can do tremendous harm.  

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV

Fight in prayer, hold fast to the promise God has given you.

Author Darlene J. Conard

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

Hannah is well known for her zealous approach before the throne of God. Her circumstance pressed her to break the restrictions of impossibilities. “Why, why did God close Hannah’s womb? (1 Samuel 1:6) No evil actions are recorded of her: nor have I found anywhere God was displeased with her. This unconceivable act of God collides into our intelligence. It sounds unjust and tormenting considering she walked in righteousness. It sounds unjust until we search deeper into the scriptures.

My own anguish from past and present circumstances delivers clarity related to Hannah. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Withholding hope is deleting faith. Without faith there isn’t access for God to work. Perhaps she felt God overlooked her.

I’m sure we have all experienced watching the shower of God’s blessings falling on others leaving us in question, “God when is this door going to open for me? Days, weeks, months pass by, still no opened door.

Hannah’s heart did become sick until she disengaged from hopelessness. That was evident.

Peninnah, Hannah’s sister wife, is the rival used to dismantle God’s purpose by making a lie sound like truth. Yearly the three traveled to the temple to give an offering. (Leviticus 12:4-8)

Give this thought time to penetrate into your spirit. In Mark 11:12-25, Jesus taught bareness by using a fig tree. Hanna wasn’t cursed. Stay with me. It sounds unfair that He cursed it since it wasn’t it’s time to bear fruit.

Shocked, the disciples returned to the fig tree finding it withered. Peter replied, “Master the fig tree which You cursed withered away.” He answered him by saying, “Have faith in God. For (unquestionably) I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.” Jesus continues to promise, “What things to any extent you desire, when you pray, believe you shall receive them, and you shall have them.”  These desires don’t include anything against God’s word. He will not contradict Himself.

Jesus cursed the fig tree even though it wasn’t its season. Another example of God appearing to be unjust. He declares if the heart is reserved for faith that the things spoken shall come to pass.

God’s actions are astounding! Until the truth behind His purpose is unveiled it will remain as it is, a mystery. 

Don’t defer hope! God is revealing Himself in situations!  

---

Author Darlene J. Conard  

 Graduation ceremonies require robes, matching hats, and tassels. Boys differ from girls in color to identify them. A graduating student wouldn’t dress in sports attire to receive their diploma. The same applies to most work facilities. A surgeon wouldn’t wear a three-piece suit to perform surgery on their patient. An officer wears their uniform as a representative of law and order. Responsibilities come with the position of every profession.  

Our spiritual health Is crucial.  Our inward condition will manifest. I am not in the habit of watching people’s every move. I do pay attention to how they treat others, especially in the ministry. Superiority complex, entitlement, and arrogance, I’ve seen it all. Some people have taught me how not to be. Constantly I am searching myself. I pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV 

Please don’t misunderstand me as being judgmental.  (Matthew 7:16-18 KJV) “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Verse 20 in the same chapter says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Are they being, kind, caring, loving, meek, and gentle?”  (Galatians 5:22-23) KJV 

I have specific boundaries concerning items to salvage. If it is defective it goes in the trash. If I no longer wear certain clothing, they are passed to someone. Years ago, I learned something valuable getting ready to move into my apartment. My room visually appeared nice, clean and in order until I started packing. Things that meant so much to me from letters, pictures, stationary, drawings, knickknacks were stuffed under and behind furniture. Completely forgotten treasures, at least what I thought were treasures, lay buried beneath several inches of dust.  Blowing away the dust and coughing at the same time I began disposing unnecessary things away. At one time it meant something, now I am ready for a new beginning.  

Hoarders become massive collectors of things for psychological reasons. The items, junk or not, are a prized possession to them. Many that I have talked to say surrounding themselves makes them feel safe and secure. They don’t see the Avenue of danger they’ve created. Some say they don’t like waste, so they salvage it for recycling. It never gets to that process.  

 It’s due to a hurting, fearful soul that hasn’t addressed traumatizing situations in their life.  

For too long we hold on to hate, jealousy, and a need for vengeance, the list goes on. It’s not about keeping score of the things wrong. It’s about understanding God didn’t intend for those to be there and has a replacement.  

Spiritual clutter is real. Our prayer closet is meant to enter in, throw away rags, and disconnect from poisonous soul ties that control our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Lazarus didn’t remain in graveclothes when Jesus called him forth. They were removed. (John 11:1-44) Without realizing it we can spiritually remain in grave clothes. Hate, graveclothes, jealousy, graveclothes, vengeance, graveclothes: take off those graveclothes and put on Christ.  

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV  

Author Darlene J. Conard

Diamonds aren’t created from coal but the carbon of the earth. In the mantle of the earth where it’s most pressurized with heat is the diamond, the stability zone. When volcanoes erupt diamonds are embedded in chunks of the earth’s core. It’s the weight of the pressure under heat that makes this valuable gem. The mantle is very significant, darkness is significant.          

Darkness is significant for this reason: when a child is in the mother’s womb, he/she is hidden from light. A seed is planted deep into the ground hidden from light. A secret is kept in the dark, yet God sees all. An unborn child is a tiny soul developing and receiving nourishment from the mother for nine months.

The ground provides nourishment for the seed while it’s incubating in darkness. As it lays buried it begins to germinate. The root then breaks out of the seeds coat. This is the “breaking away from dormancy stage.” Amazingly, the germinating stage means coming into existence. Developing is slow, but it’s becoming what the planter knew it would become. Light, water, gravity and nurture are all it needs to become beautiful and productive!

Everything that’s collected for harvest is harvested. Some plants after dying leave seeds behind until spring.

God allows trials as an incubation period. We die out to our will, characteristics that are not Christlike. Jesus taught, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, еxcept a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” We have to lose our life, let go and let God do what He needs to do.

 Our trials are not to destroy us. The cord of grace will transfer strength in that dark place. In time we will come forth renewed, stronger, wiser and ready for where we are going.  Often than not, I have said, “This trial is going to destroy me. It’s too painful and unbearable.

God will use discomfort to lure us out of comfort zones. I can discern God’s drawing power to draw closer to Him and prepare for challenges coming. I become very uncomfortable. I toss and turn at night, pace the floors and feel miserable! The one alternative is to seek Him in prayer and fasting. It will destroy us if we allow it. We have to pray and praise our way out of it.

Remember previously that I wrote a secret is kept in the dark? Isaiah 45:3 promises, “I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” God will share His secrets with you in the darkest of times.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Fear at one time controlled my life. It was a constant presence. Sleeping alone was out of the question. You would never see me walking without my middle sister at my side.

Sitting beside my grandma’s bed one evening, she took my hand squeezed it saying, “Fear is an ugly thing isn’t it, Darlene?” Understanding all too well I didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes, it is grandma very ugly, and tormenting. I’m thankful God gives us power over it.”

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 KJV

I realized something the day my friend took me to the DMV to take the skills test for my learner’s permit. I’ve come farther than I thought. She surprised me as we entered Richwood, our hometown. “You’re going to start now.” Snapping out of my tired mode, looking at her with an off-guard expression. “Now?” She wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You’ve got this.” She pulled over, we switched seats, I checked everything I was supposed to and asked God to help me. As I started out as she guided me, I realized I wasn’t as anxious as my discouragers said I was. I drove through town without any problems. Many times, rehearsing in my thoughts, I saw myself unable to get behind the wheel of a car. Over and over the discrediting words screamed at me and the laughter at the jokes made me even want to drive. I realized a lot of things Thursday March the 4^th, God used the friends He put in my life to plant encouragement through words and prayer cutting the curses into pieces.

James 3:10-11 mentions curses, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

 It’s not just referring to profanity. If we are cutting someone down using derogative words, a stumbling block is put in their lives. “You’ll never be anything! You’re trash! You’re fat and ugly. Your stupid, ignorant.” For this very reason I want to abolish those weights by declaring over you, words spoken from the very mouth of God.

“My beloved is mine, and I am his,” … Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV

… “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalms149:4 KJV

“Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Matthew 7:24 KJV

Last but not least the Lord says, “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 29:11 KJV) This means He’s thoughts towards us are not of destruction, or anything near this world’s guidelines. Misconception is not in God’s vocabulary.

I leave you with this be encouraged knowing that God Himself has not given an opinion about you but truth and life. These are only a few scriptures. Diligently seek Him, He will speak to you!

Author Darlene J. Conard

There He was just waiting, In our old familiar place, An empty spot beside Him, Where once I used to wait, To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day, I would have passed Him by again, If I didn’t hear Him say

I miss My time with you, Those moments together, I need to be with you each day, And it hurts Me when you say, You’re too busy, Busy trying to serve Me, But how can you serve Me, When your spirit’s empty, There’s a longing in My heart, Wanting more than just a part of you, It’s true, I miss my time with you,

What will I have to offer, How can I truly care
My efforts have no meaning, When Your presence isn’t there, But You’ll provide the power, If I take time to pray, I’ll stay right here beside You, And You’ll never have to say, I miss My time with you, Those moments together, I need to be with you each day, And it hurts Me when you say, You’re too busy, Busy trying to serve Me, But how can you serve Me, If your spirit’s empty, There’s a longing in My heart, Wanting more than just a part of you, It’s true, I miss my time with you ….  Written by Larnelle & Phil McHugh

When I first heard this song, the words penetrated so deep in my spirit. Jesus, longing to spend time with us, wow, that’s very personal!  

Our absence in that special meeting place with Him is our lifeline. Without that time spent with Him there will be an unbearable void. Remember when the Lord spoke into the creation? The earth was without form, and void, darkness was present. Darkness was on the face of the deep. Void is the absence of light. Void means nothing is there, empty space, vacant. (Genesis 1:2) So, if we go without spending time with God, it leads to emptiness. It leads to spiritual poverty.  We become bored, restless, without purpose. God’s purpose of Hosea marrying a harlot was to teach the message of His enduring love.  Hosea knew of Gomer’s unfaithfulness from the beginning.  In order for Israel to see the light they needed a visible demonstration. God continued perusing for Israel’s full attention. (Read Hosea)

Exodus 34:14 says He’s a jealous God.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22: 36-38 KJV) It’s not an option. God has to have our heart, mind and soul.

While writing this blog something downloaded in my spirit. What good would it do if I rush to get this devotion published, paint masterpieces, send out cards of encouragement if I haven’t spent time with God in spirit and truth? These things were embedded in my life to glorify Him. If He doesn’t have my attention, I fall short of knowing Him. I’m being very transparent because it’s the heartbeat of God.   

Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”  (Matthew 7:22-23) We get to know people by spending time with them. Their thoughts, actions, what they like, dislike are readable without giving a second thought.

I leave you with this, draw close to Him. Spend time with Him. We will find rest, peace and restoration. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you,” … James 4:8

Author Darlene J. Conard

Blind Bartimaeus while sitting by Jericho’s roadside heard the multitude passing asked, “What does this mean?” He knew something was going on! The crowd replied, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Instantaneously his insight of hope became verbalized. “Jesus, son of David have mercy on me!” Disturb by his cry the crowd’s exertion had no prevail to restrain his faith. The tone of his cry arose. “Son of David have mercy on me! “Jesus stood still commanding him to be brought to him. He tossed his garment aside as he went forth. He was made whole. If he had listened to the discouraging waves of doubt, he would have remained blind.

Hellen Keller quoted, “It’s a terrible thing to have sight and not see.” That’s a powerful statement.  We can see with our eyes but completely miss the vision God has for our lives. Hopelessness is no respect of persons.

 Revelation 2:18 says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.”

“Lord, anoint our eyes that we may see. Awaken our spiritual senses. Our circumstance appears to be final, ending in devastation. No, don’t accept that! We don’t have to!

God promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. His sons and daughters would possess land and not have need of anything. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17-22)

I encourage you to keep calling out to Jesus. He will not pass you by. Your voice will exceed the uncanny voices that say, “God doesn’t hear you. All hope is lost!”  God promises, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

Here is a clencher! As soon as Blind Bartimaeus heard Jesus’ invitation to come to Him. He cast the garment he wore off. He was made whole.  

… “unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 KJV

Cast off that heaviness on your soul. Give Him the ashes that once was. Take on the oil of joy and cloth yourself in praise before Him. He will do something about it!

Author Darlene J Conard

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19 KJV

He crouched among the rubble surrounding him. Frozen in position with his arm folded resting on the left of his lap with one knee settled on the ground, Nehemiah remembered the promise.

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you into Myself.”  repeated in his spirit. With one hand he scooped a piece which once was a part of the gate. Rubbing his thumb over it remembering his prayer to God.

“Nehemiah how are we going to rebuild from this rubble? The gates are burnt, the wells are no more, the city now lays as a heap screaming, I have perished.” He kept the plan God spoke to him as a man protecting his treasures. “Yes,” Nehemiah glanced up at him. “She cries out as a battered soul. The Lord God hears her, and I’ve felt her pain. She will live again. Her scars will be a memorial of victory in the sight of all enemies.

He reminisced about the night he laid flat on his back with his arms folded beneath his head staring in the celestial body. Stars twinkling here and there with the moon’s face visibly shining.

Secretly he arose mounting on his beast, he rode here to examine her battered foundation.

This is how I imagine Nehemiah as he prepared himself and workers for the great work ahead. 

A sense of sadness came over me as I sat waiting for the wash cycle to end. The softness of the light brought back memories of my visits at our community hospital that no longer exist.

Double glass doors opened only in a small space entrance with a wall payphone on the right. Disinfectant cleaner filled the area with a pungent smell. Another set of glass doors opened to a large registration room. On the left the secretary’s booth-built area sat at a short distance from the entry. Her slightly hidden face left visitors to guess her mood.

I remember the old interior of the floors, windows, the light blue green tile in the restrooms and the installed chicken wired windows. My little town reminded me of the story of Nehemiah.

 She’s labeled helpless, destitute, filled with drunks and drug addicts. I don’t see that. God sees restoration. God sees broken souls who need compassion and redemption.  

Jesus answered the Pharisees question, “Destroy this temple in three days I will raise it up.”

“It took forty-six years to build this temple. How and You say it’s going to be built in three days?” (John 2:18-20) Spiritual things can’t be received unless we have a Christlike mind.  

We must have hope, stay founded in prayer and follow God. There’s nothing impossible for Him. He is rebuilding.

---

 

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Is salt even coming out of the shaker?” I raised the dispenser to examine it. No, it wasn’t clogged or trapped which meant the salt lost its flavor.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”  Matthew 5:13, downloaded in my spirit as I tried one more time to successfully salt the simmering soup. Still no flavor. Even if I’d dump the salt into the soup, it wouldn’t be noticeable.

Out of curiosity I paused what I was doing to research, “Does salt loose it’s flavor?” The answer is yes. Salt that sits beyond its date loses its flavor. Since it wasn’t beneficial to flavor food, it was used on the icy spots in front of my apartment.

God, I don’t want to be a useless Christian! I don’t want to lose my savor! Our world is full of hurting souls searching for answers. At one time I didn’t have the right answer, now I do.

Genuine salt will create thirst. It doesn’t take much! Salt is used as an antiseptic to cleanse the newborn in the book of Ezekiel 16:4. Numbers 18:19 speaks of the agreement between God and Aaron which is called the salt covenant. Salt covenants were also made between friends.  Salt preserves, I understand why it was used as a covenant. God required the priest to season every offering with salt. (Leviticus 2:13)                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

…. “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,” …  (2 Peter 2:9 KJV) Born again believers we are required to salt our offering to God. Give Him the praise and recognition He’s worthy of! Have you heard the saying, “You can lead the horse to the water but can’t make it drink?” True, we can’t make them drink; however, the right amount of salt can make them want to drink. Every time we eat salty foods, it makes us thirsty. Here is another interesting fact, salt reduces bitterness but increases the sweet and sour. Salt is even used to kill weeds. It’s clear way Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.

(There will be an extensive study on this subject)