Author Darlene J Conard

“Lord, I thank You for every trial. I thank You for they have caused me to draw closer to You. I thank You for planting my feet here in my town. Thank You for every closed door that’s escorted by an opened door. Thank You for the good and bad experiences for through them I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness, love, mercy and grace. Thank You Lord, for trusting me with it all. Father thank You for having confidence in me when I or others haven’t.”

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Giving thanks for trials, divers temptation, closed doors, or betrayal to me didn’t feel like a celebration in the least. It took something devastating to teach me -why and how- giving thanks for such things is actually a powerful tool.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 KJV

It’s a sure indication, “I’m on the right track.” You’re on the right track! Fiery trials will either make or break us.

Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness for forty days to gain power over self-will. The devil tempted him three times. First, he tempted him to turn stones into bread, didn’t work. Secondly, he carried Jesus to the Pinnacle of the temple at a terrifying height: a 450-feet drop down to the valley below. Research it, its equivalents can be compared to a 45- story building. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written, (here we go) “He shall give His angels charge over you, and in their hands, they shall bear You up, in case you dash your foot against a stone.” Thirdly, he carries Jesus up to, the Bible says an exceedingly high mountain saying, “All this I’ll give You, the world and all it’s glory. If You bow to me. Each time Jesus hit him with the word. Satan used, -if- if You are the Son of God to hopefully manipulate Him into taking the bait. He also used, “for it is written” satan knows the word well. He twists it deviously making it sound as truth. That’s why it’s so important to stay in prayer. Let our ears and hearts be sensitive to the distinct sound of God’s voice. Know the Bible, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Satan believes the word more than we do. That’s why he manipulates through our weakness. He knows that getting on our knees, earnestly praying will change us and those around us.

Every trial that’s come my way has taught me just how faithful He is. It’s taught me to empty me to fill to overflowing with Him. They have caused me to draw nearer to Him. He will envelope us with His gentle embrace. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” … James 4:8

Author Darlene Conard

“On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and bestFor a world of lost sinners was slain
And I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
And till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown”
-George Bennard- 1913

My soul embraced every word to the old familiar hymn. Don’t think for a moment the power of the cross is long gone. This world will never destroy or water it down.

Blood does have a voice. (Hebrews 12:24)

Starting at the age of fifteen, I wondered the streets looking for answers. Wondering through night’s darkest hours gave me a sense of belonging to something. Darkness felt safe. It felt right until it retaliated. It was a nightmare! Somebody prayed for me. I no longer live there!

His tender mercies renew every day. My repeated failures forgiven. His throne of grace’s accessibility is opened at all times. As for me often I felt that He would grow weary of me. He doesn’t. He’s patient.

God is patient with us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,” … (2 Peter 3:9 KJV) He is not slow concerning promises. Our impatience considers Him slow. The blindman by the wayside received his sight. (Mark 8:22-25) Legion who was full of demons was found clothed and in his right mind. (Mark 5:1-20) Lazarus’ body lay in the tomb for four days. Still, he was resurrected. (John 11) Water was turned to wine. (John 2:1-11) An adulterous ready to be stoned received redemption. The Bible is full of miracles, signs and wonders! (John 7:53 – 8:11) You know what? Our testimony can be found in the word of God. Who can you relate to? Power continues flowing from the pages of the Bible into our lives. Power, not just any power, God’s power transfers, every written word into circumstances. If we truly believe!

In all my short comings, circumstances, heartaches, whatever the case may be. I chose to bury myself in the bosom of Calvary. I didn’t come looking for Him. He came looking for me: He comes to you.

Author Darlene Conard

Lying still I listened for distinct sounds. Frogs, crickets maybe a meow: nothing but silence filled the air. Moonlight spotted here and there making the night more pleasant. God’s presence filled the air.

Silence is welcoming at times; however, it can be tormenting when we need answers. So, I decided not to waste the silence. We wonder at times why God is silent with us; truthfully, we are silent with Him. On the other hand, He speaks loud and clear: we ignore Him. We do not like God’s answer. Swiftly our feet rush in to do things our way. It’s a terrible habit.

As a child I had no choice but to depend, protect me: look after my sisters. I had to figure out how to take care of things. Jesus wasn’t in my life until the age of twenty-six. I knew nothing about prayer or even picked up a Bible.

Embedded in us are things such as, “I’m going to do what I want.” Even though it’s not His will. I’ve thought long, digging deep within myself. As I read, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Let it be done on earth as recorded in heaven. I’ll explain. Jesus earnestly prayed, fervent, intercessional prayers to dismantle comfort. “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) “If You are willing remove this. It’s hurtful, uncomfortable! I don’t want to go through the excruciating pain that’s to come. Are You willing Father to dismiss this bitter cup.” The rim of the cup gently rested on His lips waiting for His acceptance. God will not force His will on us. I know to well that many sleepless nights, lashing out at others was due to that cup resting on my lips. His will voices our names tugging at our spirit.

War within is intense as we all know. Jesus then replies, “nevertheless not My will be Yours be done.” Yes, it’s unpleasant! In the end its all for the good. He only wants what is best for us.
Use the silence to diligently dig into the very essence of who Jesus is. Rest assured you’ll certainly discover who you are to Him!

Author Darlene J. Conard

I’ve been in Gideon’s position more times than I can count. (Judges 6-8) “If this is You Lord give me another sign!” Unsatisfied with the first answer I would ask again. What makes me this way? Searching intently, I reviewed my life. Where is the lose thread? Where is that one thread when pulled it loosens the intact garment? God, I need to find the source: pick it apart that I may come undone and remade.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Train him or her in the way they should go. If a child is taught to believe negative things about themselves, it’s a weed. It chokes good things out.

Weeds quickly conquer soil taking space. Think about it. For good seeds to flourish, weeds have to completely be uprooted. Grandma loved gardening. Helping alongside her I’d pull weeds out but lay them on the ground. “No, put them in the wheelbarrow to be hauled away.” It made plenty of sense. She explained to me that although weeds were uprooted, they could still take root. Eventually it would choke out the good seeds planted.

Always I have earnestly prayed for God to search my heart, soul and mind. “I want everything that’s not of You God out!” Believe me He answers. Once He pulls that single thread, we become undone. We believe we know ourselves to a full extent until pressure is applied. I pray to be Christlike.

Going back to finding that single thread Matthew 9:16 says,” “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.” Give me your full attention. Picture one of your best outfits that’s flawless. Now imagine pieces of it being torn out. In the torn-out areas oil-stained rags are sewn in filling the missing pieces. Rags worsen the look.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:6 KJV)

“Search the chambers of my heart Lord. For I know my heart unknowingly holds things not pleasing to You. Refill me Lord for I run empty due to the cares of life. Do this Lord that I may be pure and holy inwardly.”

Gideon believed of himself he couldn’t possibly be the one God chose to confront the Midianites. It does matter “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,” …. (Proverbs 23:7 KJV) God pulled that loose thread to unravel the misfitted pattern. Family members planted a misconception of a false identity.

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)

As a messenger of God, I see you through the eyes of redemption. Let us always see ourselves through the eyes of God, not society. I have been shown great mercy. Always I’m in need of the Lord’s mercy.

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

Author Darlene Conard

I want to be escorted by God in my dreams. I want to be so infused with His presence that I’m not effected by anything else!

I have experienced an exuberant manifestation of His power and peace in the these past several weeks. Trust me, a visitation from the sandaled foot man of Galilee in night’s hours is a renewing experience!

Every waking moment, I want His ministering power to be so alive, hopelessness barred. Proverb 13:12 says, “Hope differed makes the heart sick. Hope is suspended due to us leaning on our own understanding. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop.”

Recently I listened to a message that hit home. It’s true we watch, listen to Christian speakers and musicians who seem to have it all together. In reality they have trials and shortcomings like everyone else. There are always going to be those pointing fingers saying, “Practice what you preach,” even when we are putting our best foot forward. “You don’t have faith because you get sick.” The word of God says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 Here’s another one, drama. Do you know what the word drama means? Drama is acting, it’s something not real. It’s scripting something false. Pain is real, losing loved ones, sickness or anything tragic is not drama in the least. Those who say such things have no understanding and need prayer.

Getting back to differed hope, the good news is Jesus is the true fountain of youth, ready to restore! Continuing with Proverbs 13:12, it goes on to say; are you ready? “But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” I love how the writer of Proverbs places the word “but” in there. It’s saying there is hope for that heavy heart. Desire will come back. Keep praying. Hold on to Jesus. Focus on Calvary.

In the midst of the disciple’s faint heartedness Jesus came with words, “Peace be still. Peace, I leave with you. Let your heart not be troubled. Cast your cares on Me; I care for you. My grace is sufficient for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Finishing with Proverbs 12:25, it goes on to say, again, there’s the word, “but,” a good word maketh it glad.” Encouraging heartfelt words does more than putting a band aid on it!

In Luke 10:30-37 Jesus is teaching the disciples with this parable. A caring Samaritan stopped to minister oil and wine in the wounds of a stranger lying by the road. He bound up those wounds, put him on his donkey and took him to the nearest Inn. He paid the fees, came back to check on him. The Samaritan didn’t stop there! He said,” Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come back again, I will repay you.”

Good words are pouring oil and wine into a hurting broken soul without hope. Wine works as an antiseptic. Oil would soothe the skin and work as a sealant. Bacteria cannot grow in oil. Pure undiluted oil provides a shield against bacteria. That’s amazing to me! Kindly, energetic words are as healing to the soul as oil and wine to the physical.

Author Darlene Conard

I know I need to, but I don’t want to. This is the part that I say earnestly, “The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing! Pulling everything out of my utility room meant finding what to me is junk yet would make great treasure for someone else. My foyer is going to look like hoarders’ paradise. Dust will fly, settle on another few inches of dust making my apartment look like the sweeper blew up. Digging for space to make a path to and from rooms is such a pain! God only knows how long it’s going to take me to neatly organize everything.

So much truth is in that! Chaos creates an overwhelming atmosphere.

What if I told you, that chaos is a tool for God. “No, He isn’t the author of confusion.
(1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV) He works in it.

In the book of Esther Haman’s lust for power drove him to deceive the king. All it took was the right strategy. Since he was the king’s righthand man, no problem! “Here is the plan. I’ll convince King Ahasuerus that, the Jews are enemies.” Mordecai knew Esther was in the right place at the right time. He depended on his niece whom he raised as his own to intercede on their behalf. (Read the book of Esther)

Arrogance led Haman straight into the very snare he built for Mordecai. Chaos ceased in God’s time. Israel was spared.

Jesus when coming into Bethsaida was stopped: for there was a need of a miracle by a blind man. “Touch him, my Lord.” (Mark 8:22-20) First He touched his eyes with his spit. “What do you see?’ The blind man looks up. I see men as trees, walking.” The first time he didn’t truly see. Remember getting your eyes examined? Drops are put in your eyes to dilate them. It’s overwhelming wanting to see clearly. Jesus the second time place his hands upon his eyes. His eyes restored as though he could always see. Chaos only lasted for a moment, then, by the touch of the Master’s hands, order.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

God puts things that are out of order in proper order. Before that can be done everything has to be out of place, that’s in the wrong place. Don’t worry He already made a path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

Our natural sight betrays us. Focus on what God said He would do. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8 KJV) His eye is our compass. It says eye. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” Single vision is a term that through me for a loop ordering glasses online. It taught me something valuable though. The two lenses are created for optical correction for single distance, meaning only one. Focus is one way not two, three or four. Jesus goes on to say, “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness, how great is that darkness!” Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” In order to have an open vision we mustn’t be blinded by our circumstances. Believe for a physical manifestation of God’s order.

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Helen Keller

Author Dalene J. Conard

Soft gentle breezes tossed loose strands of my hair back and forth. The mid-grey clouds broke away revealing a carefree blue sky. Spring’s invigorating scent traveled through the air. Comfortably sitting at my desk, I sat quietly waiting to hear God’s ministering voice. I couldn’t break away from the moment. spring’s fragrance filled the air.

Yielding to the moment I closed my eyes. Sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled my ears. An orchestrated melody arose as God comforted me. Nature danced in His presence.

God’s sovereignty carried me to tranquility. Locked in time, is what it feels like.

Completely surrendering, I leaned back in my chair with my eyes remaining closed. Angels certainly were present. “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18:10 KJV) What is there to fear? Nothing, nothing at all. Clarity presented itself to platform the ministering power of God. Faith filled once again the hopeless feelings. Nothing tore me away from desperately seeking God’s counsel. Pleasant whispers of His abiding promises repeated in my spirit.

Yes, it’s possible to feel such a peace, the only peace that brings chaos to not. Moments such as these are priceless. Paul wrote about this kind of experience in 1 Corinthians 12:2-3, I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) It’s possible to feel true peace.

The world promises peace in so many ways. “Do what makes you happy! Doing what made me happy led me into a snare. I’m talking about doing things that lead to destruction.
If you are struggling to breathe, Jesus is oxygen. If you are hurting, He is the comforter. He is so much more than these! He’s gentle even in correcting us.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

Let Jesus who is light break through the walls of chaos. He is that peace that surpasses all understanding, the only pure peace.

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Lord, I don’t even know who I am anymore,” slipped out of my mouth as I turned over in bed. Sliding my hand beneath my pillows I felt around for my Bible. Found it! God’s promise is to guide us through situations when we ask.

 I’ve learned this about God; He doesn’t always deliver us from the fiery trial. Instead, He nominates us to enter in. Proceed to go forward. There is no exit. One morning leaning against my kitchen sink I asked God, “How am I going to get through this Lord? I’m hurting, it’s so deep it’s affecting everything I do!” Pain and I know each other very well; however, I know my God too.

God answered my question with this, “Grace, you’re going to come through with My grace.”  

This morning I opened my Bible to 1 Kings 17:9-16. Elijah prophesied, no rain, not even dew would dampen Gilead for three years.” You can imagine the devastation that news brought. Ahab’s sinful actions angered God. (1 Kings 16:30-31) Yes, it does sound unfair that the ones who feared the Lord suffered because of one man. Matthew 5:45 is plain, … “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God instructed Elijah to hide himself by the brook Cherith, before Jordan. There He provided food delivered by a raven morning and evening. Elijah drank flow from the brook until it eventually dried up.  Jehovah Jireh which means God will provide, could have easily caused water to spring up. Someone else had a need. Hardship can be twofold. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)

He rises and goes forth to Zarephath. Upon his arrival he saw a widow gathering sticks. “Fetch me I pray thee a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. On her way to get the vessel of water, he requested a morsel of bread. She only had a handful of meal and little oil. He assured her the Lord would provide. Her priority was to believe the Lord would do what He says He will do. Her obedience brought a blessing. The whole house received nourishment for many days, nothing wasted.

Getting back to not knowing who I am anymore. I discovered a little nugget in this. We don’t come out of the fire the same way we entered. Transformation blossoms when we least expect it.

Give Him your little and watch Him make it big!

Author Darlene Conard

It started with a lie. It sounded so right! “Did God really say that? No, you won’t die! God knows that eating this fruit, your eyes will be opened. He is withholding from you Eve. Surely, you will not die? God knows eating the fruit will open your eyes. You’ll be like Him knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-6)

What lures us into buying new products on the market? Is it the right words, quality, packaging? Who is presenting it? Distributors will lean on the most famous identities to convince us why we need their product. Just the right words, right look it’s all that’s needed. Have you ever paid into something only to realize you’ve wasted your money? I have!

Satan didn’t approach her in a demonic form. His presence would be obvious. He created a method of talking in soothing tones with false assurance. Take out a few words, add here and there no problem! Genesis 3:1 says, he was more subtle than any beast on the field.
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (Proverbs 26:28 KJV) It matters what we believe.

Job’s friends believed he sinned against God since he faced so much adversity. (Job 11:14–15) Job didn’t turn his back on them, instead he prayed for them. God’s response is astounding!

And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath Therefore, take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.´ So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:1-11)

Remember to carefully weigh things in balance. Truth is found by seeking God.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32