Author Darlene J. Conard

As I poured a steaming cup of rich, fragrant coffee, I was suddenly reminded of a thought-provoking question I had seen on social media: “Wouldn’t you love the opportunity for Jesus to join you at your table, sharing a warm cup of coffee?” The image of that moment flooded my mind, where time seemed to pause, and a sense of yearning churned within me. He answered my thoughts by saying, “Darlene, I’m not dead, but alive and present.”

I’m truly thankful for Jesus as a steadfast Friend who is always there for me in times of need. One of my favorite songs, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” beautifully captures the essence of His unwavering support. I am constantly amazed by His loyalty; no matter my circumstances, I can always count on Him to be by my side. His mercy is boundless, offering forgiveness and understanding when I stumble. I appreciate His caring, providing comfort and guidance when I feel lost. Above all, He is an excellent listener, always ready to hear my thoughts and concerns without judgment. Having such a dedicated friend in Jesus brings me immense peace and joy.

As the day turns into night and the dim light of my desk lamp casts gentle shadows around the room, I carefully pull my desk chair away from the clutter of papers and books stacked on the desk. I invite Him to sit beside me, offering a place of companionship as I prepare to close my eyes and surrender to sleep.

When my heart feels heavy and overwhelmed with sorrow, His words resonate within me, wrapping around my spirit like a warm blanket: “My child, it will be more than okay.” This reminder fills me with a sense of peace, pushing away the weight of despair.

On my more challenging days, when sickness lingers like an unwelcome guest, I find solace in knowing He is there, steadfast and accurate, as my Healer. His presence brings comfort and strength, reassuring me that even in my vulnerability, I am not alone—He is by my side, guiding me through the shadows towards brighter tomorrows.

Jesus is always there for us; remember, He is waiting to be invited to our table, ready to bring love, hope, and guidance into our lives.

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17KJ

Author Darlene J. Conard

While strolling through my Facebook feed, a compelling video captured my attention. It portrayed a man who had become isolated and disoriented in the vast desert, struggling to find water to quench his thirst. With the relentless sun beating down on him, he trekked across the sandy terrain, his hope dwindling with every step.

After an eternity, he spotted a faucet shimmering in the distance. It appeared he was hallucinating, but as he got closer, he could see the tiny droplets of water trickling down, hitting the hot desert sand below. Seeing even a single drop was a beacon of hope in his desperate situation. Indeed, he thought, a drop of water was better than nothing.

Yet, as he reached for the faucet, a divine hand descended from the heavens, guiding him away from the water source. This hand, symbolic of a higher purpose, urged him not to surrender to the fleeting temptation of the insufficient water supply. Time after time, despite the gentle nudges of this guiding hand, the man chose to ignore the signs. Lost in desperation, he remained oblivious to the better path before him.

Finally, he made it! It wasn’t close to being enough to quench his thirst. It was better than nothing, right? He fell to his knees, covered in rags, sticking his tongue out to satisfy his hunger as one drop broke away from the valve opening. Satisfied, he went on his way. His thirst would have been quenched if he had only understood God’s plan was much more significant.

God’s intentions always go beyond secular boundaries. He would have had more than enough. “If you just listen and trust Me, I’ll pour a blessing on you that you can’t contain.” The desperate man forfeited a marvelous oasis with a total running fountain.

“God, help me to realize that something great lies ahead because You are in control. I don’t know what is ahead.” He doesn’t always reveal things.

We want our prayers to manifest through God’s divine order, not something we feel is right. What is He saying about the job, the vehicle, the house, or a struggling marriage? What instructions has He given us about difficulties in general?  

Something within me has changed supernaturally. I sincerely desire to witness you experience supreme privileges while walking with God.

Throughout my spiritual journey, I have encountered moments of great clarity through circumstances. On those occasions, I felt His presence and heard Him in my spirit, “Do not abandon Plan A for Plan B, for this is your plan, not Mine.

Life often feels like a winding road, filled with unexpected turns and challenges that can make faith seem daunting. However, following God’s guidance can lead to extraordinary growth and transformation. His way may not always be the easiest path; it can sometimes feel steep and overwhelming. Yet, when I remained steadfast in my commitment to His plans, I unlocked doors to unimaginable abundance, and blessings began to manifest. In these moments of faith and perseverance, I realize the depth of His love and the incredible opportunities that await me—reminding me that deviating from His path means missing out on the purpose He has so lovingly laid out for our lives.

“God can make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV.

Author Darlene J. Conard

In their journey, Paul, John, and Barnabas encountered an intimidating sorcerer in Salamis as they fearlessly preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. Despite facing brazen intimidation from the power of darkness through false prophets, deceitful teachers, and persuasive evangelists, they stood firm. In today’s world, where confusion reigns, the strength of the truth becomes even more evident.

Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall wrestling with an initial resistance to the overwhelming sense of conviction. I was highly aware of my deep-seated belief that I could ignore God. However, as time passed, it became evident that it was not me breaking God, but rather God breaking me. This profound realization left a lasting impact on my spiritual journey. I eventually surrendered to the Lord’s power as He broke through my stubbornness and pride.

Sergius Paulus, the region’s leader, eagerly invited Barnabas and Saul to share the teachings of the word. Thus, Barjesus, a country deputy, sought to create divisions and disrupt the divine work. Despite his attempts to redirect the ministry in a different direction, Paul, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, confronted and bound the deceptive spirit. As a consequence of his actions, Barjesus brought a curse upon himself.     

Then Saul (who is also called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. … “O full of subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” … immediately, there fell on him in darkness, and he went out about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

 On that particular day, numerous individuals were in search of redemption. Amid the resurging spirit of revival, the forces of evil were still lingering, yet the prevailing power of Christ triumphed. Barjesus was struck blind for a period, symbolizing a tangible victory of truth over evil.

This triumph serves as a firm reassurance of the strength of God and instills confidence in His truth.

Throughout Barjesus’ period of blindness, he was constantly reminded of his dire need for humility and redemption. (Read Acts 13:3-12)

In this hour, we must seek the truth and not let go. We must stand firm because a global rebirth is currently underway.

Author Darlene J. Conard

In today’s world, thinking independently has been subtly stifled. We are often met with convincing messages that urge us to “trust us; we will provide you with the facts you need. We are dedicated to ensuring your well-being.” Beneath this surface-level reassurance lies a veiled agenda—an unspoken plan encouraging dependency and compliance rather than fostering critical thought and self-reliance.

John 8:32 KJV is a promise… “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The deceiver knows their control will be broken once the truth is embraced.

Embracing my deep connection with God is of utmost importance to me. I have personally endured a period of profound darkness that I am determined never to revisit. I am firmly committed to relentlessly pursuing the truth in all areas of my life. I believe in thoroughly understanding the Bible and not relying wholly on someone else’s interpretation. Instead, I meticulously weigh all Christ-professed messengers through discernment. If it goes against the Word of God, then I want nothing to do with it.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. At this moment know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ comes in the flesh is of God:” 1 John 4:1-5 KJV.

God inspires us to seek the truth, encouraging us to pursue it passionately. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV) We will not go away confused.

Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of the Word of God, seeking to understand its depths and meanings. As you engage in this exploration, fervently pray for divine insight into deceptive circumstances that may arise. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind and heart, helping you to see beyond the shallow aspects of situations and events. Allow this spiritual guidance to lead you toward greater clarity and truth in your life.  

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Lord, I want to come back and thank You for all You’ve done for me!” I can see one out of the nine lepers returning, dancing, and shouting for his healing when the others continue going. Offering wholehearted praise is profoundly significant, as it brings joy to God. (Luke 17:11-19) When we genuinely acknowledge Him with every aspect of our being—our hearts, minds, and souls—it deepens our connection with the divine and invites His magnificent glory to shine upon us. This worship creates an atmosphere of reverence and love, reflecting our gratitude and devotion.

David, a man after God’s heart, yoked the transformative power of praise to lift himself out of dire circumstances. With each song and declaration of faith, he found strength and hope, allowing his spirit to soar above the challenges surrounding him. (1 Chronicles 29:10-20) Hannah, filled with eagerness and determination, fought against her heart-wrenching circumstances, pouring out her soul in prayer and seeking divine intervention. Her tenacity illuminated her path, empowering her to rise above despair. (1 Samuel 2:1-10) Meanwhile, Joshua, a brave leader chosen to guide the Israelites, rallied the people in heartfelt worship, their voices resonating with faith. As they united in faith and lifted their songs to the heavens, those imposing walls came crashing down, marking a pivotal moment of triumph and release for the Israelites. (Joshua 6:1–27)

An extraordinary event unfolded as Paul and Silas prayed fervently and sang hymns in the dimly lit prison. Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble violently, causing the very foundation of the jail to shake. In the aftermath of this miraculous quake, not only were they liberated from their shackles and confinement, but their unwavering faith also touched the hearts of those around them, leading to the salvation of several souls. (Acts 16:25-34)

Let’s not overlook the poignant moment when Mary entered the Pharisee’s house, her heart filled with love and devotion. With a sense of urgency, she approached Jesus, carrying a precious jar of fragrant oil. The rich, soothing scent enveloped the room as she poured it over His head. Overcome with emotion, she knelt at His feet, her tears flowing freely as she wept in gratitude and repentance. With her lengthy hair, she gently dried His feet, demonstrating her deep affection and humility in the presence of the Lord. She faced the scorn and judgment of those around her, yet she firmly disregarded their harsh opinions. This courageous spirit caught the attention of Jesus, who was profoundly touched by her unwavering love. He saved her from the demons that held her captive. Tears are a form of praise, too!

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts, according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalms 150:1-6 KJV

I feel immense gratitude toward Him, which profoundly influences my outlook on life. This deep appreciation has grown, so I am largely unaffected by what others think or say about me. Their opinions have no power over my spirit. My heartfelt praise and worship served as a powerful catalyst, breaking the chains of the strongholds that once dominated my life. Through this genuine connection, I experienced liberation and renewal, allowing me to rise above past struggles and embrace a brighter path forward. He suffered so He could understand my pain. Yes, I’m going to praise Him with all my heart!

I invite you to unleash your joy and express your heartfelt praise in whatever way resonates with your spirit. Let your emotions flow freely, Whether singing a vibrant song, clapping your hands enthusiastically, or shouting out your feelings. This outpouring of joy can bring a touch of heaven down to earth and replenish your strength!

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I slowly awakened yesterday morning, the Holy Ghost began leading me into His counseling room. He spoke to me about how old things have passed away and all things are becoming new. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 KJV) I’ve spoken about this many times, but we need a reminder to stay encouraged. We are living in times of uncertainty. God doesn’t waiver, so we can be assured He is moving on our behalf.

As you prepare to pray, have you ever become aware of the overwhelming surge of intrusive thoughts flooding your mind? These thoughts can feel relentless, almost as if they are fighting for your attention and pulling you away from your intended focus. A powerful, persuasive voice may tempt you to divert your thoughts in a different direction, away from your sacred intention.

Picture a ship bravely sailing across the vast, unpredictable ocean, its hull cutting through the waves with courage. As it ventures further from the safety of the shore, dark clouds begin to gather on the horizon, unleashing a fierce storm that turns the tranquil sea into a chaotic maelstrom. The wind howls, the rain lashes down, and the ship’s compass spins wildly, disorienting its crew and sending them off course. Much like the ship, our minds can become trapped in a storm of turbulent thoughts, disrupting our connection to the peaceful solace of our spiritual practice.

Amid this chaos, I felt a stirring in my spirit that compelled me to limit my exposure to the noise of social media, television, and other distractions that pulled me away from my faith. It was as if God gently urged me to draw closer to Him amidst the world’s clamor. One afternoon, as I tuned in to the discussions swirling around me about the state of the world, I suddenly heard a profound whisper from the depths of my heart: “The true news is what is in My Word.”

In that moment, clarity washed over me, reminding me that when God assures us He hears our prayers, He truly listens and is actively at work in our lives. His promise is clear: “He’s going to make it good!” The specifics of how, when, and where that goodness will manifest remain shrouded in mystery, but the assurance of His presence offers peace amidst the storm.1 Corinthians 13:9-12 says, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. “You may be saying, “Darlene, I’m not in the position to do that.” Yes, you are; speak the promises of God over your circumstances. His Word is not empty or ineffective.   “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11 KJV) In I Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” We know that something is hidden behind the darkened glass, but the exact details escape us. It is as if God grants us glimpses and fragments of information as we progress along our journey, gradually unveiling a more complete picture for us to see.

Intrusive thoughts can be overwhelming, as if they are trying to tear down our faith and drain our strength. In those challenging moments, it is vital to hold tightly to the Word of God and the assurances found in His promises.

These divine truths serve as our anchor, providing comfort and resilience against the turmoil within. ^“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

Author Darlene Conard

We have a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years and, after visiting numerous physicians, still finds no cure (Luke 8:43-48). There is also a man possessed by demons, cutting himself and screaming in torment among the tombs (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). An adulterous woman also tries to fill her loneliness (John 8:1-11) and lepers suffering from rotting flesh (Luke 5:12-16; 11:11-19; Mark 1:40-45). The blind are feeling their way around, trying to reach their destinations (Mark 10:46-52), and the deaf and mute are deprived of the ability to hear or speak (Mark 1:40-45). These individuals, among many others, share one common need: a Savior.

Often, I consider details such as them sitting in secrecy saying, “I’m going to die like this.” Legion didn’t have a right mind. Perhaps his torment began in his youth? I don’t know. I can only assume that the adulteress was entangled in a web of deceit and passion, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of her choices. The shadows of guilt and fear loomed large over her, clouding her judgment and leaving her unable to envision a way to escape the chains of her predicament. Each day must have felt like a battle between her desires and the moral consequences that haunted her, making the prospect of breaking free seem distant and nearly impossible. Desperation plunges people into doing harmful things. They’re just searching for answers but have no one to lead them in the right direction.

Before Jesus crossed their path, they wandered as outcasts in a world that downgraded and overlooked them. Yet, through His divine intervention, these forsaken souls were transformed into beloved sons and daughters of the Most High God. Praise His Holy Name! The Talley Trio beautifully captures this sentiment in their emotional song, “Orphans of God,” where every lyric echoes truthfully. In His eyes, there are no strangers—only individuals yearning for connection. No one is beyond His reach, and no one is truly an orphan in His embrace.

I overflowed with deep gratitude, realizing that the Messiah Himself intentionally chose to draw near to me. In my wretched and shame-filled condition, weighed down by the heavy burden of accusations against Him, He opened His arms wide, inviting me to approach Him just as I am. His love and mercy are boundless, flowing freely like an endless ocean, offering a sanctuary of hope and healing to all who earnestly seek refuge in Him. In a world where many are trapped by the chains of drugs, alcohol, constant social media scrolling, the lure of pornography, and the relentless pursuit of material possessions, His embrace provides a way out, a path toward freedom and restoration. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.”  

Jesus remains unfazed and unrestrained by any challenge, circumstance, or individual. His relentless pursuit of the lost reaches out to those seeking hope and salvation. This is why we, as followers of Christ, are called to venture into the streets and byways, as highlighted in Luke 14:23. Every day, we encounter a multitude of individuals, each with their own stories and struggles, and it’s our mission to share the message of His love and grace with them. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16 KJV

Never be afraid to share what God has done for you! We were once outcasts, but through Jesus, we are also sons and daughters.

We were once forsaken sons and daughters but no more.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:6-8 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Rain starts soon, displayed on the taskbar of my computer screen. For several days I waited for the eighty percent expected rain. I may have typed the wrong location. Nope! Following this wonder, “When is the rain coming,” reminds me of a fishing story.

The night was dark and still, as the disciples set out on the calm waters of the sea, their small boat gently bobbing with the waves. They had expected a bountiful night of fishing, driven by hopes of a generous catch. However, as the hours dragged on, their expectations faded into disappointment.

Despite their efforts, they found themselves reeling in empty nets time and again. Their frustration began to mount with each failed attempt, echoing in the silence of the night. The darkness around them seemed to amplify their sense of defeat, as the realization sank in: they had caught nothing—absolutely nothing.

You can imagine the depth of their frustration, wrestling with the weight of their unmet hopes and the long, restless night that lay ahead. Jesus stepped on the boat to teach the multitude from there as they cleaned their nets. “Launch into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:1-9) God did the most miraculous thing at their weakest point.

Isn’t that just like God? It often feels as if He waits until we are completely worn out before stepping in to help. It may seem frustrating, but the truth is that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it. His presence is constant, and He operates behind the scenes, orchestrating events and guiding us in ways we may not immediately recognize. While we may feel alone in our struggles, we must remember that God is actively moving in our lives, even in our most challenging moments. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”  Psalm 121:4 KJV

Feeling weary and disheartened can be a daunting battle at times. I truly understand how overwhelming that can be, as I have experienced those heavy moments myself!

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV

The work of God is not influenced by our emotions or momentary feelings; that is simply not how He functions. When He promises that a blessing is on its way, we can be assured that it is indeed on its way. I can promise you this: as we persist in our service to Him, we can look forward to answers that surpass our wildest imaginations and understanding. Trust in His timing and ways, for they are often mysterious yet profoundly transformative.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV

Peter looked at Jesus, his voice tinged with exhaustion as he replied, “Master, we’ve toiled persistently throughout the night, casting our nets over and over again, but we’ve caught nothing.” The weariness settled deep in his bones, fatigue clouding his mind, yet despite his tiredness, he felt compelled to obey. With a resigned sigh, he added, “But I will let down the net.”

In those intense moments when life presents its challenges, Peter’s response is the kind of attitude I aspire to represent. “God, I am so tired; my thoughts are scattered, and I am trapped in a whirlpool of emotions. Nevertheless, at Your command, I will pray regardless of how I feel. You cannot lie, and I trust that even if hope seems distant and concealed from my sight, You have promised that You are orchestrating everything for good.”

By summoning the last remainders of his strength, Peter opened the floodgates of divine blessing. What had once been an empty net, a stark reminder of his frustration and disappointment, suddenly transformed. As he pulled in the net, it overflowed with an astonishing catch of fish, so abundant that the sheer weight threatened to sink the boat. The overflow was so great that his fellow fishermen, witnessing the miracle, rushed over to assist him, marveling at the plenteousness that had seemed impossible just moments before. The scene was one of awe and astonishment, a powerful reminder of faith rewarded when one chooses to step forward even in weariness.

When God responds to our prayers and questions, His answers will surpass anything we could possibly envision. We may have hopes and expectations, but His plans are often more profound, beautiful, and transformative than we could ever comprehend.… “prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Nothing about my life is normal; the traditional path that most people consider “normal” is foreign to me.

Each day unfolds in unexpected ways, and now I’ve come to terms with the fact that this unusual existence isn’t just a phase—it’s a permanent piece of my reality. When I became a born-again Christian, embracing this truth was daunting since I couldn’t believe God could use a flawed Darlene. But I’ve learned to accept it wholeheartedly. This acceptance brings a sense of inner peace to me. I understand that the supernatural is intertwined with my daily existence, shaping my experiences and choices in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s no longer a source of fear or confusion; it’s a deep and vital part of who I am. Someone asked me, “How does one become a prophet or prophetess?”

“We aren’t made but born, and then we are shaped by the Master.”  Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (KJV)

Yesterday, my mom and I had a heartfelt conversation about my early beginnings. She shared a frightening moment when she almost miscarried me during her pregnancy.  Then, just three months after my birth, I faced another battle: I contracted pneumonia at three months old. The doctors were understandably concerned, worried I might not pull through. Those early challenges were only the beginning of my journey; they marked the first of many fights I would have against the shadows of death.

My walk with God has given me clarity about why witchcraft, violence, and emotional turmoil were present in my previous life. Satan possesses a deep understanding of our callings and true identities more clearly than we do ourselves. He is aware of our potential and the divine purpose we are meant to fulfill, often using this insight to create obstacles that can distract or deter us from our path.

No matter what roles or tasks we are assigned to serve the kingdom of God, we will inevitably face challenges. This particular season has been incredibly enlightening, revealing insights and lessons I had not previously grasped. It has shown me the importance of resilience and faith in navigating new obstacles and how these experiences can deepen our understanding and commitment to our calling.

Every day, we should take a moment to earnestly pray for discernment, asking for clarity to see situations for what they are. We ask for God’s guidance to attain consistent results.

In this journey, let us also invite God’s counsel into every decision, trusting His wisdom will illuminate our path and bring peace to our hearts among life’s uncertainties.

I was born for this and so were you!

“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