Author Darlene J. Conard

I want to share a significant moment with you. One evening, my fellow intercessors and I gathered for prayer. The Lord had a specific message for us among the five people present. One of the members happened to be the same lady who I turned to for help with all my scars, cuts, bruises, and confusion years ago.

I sat in the chair, trembling under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. She began by saying, “Darlene, the Lord told me that you have looked for a father figure, but they all failed, leaving you hurt. You have blamed yourself, believing you should have never been born and that you are unlovable, but the Father wants you to know you are not a mistake and it’s not your fault. I break the orphan spirit off you in Jesus’ name.” I am deeply moved still, for she only knew this through divine revelation!

Since that moment, I have experienced a deep sense of liberation from guilt. For the first time, I wholeheartedly believe that the only forgiving and compassionate God unconditionally values me despite my imperfections.

As I wrote this, tears spilled down my face. My friend’s dad surprised me during a video call that night by asking, “How is my god-daughter?” In my thoughts, God said, “He chose you without you trying.” He continued, saying, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.”

I hope you feel the all-encompassing love that I am experiencing. My prayers are for the Heavenly Father to envelop you in a moment as profound as I’m feeling. I want to offer encouragement to anyone who has faced rejection; remember that God’s love for you is unwavering, and He has chosen to call you His own.

“And I will be a Father to you,” …  “you will be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. (AMP)

“I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;” (Isaiah 43:6 KJV)

Author Darlene J. Conard

Every so often, I take out my old journals to read through the entries and carefully analyze them. Each entry reflects who I was at that specific point in time. These writings remind me of the struggles I faced and how circumstances seemed to overwhelm me. At the time, I held onto my faith in Christ, even amidst my difficulties. I vividly remember pouring out my heart in writing and then uttering a prayer for hope, a plea for deliverance: “Let deliverance come, please God.”

On August 16th, 2000, I truly began to know Christ personally. Reflecting on my journey with God from its inception until now, I realize the significance of building altars and memorials as we walk with God. I purposefully use the term ‘altars’ because the first altar I constructed is not in the same place as it once was. As we grow and evolve, our altars take on new forms. The person we were yesterday does not define who we are today.

In the sacred scriptures, Abram became Abraham after God made a covenant with him, cementing promises in his life. The passage deeply moves me: ‘And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him.’ This encounter serves as a powerful memorial. Abraham built the altar on Mount Moriah with a different pattern than his first altar.

In an emotional turn of events, Abraham obediently prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as instructed by God. Unlike his previous questioning, Abraham displayed unwavering faith this time (Genesis 22:1-8). I find great significance in the idea that our circumstances are not meant to be stumbling blocks. Instead, we can use the blocks from these circumstances to build our altars. We can trust that God’s answer is on the way. Our altars will become memorials, testaments to the faithfulness of Jehovah-Jireh. We can confidently proclaim, “God brought me through that. He’ll do it again!”

“Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and “these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 KJV

“Faith in God is having faith in His timing.” – Neal A. Maxwell-

Author Darlene Juanita Conard

“Answered prayer becomes the rule and not the exception for those who abide in Christ and are immersed in His Word.” – Jennifer Eivaz –

As I peered into the all-consuming darkness, I contemplated the biblical text I had recently immersed myself in. It struck me how every victory in the text stemmed from unwavering trust in God. I was drawn to the stories of young leaders like Josiah, who ascended to kingship at the tender age of eight, and Samuel, who obediently heeded the voice of God as a simple boy. Conversely, the account of Joseph, Jacob’s son, evoked a deep sense of injustice, as his brothers robbed him of thirty-one precious years and deprived him of his mother’s comforting presence. Despite the unfairness, I found comfort in the promise of uncovering the unfolding of Joseph’s life in Egypt, as depicted in Genesis, chapter 39.

Deborah, a remarkable figure, served as a prophetess and a judge of Israel. I realized that the most minor aspects of their lives hinged on their obedience to God’s guidance. The contrast between human imperfection and God’s persistent call to share in His glory never fails to captivate me, drawing me closer to the text and its teachings.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

The journey of faith is not without its moments of discouragement. Yet, it is in these moments that our unwavering resolve is most crucial. We must hold fast to our trust in God’s plan, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every trial.

These scriptures deeply resonate with me. They remind us that some prayers are answered swiftly, while others require patience. The passage from 2 Corinthians 1:20 reassures us, ‘For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.’ It’s a reminder that we must not give up, but continue to seek His guidance and delve deeper into His word. Our persistent knocking is a symbol of our perseverance, and it is through this act that we actively participate in our spiritual growth. The door will open in His time, and it will never be shut again.

As we persist with unwavering determination, we will navigate the transition into the next phase of our lives. In the face of challenges, let us not yield to despair. Instead, let us confront and overcome Satan’s deceitful tactics with fervor and wholeheartedly embrace the inheritance that is destined for us.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” Luke 18:1 (KJV)

Let’s persevere in prayer and hold on to hope.

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8 KJV

These Words are written in red to signify that Christ is speaking. He is the One Who will set the door before us.

Beloved, stay cheerful, keep praying and obeying Him. Witness how He brings about a glorious outcome!

Author Darlene J. Conard                                

As I have sought guidance for my next message, the word “breach” persists in occupying my thoughts. The words continue to echo in my thoughts, insisting on being noticed. What significance does it hold on a spiritual level? In my quest for answers, I delved into its meaning and discovered that it symbolizes a broken wall according to Nehemiah. However, there seems to be a deeper message concealed within these words.

My grandmother taught me the following: “When there is a need in someone’s life, God will send someone to fill it.” In the book of Ezekiel, God looked for an intercessor to stand in the breach for Israel (please read Ezekiel 22:23-31). However, He couldn’t find anyone to intercede. The king granted Nehemiah permission to go to the site, and God gave him instructions on what to do.

As the laborious task of constructing the fortified wall began, the dedicated workers gradually surrendered to weariness. The persistent toil and lengthy effort led to a sense of discouragement among them, with murmurs of “It’s taking too long!” permeating the air. As their initial enthusiasm and passion gradually diminished, they found themselves increasingly vulnerable to external threats. The unguarded territory became an easy target, and the enemy wasted no time in seizing this opportunity. It is worth highlighting the significance of adversaries choosing the perfect moment to strike, particularly when a weary child of God is in a state of vulnerability. (Read Nehemiah 4:6-23)

My heartfelt message to you is this: When our loved ones are distant from God, we must stand in the breach and intercede for them. We must firmly oppose the forces of opposition using the spiritual armor that God has bestowed upon us. Let us take courage and trust in God’s strength to bring our loved ones closer to Him.

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

“You have made us for yourself, O God and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”   – St. Augustine 

Author Darlene J. Conard

“El-Roi, El-Roi, oh, El-Roi,” I recited repeatedly, each word a gentle plea, as I lay still in bed, eagerly awaiting the embrace of sleep. (“Roi” pronounced as “ROY” or “ROY-ee”)

Overwhelmed by Sarah’s relentless fury, Hagar found herself in a desperate situation. Sarah’s anger, fueled by her unfulfilled desire for motherhood, was directed at Hagar, who was carrying a child that should have been Sarah’s. This resulted from Sarah’s impatience, which led her to take matters into her own hands.  

Hagar found herself ensnared in the conflict, engulfed by Sarah’s unyielding anger. In her desperation, she fled to the desert, her tears a testament to her anguish.

At times, we may find ourselves unexpectedly and unjustly entangled in situations that are completely beyond our control, leaving us with no choice but to seek refuge in a place of utter desolation and hopelessness. It is during these moments of despair that God visits us, bestowing comfort and reminding us of His promises.

El-Roi is a name that Hagar gave to God, which means “God sees me” (Genesis 16:13). While we cannot see Him face to face, we can perceive His presence and influence in our lives and circumstances.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

Be comforted and reassured, knowing that your heartfelt cry has not gone unnoticed. Allow the divine embrace to envelop you in this moment, and listen attentively to His Words of wisdom and guidance.

Author Darlene J Conard

The weight of silence in the air can be unbearable for our souls, making us feel like the world has gone quiet, and we’re left alone with our thoughts and questions. You may feel like nobody can relate to the inner struggle, as questions about hope and the unknown constantly alarm you. The lingering darkness seems to mock you and make you wonder if you’ll ever find a way out.

 Even his friends turned against him, pointing to his afflictions and saying, “He has sinned.” Despite everything, God remained with Job as a constant presence amid his struggle. Job never lost faith in God, even when everything he knew was gone.

We cannot trust or rely on what we see, hear, think, or feel. A veil surrounds God and His works. In time, He will reveal His glory in those impossible situations.

“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:8-10 KJV

Keep holding on, because God will not leave you there. This trial has been permitted because He believes in you. Beloved, when this dark trial is over, you will find yourself bearing much fruit!

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I carefully dried the last of the dishes, a profound question surfaced: Why do we allow ourselves to worry despite knowing it won’t bring solutions? It’s one of Satan’s devious strategies, enticing us to fret over matters that are beyond our control.

I used to find myself frequently consumed by worry, but now I’m proud to declare that I have achieved complete deliverance from this burden. Upon reflection, I’ve come to understand the root of this struggle. It’s often challenging to relinquish control, mainly when we’ve grown accustomed to dictating every aspect of our lives.  Surrendering evokes feelings of vulnerability and a fear of spinning out of control, which causes anxiety.

Resolving matters outside our control is beyond our power; only God can handle that.

God promises to take care of us and meet our every need!

When Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for Passover, twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind to minister. When they found Him, they asked, “Why did you do this? We were worried.” He replied, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Read Luke 2:41-52)

Jesus’ answer is one we must remember; we must be about our Father’s business. I will never forget what Evangelist Benson Auxier once preached in a revival service. “You take care of God’s business; He’ll take care of yours. God needs us to take care of the possible while He works on the impossible!

I have learned that worrying is the enemy’s strategy to tangle us in a web of confusion.

“The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:14-19 KJV

I desire to remain free from becoming overly preoccupied with the demands and worries of daily life so that I can entirely focus on seizing the opportunity to reach and impact the harvest of souls whom God is actively engaging with and seeking to transform. 

Author Darlene J. Conard

I read an old fable about a donkey and a tiger engaged in a heated debate in a jungle. The donkey insisted that the grass was blue, while the tiger adamantly argued that it was green. Unable to settle their disagreement, they decided to bring their dispute to the jungle king.

The donkey approached the lion, who was the king, and asked if it was true that the grass was blue. To the donkey’s satisfaction, the lion affirmed that the grass was blue. The donkey then implored the lion to punish the tiger for contradicting and annoying him, to which the king agreed and sentenced the tiger to five years of silence.

The donkey, overjoyed by the outcome, happily went on his way, while the tiger accepted his punishment. Before departing, the tiger approached the lion and questioned why he was being punished, asserting that the grass was, in fact, green. Surprisingly, the lion acknowledged that the grass was green but explained that the punishment was not about the color of the grass. The lion emphasized that it was a waste of time for the tiger, a brave and intelligent creature, to engage in arguments with the donkey, who was not concerned with truth or reality. The lion used this as a lesson for the tiger that time is wasted by arguing with those who are not receptive to reason.

The story’s moral resonated deeply with me, reminding me of a biblical verse from Matthew 7:6 KJV, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” This served as a powerful lesson, highlighting the futility of trying to convince those who are deeply entrenched in their beliefs, even if those beliefs are far from the truth. It is reminiscent of Proverbs 14:15 KJV, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going,” and Proverbs 14:18 KJV, “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”

Reflecting on this, I have learned the importance of discerning when to remain silent. It has become evident to me that God is our ultimate defender, and by staying rooted in Christ and truth, illusions and false beliefs will not prevail.

Author Darlene Juanita Conard

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14 KJV

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is an understatement.

In Matthew 12:37, Jesus delivers an emotional message about the power of our words, stating, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This serves as a thought-provoking reminder of our speech’s immense influence over ourselves and those around us. It underscores the significance of every word we utter, as they can bring about either positive or negative outcomes.

The concept is deeply rooted in the profound symbolism of the breath that we speak with, which mirrors the breath of life given to us, as described in Genesis 2:7. This connection highlights the significance and responsibility accompanying our spoken words, shaping our interactions and relationships.

Take a moment to imagine the power of speaking positively and declaring God’s promises. It has the potential to bring about transformation. Not only does it initiate healing within us and others, but it also has the ability to shift circumstances in our favor.

Seek God’s guidance to fill your heart with peace and bring restoration. His divine influence can help us control our speech and use it for positive and healing purposes.

“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”  Proverbs 13:3 KJV

“

Author Darlene J. Conard

Amid a bustling street, a concerned crowd encircled Bartimaeus, their voices blending with the surrounding noise as they sought to suppress him. “Shhh, be quiet,” they pleaded, the urgency evident in their tones. However, their attempts were useless as Bartimaeus’s cry gained in volume, echoing through the atmosphere with an air of defiance.

In today’s society, there is a movement to silence us. There is social pressure to respect and use correct pronouns for all individuals, including their pets, and to be cautious in addressing LGBTQ+ issues. For instance, mislabeling someone by referring to them using incorrect gender pronouns (e.g., calling “he” as “she” or vice versa) is counted as an offense.

I recently came across a video of a waiter accused of discrimination because he did not use the pronouns preferred by a customer. Seeing how much confusion and conflict exists in our society around issues such as these is concerning.

The message does not branch from hate or discrimination; it revolves around individuals wrestling with confusion regarding their identity. The influence of negative forces has muddied the clarity of their thoughts and perceptions. Right is being called wrong, and wrong is being called right.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 KJV

We should pray that those who do not know right from wrong may see the light and be converted. All souls matter to God. We cannot stand by in silence.