Author Darlene J. Conard

While doing research I learned something astounding about a double-edged sword. This type of sword’s ability could pierce through armor. Due to its double edge and razor-sharp sides, the enemy couldn’t grab the sword from his opponent’s hand.

 It is written in Hebrews 4:12 KJV, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” This scripture tells us that God’s Word is fast, powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. It can and will penetrate separating every single thing within us.

Recently I researched the difference between the soul and the spirit. I thought they were the same but they are not.

1 Thessalonians says, 5:23, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sanctification means elevation. To be elevated we must first examine ourselves through the word of God.  Paul’s prayer saying, sanctify you through and through, “meant a complete cleansing consummately. Only God can perfectly remove things within us.

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.” (Deuteronomy 10:16 KJV) How else will we do that except through the Word of God? The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6 KJV)

The soul is the identity, personality, character, and emotional part of mankind. Conscience, self -will and dwelling place of sinful nature and evil. That’s why our souls must be saved. (Hebrews 10:39) We have to be transformed through Jesus.

The spirit is the lamp of man’s inward parts. Proverbs 20:27 KJV, “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Our spirit acts as a connector with God since He is a Spirit.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 KJV

With our bodies, we must honor God, and give Him praise.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Yesterday a newly posted video popped up in my Facebook feed. I skipped, and the Holy Spirit said, “Go back and listen. I scrolled back and began listening to the message. His message started with a story about visiting his friend’s home.

On his friend’s mantle amid burning incense lay money and personal photos.  He asked his friend, “You have an altar in your house? Why do you have money and pictures on it? “His friend replied, “Our gods live there. we give sacrifices to our gods because they bless us with money.”

“That’s crazy!” His friend in response said, “You have an altar in your home.” Confused he replied, “No I don’t.”

“Yes, you do. You sit in front of your TV for hours and hours. You dedicate your attention and sacrifice time to it.” The man stood mute knowing that his friend had a point. His answer made him examine the condition of his soul. It made me search myself as well.

Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”  (KJV) It could be anything, problems, games, social media, it can be anything.  Not to say that it’s wrong, but if something is ruling our lives to the point it’s taking over our hearts, minds, and souls: well, it’s a problem.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 KJV

I first examine myself, as Paul when he wrote,
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV

Let’s seek the Lord and He will fulfill the emptiness in our souls.

Darlene J. Conard

The roses stood strong, defying the aftermath of the fierce storm. Their vibrant pink petals remained untouched, exuding a lively beauty. Each delicate petal glistened with tiny droplets of rain, resembling shimmering diamonds. Its rosebuds were just as alive! For a moment I admired it as it conveyed a message of God’s hope.

Life’s storms come rushing in so fast that we are stunned! One early morning sitting at my desk, staring at the ceiling I thought, I don’t know how to pray about this situation. In silence, I shook my head and closed my eyes tightly. The word life dropped in my spirit. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the prophetic encounter of Ezekiel. He stood in a valley filled with dry bones.

“Can these bones live?” The Lord asked Ezekiel. “Lord, You know all things,” he replied without hesitation. God continued saying to him, “Prophesy upon these bones and say, “Oh dry bones, hear the word of the Lord Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you will live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you will live; and you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:3-14)

Tear-filled eyes I spoke to my situation saying, “God You know the enemy is in this situation. It’s a valley of dry bones and I speak life into this situation.” Satan will sow seeds of discord and he begins with those close to us. He’ll put a thought in their minds or use someone to do it.

My encouragement to you is if you have a situation speak life while in that valley. That’s where we are in the valley. Prophesy over those dry bones and command life. Colossians 2:15 says Jesus, … “ spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The Bible says when Ezekiel prophesied the bones began to rattle, they came together, stood up and flesh began growing on them. The moment we say to our situation, “Situation hear the word of the Lord life is coming forth. Bones will be no more!” In time it will manifest. First, those bones will rattle. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Then it will stand upright, crooked places are made straight, and then life! Keep believing it!

Author Darlene J Conard

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10 KJV

Jesus taught the disciples about stewardship through the Good Samaritan parable. The traveler planned to go to Jericho. Minding his own business as he continued toward his destination, he was attacked. He lay battered, stripped, and hanging on by a single thread. Perhaps he thought, “I will never see what I planned to see in Jericho, nor perform what I desired to do.” The priest and Levites saw him as they walked in the same direction, but sadly, they crossed to the other side of the road.

A concerned Samaritan took time to care for him, pouring oil and wine into his wounds. Not only did he transport the victim, but he also came back to check on him. He even paid for expenses. This parable touches my heart for these reasons: he paid money from his pocket to help a stranger, involved himself with caring intentions, and perhaps the two became lifelong friends. (Read about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus asked them, “Out of the three, who is the neighbor?” He continued answering, “He who showed mercy. You do the same.”

The keyword in the scripture is “compassion.” Compassion goes a long way. God is concerned that we are wounded. Some of us, I’m sure, wrestle with that pain. Without a doubt, we know someone who is hurting severely within. Do what Christ commanded: have mercy and compassion. Pour into that hurting soul encouraging words. Do what needs to be done before all is lost.

We are living in times when people’s hearts have hardened, and many are hurting. Love like Jesus loves.

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Hebrews 6:10 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Through every test and every journey, faith becomes strong in our lives. Testing reveals the validity of our long-term circumstances. I believe it is God’s way of saying, “I am about to show you that you can pursue.” I’m going to help you overcome weaknesses. Remember my grace is sufficient and my strength is made perfect. Are you still willing to follow me through these things have come?” These are my thoughts. “Will you still trust that I am keeping my promises?”

An evangelist gave me a key to hold on to: “If God doesn’t remove the mountain, He’ll give you strength to climb it.”

We don’t always understand why things are happening; it’s okay, He has our back.

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.” – Isaiah 58:8 KJV

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8 KJV

“I’ve got this. No matter what happens, I’ve got your back.” – God

Author Darlene J. Conard

“I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

As I close my eyes and reflect on the heart’s inner workings, I imagine a seemingly endless hallway stretching off into the distance. Along the walls are collection of doors, each leading to a different heart chamber. I sit there, still and silent, lost in thought, as I picture the many experiences, emotions, and memories that could be stored behind each one.

But I know there is a final destination that the Holy Spirit is tugging me towards. It’s a place where the heart’s many chambers are united: where God’s love and grace are revealed.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “reins” in this scripture denotes the very essence of a person’s being – their deepest being. It is this core of our being that God speaks to, drawing us ever closer to His perfect will.

Yet, I know all too well the bitterness that can arise from betrayal. It’s like a poison that seeps into the heart, slowly consuming until you’re left with nothing but anger and hurt. For a time, I built a wall around my heart to protect myself from being hurt again. But I soon realized that this wall was not only keeping out the pain but also the blessings that God had in store for me.

 A close friend reminded me that not everyone is out to hurt me. Spiritual walls would block me from blessings. on life’s greatest blessings by keeping that wall up. This friend has always been a guiding light, a mentor that I believe, God ordained for me.

So, I’ve learned to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me and teach me to discern what is right and just. It’s not always easy to let go of the past and embrace the future, but

Know that God’s plans for you are good and that He will never lead me astray. A heart that’s transformed by God, is pure.     

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

I’ve often been guilty of going to bed, covering my head to the weight of discouragement. “I’m tired of dealing with this Lord.”

“Take up your bed and walk.” I’d turn over tightening the blankets around my body and pressing my head into the pillow. “Take up your bed and walk.” I slid the blankets over my head wrapping them tight around my head like a hood. As if that would block out those words. They became louder in my spirit, “Darlene, take up your bed and walk.” He would repeat the words until finally, I’d get up. “Read about the man who had no help getting into the pool of Bethesda.”

“Lord, You’ve spoken this to me many times. I’ve read it over and over.”

“Read it, again, listen, and be quiet.” So, I did. Too often we believe we’ve received all there is out of some events in the Bible. No, we will always get a deeper meaning out of it. That’s why the Word never dies or we will never get everything out of it at once.

Angels came to the pool of Bethesda during a certain season to stir healing waters. I’m sure of this that Jesus wasn’t there by chance. For thirty-eight years the lame man missed getting in. (John 5:1-15) Jesus asked a certain lame man a question. “Will you be made whole?”  

“Sir, I have no one to help me in the pool. When I do someone steps before me.” Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Immediately he did. The Jews resisted the act saying it was against the Sabbath law. Here’s what they missed.

My grandmother would guide me, “Darlene, when you go to bed meditate upon His word. He’ll speak to you. A bed in the Bible represents a place of meditation. Psalm 63:6-8 says, “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.”

In the book Daniel 2:28, a bed is a place of meditation. God gave the king dreams. 1 Samuel 3:3, Samuel was lying in his bed when the Lord called him. He got up. Although Eli sent him to bed the Lord continued to call him out of his bed. He didn’t sleep because God wanted him to take the revelation and walk with it, put it into action.

When God gives us a revelation, He doesn’t want us to sleep on it. He wants us to take what we receive, hook our arms through it, and carry it on our backs.

The Lord is saying, “Take My promises write them on the tables of your heart to never forget. Take up your promise and walk. Because that promise has made you whole.

Author Darlene J Conard

The silence that hangs in the air can be an agonizing weight on your soul. It’s as if the world has gone quiet and you’re left alone with your thoughts and questions. You feel like nobody can relate to the wrestling match going on inside your head, as questions float above hope and the unknown factor of “what’s next” constantly sounds an alarm. The darkness that lingers seems to mock you, reminding you of your struggle and making you wonder if you’ll ever find a way out.

Job knew this kind of darkness all too well. He was a man who had everything he could want – a comfortable life, a loving family, and loyal friends. But when Satan challenged him, God allowed Job’s life to be stripped away, leaving him with nothing but his thoughts and questions. Even his friends turned against him, pointing to his afflictions as evidence of his fate. But through it all, God remained with Job, a constant presence amid his struggle. Though everything Job knew was gone, he never lost his faith in God.

We cannot trust or rely on what we see, hear, think, or feel. There is a veil surrounding God as 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

Thank you, Tommy Bailey, for the use of your beautiful photography! God bless you!

Black Mtn Sunset – Pale Clouds ©Photographer Thomas Bailey  

Author Darlene J. Conard

Constantly David found himself fleeing from King Saul.  One moment he sang his praises, the next he sought to destroy him. (1 Samuel 27:1) Saul’s jealousy consumed him. God was on David’s side. Saul stepped over the boundaries of God’s command. (I Samuel 28:18)

This morning in prayer something came unexpectantly from my mouth. “I decree and declare the enemy will stop before he gets started! I decree and declare, “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” (Psalm 91:1 KJV)

After reading 1 Samuel 31:3 God gave me something powerful, a weapon for spiritual warfare. Psalm 81:10 is God’s promise, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”

Saul wanted his amour-bearer to draw his sword on him and take his life. Samuel the prophet already warned him he with Israel would lose the battle with the Philistines.

Saul fell on his sword without manipulation. The amour bearer was justified but Saul fell on the weapon he wanted to destroy David with. Realize today that in Christ we are justified. Those who come with evil agendas will fall by the condemnation of their tongue.

Realize in time those who devised a weapon called deceit will in time fall into their weapon.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 KJV

Thank you, Tommy Bailey, for the use of your photograph! God bless you!

Gaudineer Knob Fall Foliage – Big Sky, WV © Photographer Thomas Bailey of Richwood, WV