Habakkuk 2: 2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Training is something I despised at one time. Over and over, again and again I’d have to go through the process of learning. The instructor waited patiently. “Get it right.” Looking back on these things this has opened the spectrum for my spiritual sight. Every trial that chose us says, “Try me! I want to see what you are made of!”
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 KJV
If we think falling is impossible, Paul says, “Take heed.” We are going to be tested to see if we truly believe that we will stand.
Can I be transparent here? I’m the worst when it comes to being a perfectionist! One mistake that’s it! So, I keep a record of what I should and shouldn’t do. “I should have known better! When …when God am I going to learn? My list is a mile long in my sight. Fear strangles the purpose of God in our lives. Unlike me, Peter had at least the courage to step out, no questions. I’ve come a long way in that area.
Peter did something the other disciples didn’t. He stepped out on the water. He unfastened his focus on Jesus onto the storm. (Matthew 14:25-31) He sliced the ear off of one of the men who came to escort Jesus to trial. (John 18:10-11) Satan entered him disputing Jesus as He foretold of His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus mentioned, “whatever is bound on earth is bound in heaven. These are the keys.” Peter’s words were not that of God’s will but satan’s scheme. He tried to cancel the will of God. God cancelled his agenda. (Matthew 16:22-24) “Peter,” Jesus warned, “Satan desires to sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31-32) Oh… and the sifting is undeniably an experience that will bring knowledge. Take it and act with wisdom!
The Bible is not discrete concerning Peter’s failures; however, it speaks loud and clear of him being mightily used of God. Jesus didn’t say, “Peter you failed Me. I’m taking back the keys. I don’t want My church founded with you involved.” No… He said the opposite. (Matthew 16:18) He saw what Peter would become not what he was in that moment. The very one who denied Jesus lead the spiritually blind into the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. (Mark 14:66-68) (Acts 2) Jesus promised, “The gates of hell shall not prevail.”
God sees a warrior in us, when we see nothing.
My friend’s son who won the battle over drug addiction said something to me I’ll not forget. “God puts His strongest warriors at the head of the battle. Darlene, if He brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it.”
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” Psalm 127:3-4 KJV
Remember the famous childhood story of Little Red Riding Hood? She mistakenly informed the wolf of her plans to visit her grandmother. Running ahead of her he consumes Grandma. The wolf disguises himself to look like Grandma dressed for bed. Innocent Little Red Riding Hood comes strolling in noticing changes in her appearance. One by one she began to distinguish the difference. Finally, the wolf consumed her as well. The moral of this story is children need to be aware of the dangers in this world.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”Proverbs 29:15 KJV
Children embody an innocence that we can all learn from. That’s why it’s crucial to protect them by teaching them what’s right and wrong. Be careful what you pour into your child! Proverbs 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV)
What you speak to your child will affect them. Be careful about labeling them. Don’t call them stupid, or worthless, or compare them to another child. Teaching them to think negatively about themselves will carry that mentality into adulthood.
Correction should be done properly. Proverbs 13:24 KJV, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” This scripture does not imply that you beat your child until they have belt marks on their body.
In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus called for children to gather around him, positioning himself among them while teaching adults. He said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus valued children highly.
When I hear children laughing and singing, I imagine Jesus playing among them. Who’s to say He didn’t? He spoke quite a bit about children!
Unfortunately, children these days are often surrounded by evil agendas and are being manipulated to think that good is evil and evil is good. Though I am not a parent, I have asked God to put me on a path involving children, as I have a passion for them.
As a child, I went to school screaming inside, wishing someone would help me. Forbidden to speak about what went on behind closed doors every day, I thought of ways to escape the emotional and physical abuse. Don’t speak curses over your child as they need your blessing. Jesus even warns, “Do not offend one of these children. Jesus warned His followers, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2 KJV) Think about the heaviness of a milestone hanging around the neck and then plummeting to be seafloor!
Colossians 3:21 KJV, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
Ephesians 6:4 KJV also says, … “ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Teach them to pray. Fill their little ears with stories about Jesus and how to love others. Teach them who they are in the eyes of God. Plant within them so that they aren’t too little for God to use them. Years ago, I had a touching experience involving a baby in a church prayer room. Secluded in a corner I knelt with my face buried in a chair sobbing from a heavy heart. My friend’s baby who just learned to take secure steps wobbled to me. Gently little Ellie laid her hand on my back praying for me. It touched me so much! That’s why I love children so much! God used that precious baby to minister to me. I felt blessed and honored that a baby felt concerned enough to nurture my pain through her little but mighty act!
Both scriptures give guidance on correcting your child. Guide them as they grow to fear and reverence the Lord. I’ve often heard parents say, “I’m my child’s best friend.” They need you as a parent. Children are to respect you, but not fear you! Giving them everything they want isn’t going to teach them the value of no.
Josiah was eight years old when he became king of Israel. He restored the House of the Living God. He understood God’s heart and he reverenced Him.
Your child’s identity relies on you. Your child or children are a blessing from God. Don’t let the enemy come in unaware and destroy them. They are the ones who will make the difference now!
I will never stop giving my testimony! This is what not only this day, but every day means to me. I will praise His Holy Name forever!
Thank You, Jesus!
Walking down the street doing my normal thing I felt a tug in my spirit. The overwhelming desire to go to church interrupted my dark agenda for the day. Aren’t you tired of living this way? You can be free from this torment. Another voice said, “God abandoned you. He allowed all the abuse from your dad. Darkness is your friend and protector. At one point I decided, why be fearful of the darkness when I find it comforting?
My sister who walked along beside me had no inkling of what was taking place within me. I knew grandma was on her knees praying for heaven to intervene. Something inside of me wanted her to stop. She carried the glory of God so powerfully. It wasn’t that I didn’t love her. Light cannot comprehend darkness. (John 5:1) She didn’t force church on me. She didn’t come at me beating me with what a miserable sinner I was. Others did.
Her prayers of intercession reached me with unlimited love, mercy, and comfort. Everything from cards to gifts I didn’t want them. It was just normal encouraging cards. “I love you. Love grandma.”
There is a saying, “Some people won’t like you because your soul irritates their demons.” It’s not us. If we are walking close to Jesus. The evidence of His presence is undeniable in our life.
Now that my life is straightened out, I understand. I’m not perfect. I have my mistakes and failures, but His strength is made perfect, and His grace is sufficient.
In the seventeen years, I attended a church whose leadership scolded me for speaking of what I went through, such as witchcraft, child abuse anxiety, and self-mutilation. How will those lost in darkness know that there is such hope if they aren’t aware?
I will never forget going to a Pentecostal service with a friend. “Welcome Holy Spirit” was the first worship song. Then came the individual songs. My friend sang, “A Miracle in Every Pew.” It was then I realized how miserable I was.
My message is this. I’m not ashamed of the gospel. Each one of us has a testimony that can help.
Never stop praying give up! Keep serving God with all your heart.
A part of me wanted to, yet a part of me didn’t want to toss the unsuccessful prepped canvas out. It looked impossible to paint a masterpiece on! I did pay a high price for the canvas, here I messed it up!
While I thought about this, the Lord dropped something into my spirit. He doesn’t waste anything! Honestly, I have viewed myself as a waste, a wreck, and unfixable! I have circumstances that look like a mess! I have friendships that need restoration. I love my friends very much! God gave them to me. The enemy comes in and plants seeds of discord. The Lord spoke to me several weeks saying, “Am I not a God of restoration? Behold, I’m doing a new thing. What the enemy intended for harm is going to be a seat for angels because My glory will be evident.” I began shouting all over my apartment. When you receive a word from God there are no questions!
God promises that if we allow Him to work, praise, and thank Him for what is coming, the outcome will be glorious!
God has used it to bring my faith up to a greater level!
Yesterday evening I set the canvas up to paint my masterpiece. As I worked beauty and inspiration began transpiring!
… “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6KJV
“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 49:19 KJV
Your circumstance is not going to end in despair! Trust God, pray, praise, and thank Him in the wait!
God is our source of strength, wisdom, and protection. Without hesitation, He is there in time of need. Understanding is far away from us during times of struggle. Endurance feels impossible. Recently the Holy Spirit reminded me, “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; (Hebrews 12:12 KJV) Prolonging battles scream at us, “You won’t last! You’re weak! It’s not the truth!
Rest assured; the Lord is nearer than we realize. He doesn’t refrain from His watch because we are in the fiery furnace! (Daniel Chapter 3)
Astonished King Nebuchadnezzar saw one more man in the furnace. He declared I see four loose, unbound walking around in the highest degree of heat!
Beloved I have learned valuable lessons in the past two months! I finally arose from the ashes declaring to my circumstance, ” I will not bow to you! You will not rule my life because the Word of God says, “No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against me in judgment I shall condemn!” (Isaiah 54:17) He knows our frame is weak but He also showers us with His grace and strength.
He knows our hearts, thoughts, and steps. He isn’t a God of condemnation but of love peace and a sound mind. Through Christ, we are insured.
Stay strong, stay faithful for He is always a present help in times of trouble!
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 KJV
Jonah threw a temper tantrum when Nineveh repented. He tried running from God, getting himself into a huge mess! “They are wicked!” He complained to God. His answer with an attitude says it all. Jonah thought he knew more than God. Something isn’t right if a Christian gets angry over a great revival! There is no compassion.
Let us not forget that we were once standing in judgment until we took that step towards repentance. Jesus said and still His word stands, …” I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:12 NIV) Since the angels are rejoicing why shouldn’t we join them?
I’ve learned a lot in my lifetime! The first thing I learned as a Christian is how not to be. My grandmother and other elders rooted in their faith were the greatest examples.
I’ve witnessed judgmental viewpoints over clothing, ballgames, and the, “Do not hang around others that don’t believe the same way,” attitude.” I started to become something that made me uncomfortable. God dealt with me through dreams and the scriptures.
This chapter is crucial as it can destroy our witness. I don’t want someone, especially a sinner, and say, “If that’s what living for God is about then I don’t want it!” I’ve been there, I get it! Legalism doesn’t belong in the church.
I read a quote that says, “The only One who could throw a stone didn’t.”
Did you know the word hypocrite was commonly used to describe actors on a Greek stage? The word hypocrite is two Greek words combined translating it as, “an interpreter from underneath.”
I’ve encountered Christians who refuse to believe they are wrong. They can’t take corrections, but they can give it. Headstrong they continue their way.
More times than I can count I have been approached by people who are supposed to be in leadership God revealed things about me that weren’t true! One summer the Lord blessed me by making a way for me to attend a leadership conference. The night we headed home, God revealed to me, that I needed to cut this person off. It was the hardest thing! I didn’t have to question that it was from God. He said, “Darlene, you need to obey. Not everything I asked you to do is going to be easy.” That night I dreamt when I cut this person off, they were kicking, screaming, and crying because they weren’t getting their way. I wrote a letter as God instructed, made a copy of it, and sent the letter. I got a letter of apology in the mail, but then this person changed their mind saying, God told them to completely cut me off it was mean and nasty. This individual talked more than they listened. Because of this, the conversation was completely twisted! It was nothing like I said! This person has a problem believing they know everything and cannot be taught anything new! Please be cautious! I saw the warning signs but because of my carefulness not to hurt others, I got hurt. Listen to God when He warns you of this type of person!
The Bible teaches us to evaluate people’s actions. I have encountered leaders who claimed that God had revealed things about me that were not true, but they refused to accept the reality. One of my intercessors taught me to be aware of anger and judgment by referring to it as righteous anger or judgment. Sometimes, people become so enthusiastic about their thoughts and ideas that they mistake them for God’s voice. They make hasty judgments and refuse to reconsider them. I have witnessed them cutting off people simply because their ideas did not coincide. God is kind and merciful, and He does not condemn anyone.
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”Ecclesiastes 7:16KJV
The word zeal in this verse means in the Greek translation zḗlos (an omamopoeic term that mimics the sound of water bubbling over from heat, and perhaps derived from zéō, “to boil) – properly, burning emotion (inner feeling boiling over, “boiling from heat,” (figuratively) something very fervent (“red-hot”) as with Spirit-fueled zeal to serve the Lord. We can get ahead of the Holy Ghost. It is possible to be overly confident! Not only that, but the power of God is unlike anything this world has to offer! We are of fleshly nature. At the beginning of my baby steps, I had to enquire to the Lord about this. He replied to me, “Darlene it’s easy to get out of My Spirit and into the flesh.” I understood! We must think before we act or speak, and most of all use discernment. Jesus says, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29 KJV)
The ES Version of Galatians 5:25 is, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Keep in synchrony with His counsel. If we don’t, we will establish self-righteousness. Isaiah 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (KJV)
We also must be careful to fear self-righteousness, then we don’t do anything!
The Pharisees believed they were privileged since Abraham was their father. Abraham acknowledged God’s righteousness. (Matthew 3:9)
Salvation and righteousness are through one name alone, Jesus Christ!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 KJV
“This heartwarming story has been a great source of inspiration for me. When I was feeling shattered and helpless, I didn’t think I could be of any use to anybody, let alone the Almighty. But I’ve learned that even in the depths of our brokenness, there is always hope, and we should keep praying and trusting in God’s plan. He will reveal His purpose for us, and we can never be so broken that we’re beyond repair. I’ve personally experienced overwhelming challenges that left me feeling crushed and pulverized, but I’ve also discovered that those very experiences have strengthened my faith and character, and have made me even more useful in serving others.
When we face adversity, it can feel like we are being crushed under the weight of our struggles. However, we must remember that God is with us every step of the way, ready to guide and shape us into something new. He can take our shattered pieces and rebuild us from the ground up, using our trials as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Through the refining fire of hardship, we can emerge as a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves. We must trust that God has a plan for us and have faith that even in our darkest moments, He is working to create something beautiful out of our brokenness. God scoops every single ounce of us into His hands, remoistens, reshapes, and puts it back in the furnace called trials to make a completely new vessel!
Yesterday, I had an encounter with God that made me realize how big and how much He is in control! Do I enjoy being crushed? Absolutely not, but I am so grateful He doesn’t leave us undone!
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
The Cracked Pot Legend
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 KJV
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”. The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?” The Pot replied, “For these past two years I can deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old, cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” As they went up the hill, the old, cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wildflowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trial, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walked back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”
You’ve just read an Indian Folklore story that has a valuable lesson. Years ago, during my struggle even after walking with God, I experienced feeling, too broken for Him to use. Wrestling with thoughts such as, “I’m worthless,” even feeling like trash. Perhaps, you are struggling with the same issues.
We are His treasure, and our brokenness beautifies his surroundings.
You are of excellent value brokenness and all!
“For all these things My hand has made, so all these things came into being [by and for Me],” declares the Lord. But to this one, I will look [graciously], to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who [reverently] trembles at My word and honors My commands.” AMP Isaiah 66:2
Magic erasers are amazing! They can remove all sorts of markings and stains from surfaces, and when used on dingy white surfaces, they can make them look brand new! I was thinking about how incredible this technology is and I wondered why we can’t have a magic eraser that could wipe away unpleasant memories. As I sorted laundry, I said aloud what had been weighing heavily on my mind: “I wish I could just wipe everything away, every single thing.” As I continued with my chores, I talked to God about this internal struggle. I know that God forgets when we put our mistakes under the blood, and I found comfort in sharing my thoughts with Him.
God reminded me that we have an adversary seeking diligently to destroy His people. Nothing would make Satan happier than seeing a child of God fall and not get up. Revelation 12:10 says the accuser comes before God, day, and night, to accuse the brethren. Accuse them of what? Anything he can use to afflict pain, bring self-hatred, or hatred for another human being, question God, and so many other things. That’s why it’s important to be prayerful and submerse ourselves in His word. You can take this piece of bread, break it down, and slowly eat it. Could it be that one of many reasons we remember is to learn from our mistakes, how to withstand the next challenge, and how to use the word of God? I’ve learned God doesn’t waste anything. One night, I heard God speaking to me through a dream. “Darlene, I was with you here, here, and. He reminds me that I was never alone, nor would there be a first. Yes, it’s painful to remember. Yes, some situations are devastating. It’s hard to imagine getting through another day or having a peaceful night’s sleep.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 KJV
… “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 KJV
“No temptationhas overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temptedbeyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV) Paul wrote this in his letter to Corinth because it’s true. God will not allow satan to push us to the edge.
The accusations that come forth constantly will not come to pass. We must hold on, keep praying, and keep believing the Lord will do what He promised. Romans 4:25 and 5:1 say through Christ, we are justified, and through Him we are defended by the shedding of His blood.
Keep that armor on! “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV
Why do people believe lies as truth and truth as lies? Have you ever wondered why people tend to believe lies as truth and truth as lies? It’s a perplexing phenomenon that we see all around us. We live in a world where misinformation and deceit can spread rapidly, while facts and evidence are often overlooked or dismissed. It’s time to start questioning our beliefs and seek the truth. Let’s challenge ourselves to think critically and examine the evidence before accepting anything as true. Only then can we hope to distinguish between what is real and what is not, and make informed decisions based on facts rather than falsehoods.
Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
God is very adamant about being sober-minded. Think about it, an intoxicated person is under the influence of alcohol. Influence is the power to sway someone into going a certain way.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8 KJV
When we allow the worries and troubles of life to consume us, we become mentally intoxicated and our ability to be alert diminishes. Therefore, it is important to stay mindful and conscious of our surroundings, even during chaos. Only then can we tackle the challenges of life with a clear mind and a focused approach.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 KJV
Let us seek truth with all our hearts!
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 8:32 KJV
A need to explore through my Bible became more crucial than sleep. Slipping my hands beneath my pillow, I felt around until I discovered its presence. My grandma had a unique way of choosing a Bible by opening it up and stroking her hand across the pages.
Certainly, it’s no comparison to any book on this earth. It’s very much alive! It contains the answers to everything life hurls our way. From page to page, it records the victories and the downfalls of mankind. Kings, priests, warriors, prophets, the ill-struck, and so much more. At one time, I pondered on nameless individuals in the Bible. There’s the adulterous, the centurion whose servant came eye to eye with death, the servant himself, the woman with the issue of blood, and many more. They all have one thing in common: refusal to accept their state of being thrust them into redemption, Jesus. Names aren’t necessary; their faith is. Surely there is someone, more than one can fill in the signature line saying, “I have an issue of blood. How can I be delivered from prostitution?” Drug alcohol addictions? Yes, there is a fix that will not have side effects: anything and anywhere there is a need. Jesus is the answer!
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV
There is a song called Dust on The Bible, written by Mac Wiseman. I’ll be the first to confess many times that I have failed to pick my Bible up to read due to discouragement or becoming too busy and tired. God forgive me!
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:11-14 KJV
God sets in a place by Himself. Hebrews 6:13 describes the sincerity of promoting Abraham’s promise of fathering a great nation. … “Because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,” says it all.
I desire to go beyond the outer courts and into His throne room, His personal domain.
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 
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