Author Darlene Conard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author Dalene J. Conard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author Darlene J. Conard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give Him your little and watch Him make it big!

Author Darlene Conard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author Darlene J. Conard

In the middle of going up the steep hill my friend’s car suddenly stopped. “Uh, oh!” With clenched teeth slowly I turned my head to look at her. With a look of frustration, she tried turning it on again, Ding, ding, ding. The low gas indicator vividly displayed its light. “Oh Darlene, what are we going to do!”

“Call on Jesus.” Looking up at the car’s interior as if the blue sky could be seen I began to pray. “Jesus, You said that You’re a present help in time of trouble and Lord we are in need of it, now.” Glancing over at her I expected to see her grinning at my straightforward prayer. No grin, in agreement she replied, “Amen.” Yes, the car started!
A purring car is a lively car, music to the ears. I thought.

We have days of spontaneous energy: other days we are dragging through the day. It’s not a good feeling! Our spiritual indicator is giving us heads up. Go in prayer and fill your tank. “I still fill empty.” Go back, pray it out until there’s an overflow. Situations, people, and satan will absolutely wear us out; however, if-if we press into that place of restoration an abundance of His glory will began to bubble.

Eventually the Philistines drove Isaac into the valley. Seeing the abundance in his life made them jealous. Even in the valley where he pitched his tent trouble found him. Each well he dug became filled with dirt by herdsmen for the same reason. Isaac didn’t give up. His perseverance paid off. The after-flow diminished jealousy. Unity stepped in (Genesis 26:1-6 continued

“Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee;” The NKJV says it like this, “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. Return to the place of prayer. Psalm 51:12 “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 KJV

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:1 KJV

“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.” Jeremiah 30:17 KJV

God is letting us know He is a restorer. Let’s take our cup to Him asking Him to fill us with joy, peace, love, healing assurance all that is needed to get our bounce back!

Author Darlene Conard

(Photo is credited to, The Passion of Christ, produced by Mel Gibson)

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys to death and hell.”  (Revelation 1:18)

Every year Easter dramatizations are created to portray the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I do not ever recall seeing a reenactment of what may have occurred before Mary arrived at the tomb of Jesus. I visualize angels loosening the grave clothes from His body. From the removing of the napkin placed on His eyes unwinding Him from the grave clothes to His nail scarred feet.  He had satan and his emps to contend with- unfinished business. I visualize Him storming into hell saying, “Satan you’ve never had a chance. No longer will you do as you please. My church is going to be invading your camps. Your power is broken. You no longer own the keys. Satan had no choice but to surrender.  

 “Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten stone. He sitteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: and the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.”  (Job 6:6-8)

Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do men say that I the Son of man am?  (Matthew 16:13 KJV) They answered Him with what everyone else was saying, “Some say You are John the Baptist, some, Elias others say Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”

“But who do you say that I am?” Peter the one who is known for many failures said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied,” … Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

          Jesus always has the last word. His holy presence proceeded forth.  No doubt, the beauty of His light pierced through the gross darkness of hell’s walls.

Satan remembered the day he tempted Jesus with the kingdoms. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for a debt we could not pay.

“He came for His own and His own received Him not.” (John 1:11 KJV) The Gentile nation became desperate for what Israel had. They began asking Him to heal and deliver them humbling themselves not denying that they were unworthy. This action caused Him to fall in love with us enough to give redeeming power. (Matthew 15:24-31)

I believe then that the kingdom of darkness trembled fearfully knowing multitudes of believers were rejoicing, he no longer had power over them. (Matthew 4:1-11)

… “God commanded his love toward us, in that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

Comfort comes to me knowing Jesus is the warrior of my soul. He is the Warrior of Your soul.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Saul burned with jealousy as he listened to the women on the streets celebrating with instruments singing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7) David became his enemy. How did this happen? His intentions weren’t set upon him-self. Accusations arose as he sought to do the will of God.

Paul wrote about his experience in Romans 7:19-25. “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” Truly it is a war unlike any on this earth! In fact, wars began from evil thoughts, a lust after power. “I’m in control”

Manipulating truth is satan’s battleplan. I will use this weakness to divide these two friends. I will plant the thought he/she is the enemy. The friend will become an adversary, no more Bible studies, prayer or wholesome speech.” This is one example of many.

A battle plan is to purposefully target with perfection. Feasible targets can then be put into action. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 KJV) For this reason we must be on guard. Jesus said, “Watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41)

I have a friend who encountered evil retaliation through her mother. She stopped praying and seeking God diligently due to the loss of her husband. One night my friend had a dream about an evil beastly dog chasing them. They ran inside the house. Her mother said in the dream, “A little crack in the door won’t hurt. It’s barely cracked open. God warned her, “Oh but that’s all-Satan needs. He’s seeking prowling for access to consume minds so he can conquer that soul. We can’t allow Satan to boast glorying that he won a blood bought child of God as a trophy. Nor can we dismiss those that are lost, unaware of who Jesus is.

We must, must, must put on the equipment designed to fight spiritual battles. God’s way.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV

Earnestly I encourage you today to seek God with all your heart, mind and soul. (1 Chronicles 16:11) Ask for His counsel. He will never lead us in the wrong direction!

Author Darlene J. Conard

I watched the men cut away the apple tree’s branches. “Why are they destroying them?” Their beautiful white and pink blossoms brightened the picnic area releasing a soft soothing scent into the air in the spring. This year I will not be greeted by their embellished presence. Heaps of dead limbs laid piled at the end of their row. Why is everything so pleasant destroyed by the hands of man? I was very upset and disheartened. I only reacted thinking in a negative manner simply for the lack of knowledge. Later I learned it’s a necessary process called pruning. The men only did so that they may flourish and not die. I would have to wait until next year to enjoy them. This year wasn’t their season.

In a spiritual sense I understood with a much greater range. If those trees could scream out in pain, questioning, as to why, I could relate. Like the men knew exactly how and where to cut, God knows exactly when and where to remove things from us. He has to. Pruning is an indication of fruitfulness.

Mark 2:22 says, “no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.” It simply can’t be done. Human nature kicks in to do things our way. Prematurely we step in with our thoughts and ideas. God requires us to walk in spirit and in truth.
God deals with people, but it takes time. Saul surnamed Paul encountered the two-edged sword on his way to Damascus. Deep within he truly thought he was doing God service. Jesus’ appearance blinded him.

Acts 9:1-9) He was physically blind; however, he received spiritual sight.
The revelatory experience did more than change Saul but changed the view of believers.
We go through pruning not that something is wrong with us but what is right. God knows much more lays dormant we are unaware of.

I’ve gained much more than I lost before the trials. It didn’t make sense to me at first. Job is a familiar story concerning such trials. News of devastation concerning him rumbled from the mouths of messengers giving him no space for relief. He did what confounds the wise. He rends his mantle, shaved his head and worshipped God. He did what we should, worship God. Instead of rending our garment Joel 2:12-13 instructs a rending of our hearts. He shaved his head as a sign of mourning. (Isaiah 61:3) God says He will, designate those who mourn in Zion beauty for ashes, oil of joy in replacement of mourning and replace the garment of heaviness with the garment of praise.
We receive an honorary position. The Almighty Creator Himself puts us before the small and great as to say, “They have glorified Me well.”

God gave Satan permission knowing that Job was fruitful and would not lose his luster or faith in Him.
Jesus stood silent before Pilate as He searched deep within himself for the right questions. How would he unlock Jesus’ silence. He was wise. His refusal permeated truth into Pilates’s physical authority. “Don’t you know I have power to crucify You?” In response Jesus answered,” You could have no power at all accept it be given from above.” John 19:9-11
Satan only has the authority that’s given from above to test us.

(Photo is of Richwood, WV)

Author Darlene J. Conard

Not fully awaken I lingered in the position I fell asleep in. The song “Living Hope” flowed in my spirit like water rushing over rocks in a river. “How great is thy mercies Lord,” I whispered softly in response to His mighty presence.

Before turning in my friend and I prayed about some situations that came into our lives unexpectedly. “Why did these things have to happen to me?” Often, I ask beating myself up. Scolding myself I’ll say, “Why didn’t I just keep my distance? Why did I ignore the lesson I’ve learned before?”

My spiritual eyes were opened on somethings while trying to fall asleep last night. I’ve read about Judas, heard sermons, but hadn’t understood anything else. Yes, Judas betrayed Jesus, yes, he was a thief and the treasurer, it’s beyond that. We believed He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16) Remember the last supper? Jesus announced, “One of you will betray Me.” Sorrowfully they began asking, “Is it I?” (John 13) After sopping the bread then handing it to Jesus Satan entered in him. Jesus dismissed him. “Do what you’re going
to do quickly.” No other thought came to their mind other than Jesus giving instruction to go buy more for the Passover.

Judas was scandalous. Jesus still chose Him. He didn’t need the thirty pieces of silver. Here is the Revelation I’ve been seeking for. He skillfully fooled everyone portraying innocence. Jesus saw right through him. Judas couldn’t fool Jesus. It angered him! Somehow, he would diminish His character. He would get rid of Him somehow! Instead, Judas only fulfilled God’s will.

Countless times I’ve lend myself to helping people, prayed, had Bible Studies and lend opened ears to their struggles. Although they have known me for years suddenly treat me like I’m an enemy, accusations arose to diminish my character. “I didn’t understand until now. Thank you, Holy Ghost! When people can no longer hide things because God is revealing it Satan enters in. Quickly a plan is devised to get attention off them and on you.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV
To steal what, anything that deals with God’s goodness. He slips in unaware itemizing every weakness we have to bring destruction in our lives.

I have been thanking God for this revelation! Judas came to regret his decision. Jesus would have forgiven him.

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you so also do ye.”

Jesus is that living hope. His mercy thrushes deep into shame. I’m so grateful He guides and pulls us through every time!