Have you ever wondered what distinguished the wise from the foolish in the parable of the 10 virgins? In today’s podcast, Karen reads the account from Matthew 25 and digs into the Greek to reveal an interesting insight regarding our preparation for the Lord’s imminent return.

If you are a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ve already been perfected. Yes, it’s true! In Christ we have been sanctified, justified (1 Cor. 6:11) and perfected (Hebrews 10:14) by His sacrifice. Unfortunately, many of us live with under a sin consciousness rather than a righteousness consciousness (2 Cor. 5:21) when our experience does not measure up with who God says we are in Christ. In this episode, Karen constructs a composite “sketch” of the Victorious Believer and encourages us to press on toward the goal with Paul (Philippians 3:12-16) to rise to our New Creation reality (2 Cor. 5:17).

In this episode, Karen reads the account of the sinful woman in Luke 7:44-47 and relates her own previous life of rebellion to the gratitude expressed by this woman for Jesus. She contrasts the love and mercy of Christ to religion and religious people who “see” the speck in the lives of others without acknowledging the “log” in their own lives. Those who have been forgiven much; love much in return and reflect their gratitude in allowing His Spirit to fill them and overflow into the lives of others, John 7:38.

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus tells us the 2 greatest commandments; love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Every other commandment (and there are over 1000!) in the New Testament is covered in these two commands. In this episode, Karen shares a personal experience of how God used her to overcome pride and retaliation to be love to someone who intended to rip her off. Through her obedience, she witnessed supernatural provision to meet her need and an opportunity to be love in response to darkness.

How can we learn from the Israelites who failed to enter the Promised Land and the promise of God’s rest because of their unbelief? As New Covenant followers of Jesus Christ, we are told to be diligent to enter His rest, Hebrews 4:11. However, this rest is not passive. The rest we enter is based on our active belief that compels us to push through spiritual obstacles that stand between us and the promises we have in Christ, 2 Cor.1:20. When we say we “believe” we must act according to that belief and take the VICTORY that Jesus already paid the price for us to have. We are in a real, yet unseen battle. We have an enemy that will attempt to block us from receiving what is legally ours in Christ. True rest is found on the other side of enemy lines when we use the authority and power of our Lord Jesus Christ to push through in faith. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

In Hebrews 3-3 Paul reminds us of the rebellion of the Israelites who never entered the promised rest because of their unbelief. They heard the word of God through Moses and had experienced His mighty acts in their deliverance from the Egyptians. They experienced God’s provision in the desert in the form of manna and water from a rock. Yet, with all of the evidence, they refused to enter into the Promised Land and His rest because of their fear of the people in the land. In Hebrews 3:19, Paul tells us that they could not enter His rest because of their unbelief. So what’s our lesson in this? In this episode, Karen shares insights from scripture to help you find rest for your soul in Jesus Christ.

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection gave us the victory over all the work of the enemy. We have been translated from darkness into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13) and His Spirit of LIFE dwells within us. His victory provides so much more than many have been taught – we haven’t just been given a “by-pass hell” ticket, we’ve received His LIFE now! Christ paid the penalty for ALL of the wages of sin and death, including sickness, disease, poverty, and bondage to destructive addictions (Isaiah 53:5-8; 1 Peter 2:24). True followers of Christ will manifest His abundant LIFE to the degree that we deny self, make Him Lord and enforce His victory by standing on His word. In the words of the apostle Paul, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Have you been provoked or had the opportunity to take offense lately? If you’re human, I can guarantee that you have. So, how do you respond in a way that brings honor and glory to God and not give way to the carnal nature? In this podcast, Karen shares a personal testimony of the victory that is possible when we allow His Spirit to guide our response to challenging conversations and situations. Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

God promises safety and triumph over the enemy as we abide in Him, Psalm 91. Throughout scripture, we are promised blessings, safety, provision and hope in Jesus Christ. As you listen to Karen’s declarations and promises from His word, receive them and proclaim for you and your family. We’ve experienced tremendous personal breakthrough as a result of this daily practice. Release the POWER of His living word by declaring His promises and praising Him for His goodness. Isaiah 55:11, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

In Roman’s 4:20-22, We read of Abraham’s faith and that it was unwavering – even to the degree that he lifted his hand to slay his son, Isaac because he trusted that God would fulfill His promise. Abraham’s example reveals that we are to have faith that stands firmly and resolutely on God’s word and His promises, regardless of our circumstances and trials in this life. We have a good Father who reveals His loving nature and character to us through the embodiment of Jesus Christ. Our God is the God of love, healing, peace, righteousness, mercy, VICTORY and deliverance from ALL Satan’s evil schemes. Stand firm sister.