Victorious Faith

Jesus said that He is the light of the world (John 8:12) and He also said that we are the light of the world, Matthew 5:14. This is possible because those of us who trust in Him are one with the Father and the Son and His light shines through us. This was accomplished when Jesus returned to the Father and sent His Spirit to dwell in those of us who receive Him and obey His word. When we respond in love to those around us, His light pours out radiant joy, peace, and love to change hearts and circumstances and drive out darkness. Scripture references: Matthew 5:44-45; Ephesians 5:8; John 17:20-23; Colossians 1:13).

In this episode, we look at examples of men and women who demonstrated great faith and we are told that they pleased God! As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the unlimited potential to see mountains move when we walk in faith. Jesus told His disciples that their “unbelief” kept them from experiencing victory in Matthew 17:20. Now th1at we have the promise of His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, nothing should be impossible. Let’s go boldly to His throne of grace and find help to walk in His victory over every work of the defeated foe! Scripture references: Hebrews 4:2-16; Hebrews 10:19-24; Hebrews 11:1-6; 30-35; Genesis 5:18-24; Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; John 14:12-14.

In the scriptures we read that wisdom is not a matter of age, education, or the accumulation of knowledge. Wisdom is found in the person of Jesus Christ, in whom all true wisdom and knowledge dwells. To know Him through His word and spending time in His presence makes one wise. Scripture References: Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 8:17-21; Proverbs 28:5; 31:26; Matthew 13:11-17; 23; Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 2:2-3; James 1:5-8.

One of the greatest blessings we share as followers of the Lord Jesus is JOY! This joy is not circumstantial; it is an experience that defies description and transcends all worldly happiness. It is found only in the pure light of His Presence. Jesus promised that no one can take the JOY that is found in Him. Let the JOY of the Lord be your strength! Scripture references: Nehemiah 8:10; John 15:11; 16:19-24; 17:13; Romans 5:11; 14:17; Galatians 5:22.

The scripture reading today is from Mark 4 and describes four types of ground; however, only one is fruitful. In this episode, Karen shares a bit of personal application to encourage you in your faith journey when your work is not in the classical sense of “fulltime ministry”. Let’s raise the standard and reflect our identity in Christ through compassionate interactions, ethics, integrity and a firm commitment to excellence in our unique sphere of influence. Scripture references: Mark 4:13-23; Matthew 5:13-16; Proverbs 3:5-6.

True faith is the ability to stand on His promises and His word regardless of what is happening around you in the natural world. As children of the VICTORIOUS King, we are promised His protection when we trust in Him and believe what His word says. To say you believe while wringing your hands in anxious worry is not faith. It’s time true believers arise and live in the reality of your position – with Christ, far above ALL principalities, powers, and every form of evil and wickedness. Be strong in Him and in His mighty power and stand! Scripture references: Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 34:7; John 10:10; Ephesians 1:19-23; 2:4-6; 6:10-18; Colossians 3:1-3; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 John 5:18; 1 John 4:4; Proverbs 28:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:18.

Today’s reading from Isaiah 60 reminds us of the Victory that indwells those who love the Lord Jesus! We are partakers of His Divine nature in Christ and we celebrate His victory in the taking of communion. Even as darkness covers the earth, His GLORIOUS resurrected Spirit with His power and love is alive in us. 1 Peter 2:4-10 reveals the truth of His manifest glory in His children who have been delivered out of darkness into His marvelous light to advance His Kingdom to the glory of GOD! Arise and shine you daughters and sons of the King! Scripture references: Isaiah 60:1-3; Habakkuk 2:14; Mark 16:17-18; John 14:12-14; Ephesians 1:18-23; 3:8-12; Colossians 1:9-18; 25-29; 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-10; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Revelation 1:4-6.

In the wake of a very big birthday and life reflection as a follower of Christ, Karen shares a powerful revelation of understanding of our reality that is often missed in the mainstream church. As a follower of Christ, you have His RESURRECTION life inside of you to overcome every destructive work of the enemy. Learn to take dominion over the enemy in the realization of who you are and who is in you. Your inheritance is life, peace, righteousness, joy, health, prosperity and every spiritual blessing in heavenly places! You are more than a conqueror in Christ, it’s time believers take back all that the enemy has stolen and live as a victor and not a victim. Spiritual references: Luke 10:18-20; 2 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 1:20; 5:17; Ephesians 1:3; 15-23; 2:5-6; Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:9-14; 2:15; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 8:37; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:5-6.

In John 6:63, Jesus said that His words are spirit and life. The mystery hidden in this profound truth is supernatural and is described by David in Psalm 119. In this episode, Karen shares the testimony of a man she knows who this week experienced breakthrough in the midst of his grief while meditating on His word. Whatever your situation, His truth is your answer, meditate on His words and you will say with the Psalmist, “I will walk about in freedom… for you have set my heart free”. Scripture reference for further study: Psalm 119.

A sure way to overcome all feelings of condemnation and religiosity is to know absolutely who dwells in you. Throughout the New Testament, Paul and others describe the reality of the fullness of the Godhead, embodied in Jesus Christ, now abiding in His followers. Just imagine a world in which His followers walked this out. Scripture references: John 1:16; Colossians 2:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 55:22; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13; 1 John 4:17.

The topic for today’s podcast comes from 1 Peter 5:5-10. In verse 7, we are told to cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for you. As a follower of Jesus Christ, and a child of the living God, we have many wonderful promises of His provision and protection when we choose to stand on His word by faith. This requires diligence and action on our part to actually “do” what the word says so that we may receive His promises. There are many scriptures that reveal we are to be watchful, diligent, and alert to be careful to avoid the traps and snares of the enemy who is prowling about to “devour” those who are passive. When we actively “resist” him, by standing in faith, he must flee! Scripture references: 1 Peter 5:5-10; Psalm 55:22; James 4:7; Romans 14:17.

In Hebrews 4:12 we read, For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…yet do we comprehend that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Word? In this lesson, Karen goes through the scriptures to reveal the essence of the most powerful word that has ever or that will ever be. The Word of God as embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. It is by this Word that we live and it is the Word that will ultimately judge all humanity. Scripture references: Joshua 1:8; John 1:1-5; 6:63; 12:48; Revelation 19:11-16; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4.

The English word for peace doesn’t accurately convey the full meaning of the Hebrew word, Shalom, or the Greek equivalent, Eirene in scripture. In this episode, Karen provides a brief overview of the concept of peace that describes Jesus Christ, our Lord and Prince of Peace. Of particular interest to the conversation is the phrase “set at one again”. The peace of Jesus Christ is first and foremost a peace that is found only in reconciliation to God the Father. In John 17:20, we read Jesus’ prayer for all of those who believe on Him, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Scripture references: Isaiah 9:6-7; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 5:1-2, 10; Colossians 1:20.

The Christian life is not passive. Your progression in the faith requires continual diligence. You must learn to actively resist the enemy and defend yourself against his tactics. In this episode, Karen shares a 2-part process from scripture to safeguard your soul against the deception of the enemy. Scripture references: 2 Cor. 10:1-6; Eph. 6:10-17; John 8:32; James 4:7; Jeremiah 29:11; Joshua 1:8.

We often hear Christians say things like, “God tells us to use wisdom”… to justify actions that are counter to biblical teaching in the name of “wisdom”. What they are really referring to in this case is not the wisdom of God, but man. God’s wisdom always aligns with truth found in the word of God. In this episode, Karen highlights a passage from the book of Daniel to illustrate the courage of a man who refused to bow to man’s wisdom, even the command of the King himself in order to honor His God. Scripture references: Proverbs 14:12; Daniel 6; Colossians 1:24-2:3; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 2:26.

Throughout the New Testament, Paul and others instruct believers on how to progress in our journey of faith. Our standard is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. In the natural, this is an impossible endeavor. However, for believers having the Spirit of the Lord, we are to “put off” the old man and “put on” Christ, the new man renewed in the knowledge of Him. Scripture references: Hebrews 5:12-6:2 ; Colossians 3:1-14; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 3:18; Ephesians 4:13-15; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:17.

In this episode, Karen talks about the pitfall and distraction of entering into the sinkhole of another person’s drama. God never intended that we become responsible for “fixing” others. He alone carries our burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). Counsel is worthless unless it points back to the word of God and the freedom and rest that He alone provides. Resist the temptation to become the “fixer”. It’s not your job! Point them to Jesus Christ and His promises and preserve your sanity and peace. Scripture references: Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-3; Philippians 4:8-9.

In Romans 8:1, we read that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. In speaking with believers, many do not understand the distinction between condemnation and conviction. In this episode, Karen shares a personal story to illustrate that conviction of the Holy Spirit reveals the tenderness of God’s grace to align our thoughts and actions with the word of God. Sin always begins as a thought and progresses into words and/or actions (James 1:13-15). When convicted, a believer has the choice to agree with God and turn from the sinful thought, word, or action and escape the entanglement of the flesh (Hebrews 12:1), or she can harden her heart and proceed in rebellion against the will and word of God. Condemnation is to face the judgment of God, without the cleansing blood of Jesus. The believer of God always has hope of the restoration of fellowship with God when she confesses her sin, turns from it, and receives His mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Other scriptures referenced: Hebrews 3:13-14; 1 John 5:18; John 16:5-14; James 1:13-15; 1 John 3:9; Titus 2:1.

Throughout the gospels we read about the compassion of Christ and how He was moved with compassion to act on behalf of people. The gospels provide insight as to the heart of God when we read how He was moved to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, give sight to the blind, feed the hungry and raise the dead. As His new creation, He has placed His heart in us through the Holy Spirit so that we also feel compelled to minister and serve others in His love. Karen shares personal testimony of how His heart of compassion moves us to act when we encounter those in need. With this heart and mind, in the power of His Spirit, we reveal the kingdom of God to the world through tangible acts of love. Scripture references: Jude 20-22; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20; John 21:15-19; 1 John 3:16-19.

In Christ, All of God’s promises are yes and AMEN! In the first part of this episode, Karen takes the promises from Psalm 91 and interjects biblical commentary and personal testimony in light of our new covenant reality. In the second part, she reads the declarations without commentary so you can listen and absorb His word into your soul and body. Scripture references: Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:9; Romans 16:20; Salvation: sozo, #4982 from Strong’s concordance - to save deliver, protect, heal, preserve, save, make whole.