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Luke 1:26,28 - "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." WHEN GOD CHOSE TO BRING THE MESSIAH THROUGH THE VIRGIN MARY, HE SENT GABRIEL THE ANGEL TO BRING THE MESSAGE. WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS ABOUT TO SUFFER SHIPWRECK, AN ANGEL OF THE LORD TOLD HIM WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE ANGELS DID WHAT GOD COULD HAVE DONE EASILY HIMSELF. BUT WHY DIDN'T GOD DO THOSE THINGS HIMSELF? FOR THE SAME REASON HE DOESN'T PREACH THE GOSPEL: HE HAS CHOSEN TO LET HIS CREATION ENJOY THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVICE IN HIS KINGDOM. SERVICE WITH PURPOSE AFFIRMS IDENTITY. A GODLY SELF-ESTEEM IS DERIVED FROM DOING "AS HE PLEASES". AND TRUE SERVICE IS AN OVERFLOW OF WORSHIP. WE ALWAYS BECOME LIKE THE ONE WE WORSHIP. HOW COULD HE WANT ANYTHING MORE FOR US THAN THAT? Jeremiah 1:12 - "Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it." Affirmations: IF I HAVE MY THINKING RIGHT, MY BELIEVING RIGHT, AND MY SPEAKING RIGHT, I WILL UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S NOT WHAT I SEE THAT SHOULD DETERMINE FOR ME WHETHER THE WORD IS WORKING. THE WAY I CAN KNOW THAT MY WORLD IS BEING FRAMED BY THE WORD IS BY WHAT'S IN MY HEART AND BY WHAT I'M SAYING. SO NO MATTER HOW THINGS LOOK, IF I'M SPEAKING THE WORD OF GOD IN FAITH, - I DON'T QUIT! I STAY IN FAITH AND GOD WILL MANIFEST HIS GLORY IN MY SITUATION. 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." We must topple the "stronghold of our experiences." The only one who has a right to shape our lives is Jesus Christ. We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences, unless they are consistent with the promises of God. To the degree that our experiences do not conform to the Word of God, they subtly teach us that God is not who He says He is. In other words, even though you were not healed, you should not conclude "healing is not for today." God's provision is eternal, which means that until heaven and earth pass away, He as provided for our healing. In regard to sin, though we repeatedly stumble, we must continue to believe God for grace to overcome. We must give ourselves room to grow into new insights. We must never surrender our faith in God's Word! Experiences may seem valid, but if they have left us thinking that Jesus is not the same today as He was in the Gospels, the conclusion we have drawn is wrong. It is a stronghold that must be pulled down. Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Revelation 22:13 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Romans 3:4 - "Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 We are born into this world into an earthly realm. We are not born into the realm of God's Spirit; that's why through Jesus we need to be born AGAIN into the spiritual realm. When you were born again, you were given the "Rite of passage" to enter from one dimension to another. From the natural into the eternal. The Bible talks about the realms of glory. We are changed "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). So there are realms of glory, not just one realm. When people are born again they begin to develop a hunger for the spiritual realm? They begin to get a feeling that there is more: there is more to this life; there is more to this place called earth. That is because the spirit now in them doesn't belong here; the spirit in them comes from above and from another realm – a heavenly place. That's why you will never be content in an earthbound realm. You were created for another environment. ANOTHER REALM When Jesus died and rose again, He purchased our salvation. But salvation includes so much more than we first think. Jesus redeemed us from the law and the repercussions of being under the law and failing to meet its demands. "We have all come short..." the apostle Paul said (Romans 3:23). Jesus redeemed us from death. He took the keys of Hell and released us from the power of the evil one. God gave us power to transit into another realm. This other realm is His realm; it's the realm where God dwells and His angels, and it's the realm of the heavenly city and of the spiritual elements of God and His Kingdom. He made us joint heirs with Christ. It's not just when we finally get to Heaven, it's here now. His Kingdom has come among us and in us and He wants it to flow through us and affect those around us. We receive by faith the things He has provided and made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It's a new and living way and we should walk in it. RITE OF PASSAGE He gave you a new nature to transplant you or translate you into another realm and into the realm of eternity. This is the realm of Heaven where the presence of God dwells continually day and night. Jesus purchased you the RITE OF PASSAGE with His Blood. So that now you are not restricted or limited to the natural realm. The supernatural realm, the realm of miracles and wonders, is yours if you will receive it. You have to believe what God says about you. You are a son and daughter of the Almighty God, an heir of His Kingdom. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 We are born into this world into an earthly realm. We are not born into the realm of God's Spirit; that's why through Jesus we need to be born AGAIN into the spiritual realm. When you were born again, you were given the "Rite of passage" to enter from one dimension to another. From the natural into the eternal. The Bible talks about the realms of glory. We are changed "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). So there are realms of glory, not just one realm. When people are born again they begin to develop a hunger for the spiritual realm? They begin to get a feeling that there is more: there is more to this life; there is more to this place called earth. That is because the spirit now in them doesn't belong here; the spirit in them comes from above and from another realm – a heavenly place. That's why you will never be content in an earthbound realm. You were created for another environment. ANOTHER REALM When Jesus died and rose again, He purchased our salvation. But salvation includes so much more than we first think. Jesus redeemed us from the law and the repercussions of being under the law and failing to meet its demands. "We have all come short..." the apostle Paul said (Romans 3:23). Jesus redeemed us from death. He took the keys of Hell and released us from the power of the evil one. God gave us power to transit into another realm. This other realm is His realm; it's the realm where God dwells and His angels, and it's the realm of the heavenly city and of the spiritual elements of God and His Kingdom. He made us joint heirs with Christ. It's not just when we finally get to Heaven, it's here now. His Kingdom has come among us and in us and He wants it to flow through us and affect those around us. We receive by faith the things He has provided and made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It's a new and living way and we should walk in it. RITE OF PASSAGE He gave you a new nature to transplant you or translate you into another realm and into the realm of eternity. This is the realm of Heaven where the presence of God dwells continually day and night. Jesus purchased you the RITE OF PASSAGE with His Blood. So that now you are not restricted or limited to the natural realm. The supernatural realm, the realm of miracles and wonders, is yours if you will receive it. You have to believe what God says about you. You are a son and daughter of the Almighty God, an heir of His Kingdom. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." CONFESSION WITHOUT ANY FAITH IN THE HEART IS POWERLESS; IT'S USELESS. Observation: WHAT IF I DON'T BELIEVE IN MY HEART? SHOULD I STILL CONFESS THE WORD OF GOD? YES, BECAUSE WITH MY LIPS, I CAN MAKE CONFESSIONS UNTO FAITH. IN OTHER WORDS, AS I SAY GOD'S WORD OVER AND OVER AGAIN, FAITH CAN BE BUILT IN MY HEART WHERE BEFORE THERE WASN'T ANY FAITH. I CAN SPEAK GOD'S WORD SO MUCH THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY AFFECT MY HEART, AND I WILL BEGIN BELIEVING IT. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the Word of God." Matthew 15:32 - And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the multitude because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat." People saw in Jesus meekness, unlimited power, and perfect love. Observation: If I would win souls, people must see in me this same Jesus. If I would draw men to Christ in heaven, they must be eyewitnesses of Christ in me. But, if I have flagrant sin or self-righteousness, my witness in non-effective. Romans 1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God." The New Creation separates us from the old life. As the Word is built into us, we are separated unto Christ. First, there is a separation from the world; now there is a separation unto the Master. Jesus becomes the Lord of our lives. His Word dominates us. In our walk then, as we are separated unto Christ, we come to believe that God has a PURPOSE for our life (ourDESTINY). We ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7,8) until we understand what that purpose is. As we receive revelation of that purpose through the Holy Spirit we separate ourselves from those things which are not sinful in themselves but unnecessary. This separation continues year after year as we pursue our DESTINY in Christ, walking in the fullness of His fellowship. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Am I completely sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ? How much time per day do I spend meditating on Jesus and His PURPOSE for my life vs. participating and thinking about society (it's demands, requirements, and pleasures)? What is my plan to increase my Christ consciousness? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Titus 3:15 - "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." THE REASON CHRISTIANS DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY THEY SHOULD HAVE IS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE ABIDING WORD INSIDE OF THEM. THEY HAVE A WRITTEN WORD; THEY HAVE WHAT THEY HEARD SOMEONE ELSE SAY; THEY EVEN HAVE A LOT OF FAVORITE SCRIPTURES THAT THEY LIKE TO QUOTE. BUT THEY HAVEN'T MADE THOSE SCRIPTURES THEIRS PERSONALLY. THOSE CHRISTIANS ARE STILL ECHOING, JUST REPEATING THE WORD. Affirmations: I'M GOING TO WRESTLE WITH THAT WORD AND MEDITATE ON IT UNTIL IT BECOMES A WORD FOR ME! WHEN I COME OUT OF MEDITATION TIME, I WILL COME OUT WITH A SWORD OF THE SPIRIT! John 15:7 - "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you." Though we know that all victory and authority has already been secured by the death and resurrection of our Savior, Christ Jesus, we still live in a world that is gripped by the prince of this world who seeks to rob the inheritance that Jesus died for. When we allow the enemy to promote his false narrative through our agreement with unbelief, doubt, and fear, we effectively give ground for a greater robbery of God's inheritance. We must stop aligning our words and lifestyles in agreement with the evil one, thereby bringing accusation against our God. There is one truth that is to be the declaration and proclamation of every Believer. It is that Jesus is faithful and true! God is not a man, so He does not lie, but He is faithful from generation to generation. "God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" - Numbers 23:19 NLT It is time for the Bride to reread Revelation 4 and remind ourselves who God is. He is holy and true, He is full of power and might, and HE IS WORTHY! He invites us to , "Come up here" in order to see Him as He is. Declare who He is in the midst of the contrast of what you see. "Rise up, O God, and scatter Your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to His name! Sing loud praises to Him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord—rejoice in His presence!" - Psalm 68:1-4 NLT Luke 23:44-46 - "By now it was about midday and a darkness fell over the whole land, which lasted until three in the afternoon; the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus gave a loud cry and said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit'; and with these words he died." When the veil of self cloaks our hearts, our perceptions are stained by the basic selfish orientation of our nature. But when one dedicates themselves to the Lord, the veil of the self-life, like the veil in the temple, is torn in two. This is not the cutting of some thin cloth but the tearing of the heart, the splitting in two of the tightly woven fabric of self-righteousness and self-consciousness. It is a violent rending, a putting to death, of the unregenerated self-nature. 2 Corinthians 3:16 - "But whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Hebrews 5:11 - "Concerning this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your (spiritual) hearing and sluggish (even slothful in achieving spiritual insight)." They were not in need of hearing aids; rather their inward man had digressed to become insensitive to spiritual things. The Holy Spirit does not communicate to our head but to our spirit. You can be a believer for years and not develop your spirit. Scripture tells us that John the Baptist "grew and became strong in spirit". Regarding spiritual development, Paul told Timothy to give himself entirely to it "that your progress may be evident to all." Luke 1:80 - "And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit." Mark 9:23 - "What do you mean, 'If you can'?' said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Faith is having a knowing on the inside. Faith knows you are healed even when you don't feel it yet. Faith knows you're safe even when tragedy happens nearby. Faith knows you have peace even when everyone around you is afraid. Faith doesn't deny the circumstances. Faith believes in the higher truth of God's word in spite of the circumstances. John 12:28,29 - "'Rather, I will say, Father, glorify Your name!' Then there came a voice out of heaven saying, I have already glorified it, and I will glorify it again. The crowd of bystanders heard the sound and said that it had thundered; others said, An angel has spoken to Him!" Jesus taught us to pray for earth to manifest what is already in Heaven. How is it to be done? God will use spiritual sound - sound that will be unintelligible to spiritual wickedness and hidden from man's natural mind. Spiritual sound is not random indefinite noise. It is a sound which speaks and reveals knowledge to those with ears to hear. We are like instruments that resonate the sound coming from heaven - the approaching rule of the King of Kings. John 3:8 - "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Affirmations: THE SOUNDS OF HEAVEN HAVE FALLEN TO ME IN PLEASANT PLACES; YES, I HAVE A GOOD INHERITANCE. I REVEAL SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS WITH SPIRITUAL WORDS, AS THE SPIRIT LEADS ME. I AM GROWING IN MY CAPACITY TO RELEASE SPIRITUAL SOUND ALIGNING WITH THE HEART AND NATURE OF GOD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

John 15:7,8 - "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." Some are willing to spend hours in prayer asking for a miracle instead of planting the word of God in their hearts, which in time would produce the miracle. Prayer is what water and fertilizer are to a seed. They help the word release its life. But if you haven't planted the seed, it doesn't matter how much water and fertilizer you apply, the soil still won't produce fruit. It's the seed that has life! Genesis 3:11 - "And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" By taking the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they found a source of the knowledge of right and wrong outside of God. This can be identified as the principle of reasoning. They no longer needed the wisdom of God; they could govern themselves according to their sense of right and wrong. This is why God questioned them "who told you?" They replaced obedience with reasoning. Jesus compares the Church to virgins who "all got drowsy and began to sleep" (Matthew 25:5). Virgins sleeping at the end of the age: this seems incomprehensible with all the signs in the Heavens and wonders upon the earth, not to mention the increasing presence of Christ. Yet this phenomenon is something we each battle: THE TENDENCY TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY DROWSY AND LOSE OUR FOCUS as we wait for the Lord's return. There is a subtle activity of the enemy that dulls our perception and seduces our zeal. Our vision takes a backseat to other less important aspects of life. From the beginning, the voice of satan has had this lulling effect on mankind. Eve's excuse for disobedience was, "The serpent hath caused me to forget" (Genesis 3:13 Young's Literal Translation). This sense of spiritual forgetfulness, of drowsiness, is the cloud of blindness that we each must discern and overcome. Today, God is awakening us to the reality of His presence. The promises the Lord gives us in the Scriptures must become more to us than dream-like realities only reserved for the hereafter. Jesus unveiled God's glory on the Mount of Transfiguration! Paul says that we all can behold the glory of God and be transformed by it (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). For this reason, the Scripture says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14). If we truly want Christ to "shine" upon us, we must arise from the distractions that entomb us in lethargy and spiritual darkness. Right at this moment, the presence of the living God is near enough to hear the whisper of your heart. But if we want our dream of standing in the presence of God to come true, we must wake up. AFFIRMATIONS: God has given me his Spirit, not the world’s spirit, so that I may realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts of divine favor and blessings so freely and lavishly bestowed on me by God. (I Corinthians 2:12) I am complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. For I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that I should walk therein. (Colossians 2:10; Ephesians 2:10) Out of His glorious riches He strengthens me with power through his Spirit in my inner man. (Ephesians 3:16) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified"' (John 7:37-39). Note that "river" is pluralized. This indicates multiple flows of the precious Holy Spirit so that by His divine power we will be partakers of His nature in us (see 2 Peter 1:3, 4). Each of these great flows of the precious Holy Spirit are available to every Believer to help us live in constant increase as we go about transforming the world for His glory. God desires us to see the Spirit of God flow in and through our lives for total victory and searing success in bringing in the Kingdom of God. We receive empowerment to do the extraordinary so that Jesus will receive glory and honor through His great power working in and through you. What's holding you back from being all that you can be in Christ Jesus? God wants to activate the workings of Christ Jesus through you, workings that will release a Holy Ghost revival in your heart! Romans 4:17 -- ....."God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." When Jesus saw the man with a withered hand, He didn't say, "My goodness! It is so withered!" He said, "Stretch out your hand!" (Matthew 12:13). He CALLED FORTH what he wanted. He looked at the paralytic and said, "Rise, take up your bed and go home!" (Matthew 9:6). He didn't see it the way it was in the natural. He saw the way God meant it to be and He CALLED IT FORTH. God's way is to call those things that are not as though they are. And because we are made in God's image, we can also call those things that are not as though they are! God has confidence in us. It is Him working in us, both to will and to do His good pleasure (see Philippians 2:13). And as we discover our CALLING and Gods PURPOSE for our lives, it is the Father's good pleasure is to give us the power of His Kingdom (see Luke 12:32). These are decisive days of DESTINY. We must respond, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower and equip us for lives filled and overflowing with divine power and victorious valor (see 1 John 4:4). By praying the scriptures in the epistles of Paul that pertain to our inheritance in Christ we come to know who we are in Christ; the power that is flowing through us and our authority over sickness, distractions, or other issues of life. Our body is the temple of God and we have the right to take authority over every area of it – spirit, soul, and body. "For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 Begin building your relationship with Jesus today by asking what you can do for Him; rather than telling Him what YOU want. This is the Key that unlocks the door to the abundant life. Your worship is not perfected when it leaves your lips. It's perfected when it enters His ears. Passion takes imperfect worship and prayers and perfects them in the ear of God. "Out of the mouths of babes...praise is perfected." - Matthew 21:16 If you want God's presence in your life, learn to be a praiser. Don't keep silent about His many benefits. Make it your purpose to find something new to sing to the Lord about every day. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.." - Psalm 103:2 Today, as we carry on the activities of our lives, Jesus Christ is praying for us. Tonight, as we sleep through the long darkness, Jesus Christ is praying for us. Continual prayer is being offered at the throne of God on our behalf by none other than the eternal Son. You are being prayed for right now. We can rest in this work of the Son on our behalf. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25 When the Word becomes as a burning fire in your heart and bones your focus will be on God's PURPOSE for your life and it won't be denied you. Because freely you have received the Word and freely you give of the powerful Word of the Lord. As long as you refuse to give up, God will make sure you excel in the next level of your DESTINY. So be joyful when you see spiritual contention in your life! It means you are on the verge of breakthrough and promotion. Mark 11:23 - "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,'and does not doubt in his heart; but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him." A thought from God is not a part of your thinking process! When God drops or interjects a thought into your spirit, it has nothing to do with your thinking or rationalizing. He puts the thought into your spirit, bypassing the brain. We can control the PASSION and INTENSITY with which we live our lives. To get the fruitful life that God has purposed for us, we must go out on a limb away from the ordinary and complacent. "I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! But because you are barely warm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth!...Buy also some medicine (from Me) to put on your eyes, so that you may see." - Revelation 3:15,18 TEV ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

There is a paralyzing passivity so prevalent in the Church today. As prophetic voices, we must sound the alarm: these are not days of peace! We have no armistice with the workers of darkness! We must stir ourselves out of this stupor, as Scripture instructs us to do. We must rouse to reality and awake (see Romans 13:11-14 AMP). NOW IS THE TIME TO AWAKEN A non-confrontational attitude is not the role and the responsibility of God's end-time warriors! We must awaken. Now is the time to shake yourself and rise to the occasion (seeJoshua 1:7). Your DESTINY and the destiny of coming generations demand that we do our very best – now! (see Proverbs 11:3). RUN FROM COMPROMISE AND COMPLACENCY We must not entertain compromise nor tolerate complacency. On the contrary, we are called to confront the powers of darkness. Rather than remaining passive, complacent, or compromised, it is our responsibility to resist the enemy and stand firm (see James 4:7). He is a defeated foe – but we nevertheless must rout him out of our lives and nation. Having done all to stand, we shall stand bold and brave, resisting the devil and all his schemes, knowing full well that greater is God's power within us than the devil's power about us (see 1 John 4:4). We are fighting from a place of victory! Why? Because our Lord and Savior has already defeated every foe at Calvary. In Christ, we are more than conquerors. We are truly, practically, eternally victorious in every arena of life – and are not victims (see Romans 8:37). Cast off any "victim" mindset and take hold of the truth spoken by Christ as He gave His life for you: "It is finished!" He fought the war and won – on our behalf. WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS We will stand strong, knowing that as we resist, we are more than victors in Christ Jesus (seeRomans 8:37). What we see withstanding us will not erase from our souls the victory God has promised. Let your heart gain courage from this promise in Deuteronomy 31:6: - "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." As we stand in faith, drawing ever closer to God and resisting the devil, the enemy flees (seeJames 4:7). Through the power of Christ Jesus, we will trample on the evil works of satan (see Luke 10:19). As we walk in confidence, knowing our God and depending upon Christ the King, then we will see the promise of Romans 16:20 fulfilled: the God of Peace will crush the powers of satan under our feet. Never forget: Greater is HE that is within you than he that is in the world (see 1 John 4:4)! "But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) – [which will bring you] unto life eternal. "And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. "Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight] – to the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it)." - Jude 20-24 Ephesians 6:1-11 offers great advice concerning the best strategy for preparing for this conflict with the powers of darkness. Be bold, be brave, be very courageous! You are called to a victorious overcomer, to be aggressive in our stand against the kingdoms of darkness (see Joshua 1:9). God has given us bold authority to bind the works of satan (see Matthew 16:18-19). Christ Jesus states we must take a bold stand against the works of darkness if we are going to see the Kingdom of God advance: "And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the Kingdom of Heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize – a share in the Heavenly Kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]" (Matthew 11:12 AMP). TAKE A STAND NOW This is a time of confrontation and conflict. Resolve in your heart that you will neither compromise nor retreat, you are going to exhibit bravery and boldness (see Joshua 1:9). Lift your head high and resolve that you, personally – empowered by the Holy Spirit and more than a conqueror – are going to make a difference in your generation. Now is the time to discover and walk in God's PURPOSE for your life (see Matthew 7:7) for the establishing of the Kingdom of God (see 2 Corinthians 6:2). Now is the time to hold nothing back! Make this hour your finest hour – to "win for the Lamb the reward of His suffering"! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

2 Corinthians 10:4 - "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to tear down strongholds." Wherever a stronghold exists, it is a demonically induced pattern of thinking. Specifically, it is a "house made of thoughts" which has become a dwelling place for satanic activity. The strongholds upon which demons rely consists of our own thoughts, attitudes, and opinions which are in agreement with evil. The strongholds that affect us most are those which are so hidden in our thinking patterns that we do not recognize them or identify them as evil. Matthew 12:37 - "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." AFFIRMATIONS: Today!....I make up my mind that I'm going to speak life to my situation and circumstances. I am going to the word of God to find out what He has to say about me and my situation, and I'm going to say what He says. Today!...I curse the wrong words I've spoken over my life and begin to speak the words of life I'm supposed to speak. Proverbs 6:2 - 'You are snared (trapped) with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth.' Proverbs 18:21 - 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue.' l Corinthians 3:18,19 - "Make no mistake about it: if anyone of you thinks of himself as wise, in the ordinary sense of the word, then he must learn to be a fool before he really can be wise. Why? Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God...God is not convinced by the arguments of the wise." On our own we cannot comprehend how to grow and live in oneness with God. Nothing in the world's wisdom, nothing in our human knowledge can match the wisdom of God which is eternal and from above. The only way to receive wisdom from God is to come before Him (submitting your spirit to Him), pushing away every bit of understanding you think you have gained, and each day, offer yourself as a servant who is willing to do the lowest job. As long as you allow the spirit of "superior knowledge" to secretly overtake you -- that is, to be master of you of your own soul -- you will be as powerless in spirit as a slave -- always subject to your lower nature. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

"I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me." - Psalm 16:9 The promise is that even as you sleep there will be revelation. We are instructed to set our mind and our affections on things above, not on things on earth(Colossians 3:2). Only when our affections, our emotions, our mind, and our thoughts are set on things above can the peace of God truly come; and it's a guard. We need to let the peace of God rule; it guards our hearts and minds. Then the door of the spirit realm opens up and we begin to live in the supernatural realm because there is a direct connection between peace, the mind, and having our hearts set on entering into the realm of the Spirit. Set your affections on things above! "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10 John 17:16,17 - "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." WE'VE BEEN PLACED IN ANOTHER WORLD; OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN. WE ARE TO LIVE BY HEAVENLY PRINCIPLES, AND ONE OF THOSE PRINCIPLES IS THAT OF FRAMING OUR WORLD WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Affirmations: I DON'T CONFESS WHAT I DON'T HAVE - I CONFESS WHAT I DESIRE TO HAVE. I DON'T TALK ABOUT WHAT I CAN'T DO - I TALK ABOUT WHAT I CAN DO THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. GOD HAS DONE HIS PART - HE SENT JESUS. THE HOLY SPIRIT INDWELLS ME, AND I HAVE GOD'S WORD. I USE IT TO FRAME MY WORLD. Luke 13:20,21 - "To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened." Much like light that exposes, or salt that preserves, leaven influences its surroundings in a subtle but overpowering way. So it is with the infiltrating power of the Kingdom of God. Without a revelation of what God intends to do in our lives regarding our CALLING in Christ, we cannot move in overcoming faith. When the main goal of our faith is to keep us safe from the devil, our faith becomes inferior to what God expects. Jesus had in mind more for us than survival. We are destined to overcome. Every conversion plunders hell. Every miracle destroys the works of the devil. Every God encounter is an "invasion of the almighty" into our desperate condition. This is our joy. Revelation 12:11 - "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

THE FAITH OF GOD is about to possess the faithful ones and even the last hour laborers that are coming in now. It is no longer faith in God, but it will be a full release of the faith OF GOD. The faith OF GOD is where God's faith possess your nature and you can start creating with Him. Hebrews 11 says that by faith the worlds were framed. People of faith in this hour will have God's faith in them that will have radical anointing for Kingdom advancement. Galatians 2"20 - "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." KJV Affirmations: I DEFINE MYSELF BY THE WORD OF GOD. I CONSTANTLY TRAIN MY MIND TO THINK IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD'S WORD. I TREASURE THE PROMISES UP IN MY HEART AND PONDER THEM. AS I SPEAK THE WORD OVER MY OWN LIFE AND PROPHESY MY OWN DESTINY IN AGREEMENT WITH HIM, I RELEASE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN GREATER MEASURE TO BRING THE WORD TO PASS. Jesus blew the lid off limitation because He would not settle for a measure or for a limit. Human minds, wisdom, and ability are limited. He had to seek and rely on the FULLNESS OF GOD'S SPIRIT upon Him in wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge, which enabled Him to do the things He did that radically changed the very course of history. Only the FULLNESS of God's Spirit satisfied Him. He did not move an inch without that RICH TREASURE upon Him and the Spirit's fullness thereof flowing out of Jesus' heart; His presence manifested in everything. The "RICH TREASURE of His glory" that the apostle Paul speaks about -- that treasure that fills you throughout all of your being unto ALL the FULLNESS of God (see Ephesians 3:16, 19) for that incredible, enabling dunamis power in all things. The Spirit of God and power go hand-in-hand. Paul himself said that his speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (see 1 Corinthians 2:4). What is your PURPOSE and what are you called, commissioned and equipped to do for our Master and Lord Jesus Christ and His Church? Hebrews 12:3 - "Consider Jesus that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." THE SPIRIT OF WEARINESS IS TRYING TO WORK ITS WAY INTO OUR LIVES THESE DAYS THROUGH ALL THE PRESSURE AND BAD NEWS THAT SURROUNDS US. IT'S WORKING TO GET OUR EYES OFF THE WORD OF GOD BY BOMBARDING US WITH NEGATIVE FORCES. IT'S TRYING TO GET US TO LOOK DOWN AT DEFEAT INSTEAD OF UP AT JESUS. JESUS SAID IN MARK 4 THAT WHEN THE CARES OF THIS WORLD ENTER INTO YOUR HEART AND MIND, THEY'LL CHOKE THE WORD AND CAUSE IT TO BECOME UNFRUITFUL. AND SINCE YOUR FAITH IS THE PRODUCT OF THE WORD, THAT MEANS YOUR FAITH WILL WITHER. Set aside a few moments -- just five or ten minutes each day-- in which you can think quietly about only the "praise points" or blessings in your life. Just say, "I want to know You more deeply than I've ever know You, God. God, I want to know You and Your ways." Learn how to move and flow in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit! Walk out your destiny and ascend to new levels with Him. To feel unworthy is self-centeredness (the root of self-righteousness). We are still only looking to ourselves instead of to Jesus. Believe to believe that you received when you prayed and continue to apply the power of God. Press in to such a degree that you can confront anything that is contrary to what you have asked, and overcome it. Perseverance in prayer is the key to overcoming Satan. "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and be complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4,5 A Christian will backslide when he does not function in his CALLING IN CHRIST, just as a muscle atrophies with lack of use. An idle believer isolates himself, becoming easy prey for the enemy. You have to learn to "trust the witness of the Spirit in your heart", like "going out on a limb" as they say. You have to choose who to listen to: your spirit or your mind -- they can both tell you different things at the same time. The Holy Spirit desires you to live daily in the fullness of the Lord so that Jesus will receive glory and honor through His great power working in and through you. Jesus said to the Father, “As You sent Me, Father, send them!” (John 20:21). God will empower you, just as He did Jesus, to walk out the fullness of your DESTINY, with that same unlimited anointing of the Holy Spirit! (John 3:34). If you do not overcome, it is because you do not believe. For as soon as one believes, one instantly overcomes. "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'Because of your little faith.'" - Matthew 17:19.20 Before you step into the next level God has for you, you will have to face your Goliath head on and take it down. Your giant will try to intimidate, limit, and constrain you from possessing what is yours in God. Mark 11:23 - "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,'and does not doubt in his heart; but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

"Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." - Hebrews 2:14,15 At the Cross, Jesus broke the power of sin. When He was resurrected, He destroyed the power of death. "Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." - Colossians 2:14,15 He is currently not in either location (the cross or the tomb). Without those two victories we would not have our salvation, but there was something more God was revealing to me. Everything Jesus did in His life, death, and resurrection were steps in a journey toward His ultimate prize—a Throne. After His redemptive work was complete, Jesus sat down on His Throne and the Father put all things in submission under His feet. Paul wrote about this position of Christ's authority in his magnificent letter to the Ephesians: "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the Church." - Ephesians 1:19-22 NLT WE ARE POSITIONED WITH JESUS There is another reality we need to understand about Christ's Throne. We are positioned with Jesus on His Throne at this very moment. This position in Christ on His Throne is our present-tense heavenly reality. "Even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:5,6 DUAL-CITIZENSHIP ROLE Paul described our dual-citizenship role to the Philippians when he wrote, "But we are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives" (Philippians 3:20). This finished work of Jesus gave us the authority to conduct His Kingdom business from two realms. We can accomplish Kingdom business on earth because we are able to release the authority of Heaven back to earth from our position in Christ on His Throne. This understanding can change everything we do, especially how we pray. We can only conduct Heaven's business on earth if we know the heavenly context from which we release our authority in Christ. This Easter, line up the Cross and Tomb with the target of God's Throne. Like a spiritual sighting system, these two sights will align your faith with the place from which your authority to live a resurrected life on earth originates. Early Church Believers would greet each other with the phrase, "He is Risen! He is risen, indeed!" Many still use this greeting on Easter morning. That greeting carries a profound message. It is a message that speaks of a greater purpose—a risen reality—that came about because of an empty Cross, an empty Tomb and an occupied Throne. The reality of our position in Christ seated with Him on His Throne is another reason to celebrate on this special day. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

God's spiritual nation today is all the born-again Believers that make up the Body of Christ worldwide. The only way that the Church is enlarged is through the harvest of new souls. This is how the Kingdom continues to increase. There are many parts of the world where great glory is brought to the Lord in this way. However, in many Western nations, there is a spiritual barrenness. "As a woman with child and about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in Your presence, O Lord. We were with child, we writhed in pain, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth; we have not given birth to people of the world". - Isaiah 26:17-18 NIV We have lots of activity in the Church, with many conferences, special events, prophetic and healing meetings, but very little is happening with regards to the harvesting of souls. Now the Holy Spirit is giving us this charge: "'Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,' says the Lord. 'Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities'" - Isaiah 54:1-3 NIV). This word follows the well-known and powerful prophecy concerning the suffering of Jesus on the Cross and His resurrection from the dead in Isaiah 53. This is the greatest revelation of God's love to us. We are compelled by His love for us to go and bring Jesus His reward that He paid for with His Blood. We need to break out of the four walls of our church buildings and Christian meetings and GO WHERE THE LOST ARE. This stretching out of the tent and lengthening of the cords: does not mean enlarging your church building or building bigger church buildings, but it is an enlargement of our labor in the harvest. Isaiah 9:3 in the New King James Version says: "You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest..." EXPAND YOUR PRESENT ACTIVITY IN THE HARVEST The enlargement that the Holy Spirit is challenging us with is to push for the multiplication of new Believers and the multiplication of new small churches in the homes of these new Believers. It is Time to Expand Your Own Activity in the Harvest! It is time for out-of-the-box thinking and action. We need our faith to increase. We need to overcome past disappointments and fears that hold us back. "...Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you..." (2 Corinthians 10:15-16 NIV). As a pastor, ministry leader, or house church leader, stretch out your faith and expand your own activity in the harvest. Begin to make regular calls for salvation with a short explanation of the Gospel (see Luke 24:45-49; Acts 2:37-41; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Even if nobody responds at first, persevere Sunday after Sunday, because in doing so, you are: stirring the Believers about the lost, and you are sharpening your sickle. Do not give up; the breakthrough will come. At the same time, lead your people out to go and do door-to-door evangelism on a regular basis. This kind of activity in the harvesting of souls will facilitate the breaking out and reaching out to the lost souls outside of your usual sphere of influence of family, friends, and co-workers. There is great joy awaiting you in the harvest, and an eternal reward in Heaven! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

John 10:4 - "The gate keeper admits him, and the sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. When he as brought them all out, he goes ahead and the sheep follow, because they know his voice." JESUS DID NOT SAY, "MY SHEEP WILL KNOW MY BOOK." IT IS HIS VOICE THAT WE ARE TO KNOW. WHY THE DISTINCTION? BECAUSE ANYONE CAN KNOW THE BIBLE AS A BOOK - THE DEVIL HIMSELF KNOWS AND QUOTES THE SCRIPTURES. BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE. Observation: I MUST DILIGENTLY STUDY THE SCRIPTURES, REMEMBERING THAT IT IS IN KNOWING HIM THAT THE GREATEST TRUTHS OF SCRIPTURE WILL BE UNDERSTOOD. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." How is gratitude a weapon? Gratitude means being grateful not only for what God has already done but for what He is about to do. Combining faith with gratitude multiplies the power of this spiritual weapon. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He uses fear to capture hearts. He uses lies to capture land. Gratitude prevents him. Gratitude actually takes territory from the enemy. Thus, gratitude is a weapon in spiritual warfare. Gratitude creates an atmosphere for increase. Look at all of the traps gratitude helps you avoid: self-pity, entitlement, resentment, greed, lust, and anger are a few. See what a great strategy gratitude is? Gratitude helps you avoid disappointment and indignation. As an active strategy for wellness, it promotes healing. It leaves little room for fear. Gratitude and contentment enhance godliness as you set your affection on things above and not things below. That is great gain. You will not win the world with your logic, you will win the world with love. There is no logic that can explain His love. So let His love flow through your heart, peace dictate your thoughts, and compassion craft your words. Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Observation: I ESTABLISH MYSELF THROUGH PRAYER SAYING, "LORD, I REFUSE TO BE AFRAID OF THIS WEAPON THE DEVIL HAS BROUGHT AGAINST ME BECAUSE I KNOW THAT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, IT CANNOT PROSPER. I TRUST YOU TO PROTECT ME, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROTECTION NOW. IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN." Affirmations: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER. NO SICKNESS, NO CIRCUMSTANCE, NO PROBLEM THAT RISES AGAINST ME CAN SUCCESSFULLY BRING ME DOWN. I DON'T LET THE POWERHOUSE OF GOD'S PROTECTION GO TO WASTE. I PUT IT TO WORK IN MY LIFE. IT IS MY RIGHTFUL HERITAGE AS A SERVANT OF THE LORD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Acts 3:6,7 - "But Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! Then he took hold of the man's right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady." Part of our problem is this: we are accustomed only to doing things for God that are not impossible. If God doesn't show up and help us, we can still succeed. There must be an aspect of the Christian Life that is impossible without divine intervention that keeps us on the edge and puts us in contact with our true calling. Matthew 17:21 - "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The Kingdom of God is not a religion; it is an ever-expanding, all-consuming relationship with Jesus Christ. It is as different from religion as a brilliant angel is from a shadowy ghost. The only temple God dwells within on earth is the temple of our human bodies. John, in the book of Revelation, is very plain. He says of the Holy City -- "I saw no temple therein." Revelation 21:2,22 - "And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Notice Jesus is the "Author." What does that mean? It means your faith originated with Him. And not only is He the Author, He is the Finisher too. "From faith to faith" in Romans 1:17 means we are to begin and finish in faith. We are to start in faith and stand in faith until that which we are believing for arrives. We go from "faith to faith" not faith to feelings. So if you are believing God's word for something, that Word is the Starter and the Finisher! Mark 4:26,27 - "And Jesus said, 'so is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.'" Faith is a seed. When we are dealing in faith, there is a timing for the manifestation. It takes time sometimes for our faith to pull things into the natural realm. That's why the bible says it's "from faith to faith." We have to stay in faith even when we don't see any changes. In our faith, we have to get above seeing or feeling something. Affirmations: I OPERATE IN THE KIND OF FAITH THAT RECEIVES VICTORY AND MAINTAINS THAT VICTORY SINCE I HOLD FAST TO MY BELIEVING AND CONFESSING. WHEN MY FAITH IS CHALLENGED I FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. I STAY ON COURSE UNTIL THE FIGHT IS FINISHED. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

It is imperative that we realize our personal identity in Christ. In Colossians 2:9 we discover this central fact concerning Christ Jesus: "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Our outlook on life is changed as we contemplate: "And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) "You are complete," which means we lack nothing at all, as we are "in Him." Abiding in Christ and allowing Him to flow freely out of us enables us to function with the greatest degree of success, thus fulfilling God's CALLING upon our life. Jesus was extreme, and He branded and seared everything He touched with the Father's glory. He never settled for or experienced partial success. The Son's legacy made it possible for us to do the very same things that He did? The great and even greater miracles? That we have access to that very same fullness, the wisdom, and counsel. His dynamic legacy of miraculous and enabling power is our privilege. Even if we're in what the world may view as a pit, if we're suffering with infirmity or disease, losing everything -- we're still living on that divine plateau that Jesus laid before us! "But you shall receive power [dunamis: dynamite miraculous power, force, might, strength, enabling power through the Holy Spirit] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Acts 1:8 God sent the prophet Isaiah to King Ahaz (see Isaiah chapter 7) to tell him that God would protect them from the army that was coming against them. Scripture goes on to remind us of the Kingdom principle that is necessary to possess the promises of God. It is written, "If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established" (Isaiah 7:9b). It always comes down to our faith and believing that God is faithful to perform what He said -- doesn't it? It seems that doubting the love and faithfulness of our Creator is the enemy's strongest scheme through which he tries to confuse and mislead God's faithful followers. King Ahaz had a big decision to make, yet we have the same type of difficult decision to make each day, too. Will we trust that God is with us and will protect us as He promised, or will we strive to find a way out of a situation ourselves? We've got to be at a place where we stop and say, "Soul, what are you doing, and why are you so complacent? I've got to remember from where I have fallen. I've got to get back that love and that passion and that fire; I've got to get it back! I've got to repent and do the first works! Something's wrong here. I'm not going to stay here anymore murmuring and going around this mountain. I am going to do something about it!" Revelation 2:4, 5a" --"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works." "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." - Song of Solomon 2:11-12 Each of us has a promised land for our lives. God's promises in His word are key to us entering into the vision that God has given us. If you are in a desert God is ready to take you out! Time to move on from eating manna to eating the food that God freely gives in the promised land of your DESTINY! Genesis 1:26 - "Let Us make man in Our image, to be like Ourselves; let man have dominion....over all the earth." It is time for us to truly understand what Jesus has restored to us through the Cross, and step into the fullness of that relationship and have great impact in the earth. It is time for us to occupy our KINGDOM AUTHORITY so that we can occupy the earth and make it as it is in Heaven! "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you." - Luke 10:19 The intellect can be the very thing that obstructs the flow of the Spirit and the voice of the Lord coming to us. God wants you right now, in whatever area you are barren, to start rejoicing as if the fruit or yield you want to see has already come. He wants you to start thinking, speaking, and acting as if the barrenness is no more. "Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor...." - Galatians 4:27 To hear from God is living with expectation toward Him. Expectation places a demand on the Holy Spirit. You made the exchange from sinner to Saint and from pauper to King, when you received Jesus. So now, are you willing to lay aside every foolish thing to follow His PURPOSE for your life? Are you willing to pare down on some activities that you have been doing to spend time in His Word? AFFIRMATIONS: Because I am in Christ Jesus, any sin that was in me has been wiped out. Nothing of it remains. The Spirit of the Living God lives inside of me and I am refreshed by the presence of God. (Acts 3:18-20) I count not my own life dear and regardless of what man says, I boldly testify of the Truth. I serve the Living God and only Him. (Acts 4:19-21) I am a child of God and limitless signs and wonders follow me and are done through the name of Jesus Christ, in the face of threats and persecution. (Acts 4:29-30) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Once God moves you to a new place, the old paths and ways simply don't work anymore! If you continue to try to go the same way as you always have, you will stub your toe! You will run into walls and possibly even dead ends. God is saying today that He has moved you to a new place! You no longer reside where you used to in the spirit realm. You must seek Him for new ways to do things and new pathways to get to where He wants you to go. The old way, the old paths you used to trod – the comfortable ways, the ones you are used to – simply will not produce the results that are desired by the Great I AM in this next season. NEW EXPECTATION God is also saying you need new expectation. You must expect good things – GOD things – in this new season. God is out to bless you! Disregard the doom and gloom message that is being belched out everywhere you go. God has measured you and weighed you, and you have not been found wanting (see Daniel 5:27)! Isaiah 54:2 -- "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes." To walk in our DESTINY we must learn new ways and walk out of the old ways and comfort zones of the past. Now is the time to enlarge, stretch, lengthen, strengthen, spread abroad, resettle, inherit and inhabit the new places. It is time to let go of the old and reach for the new, embracing the high calling of God in our lives, to win souls and MAKE DISCIPLES of new believers. WATCHFUL AND DISCERNING We must be smarter in this season than we have ever been. Ask God! We must be more discerning than we have ever been. Ask God! We must be more watchful and on guard, because we are at a new level spiritually – higher than we have ever been before! Trust Holy Spirit! We are at a new place! We cannot continue to do things as they were done in seasons past, because they don't work anymore. We must rely on the Spirit of God in us! Listen to Him and trust Him, our witness. And expect good things! Because they are coming! John 16:13 - "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]." AMP ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

John 9:14,16 - "And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the sabbath day." MOST OF THE PHARISEES SPENT THEIR LIVES SERVING GOD WITHOUT EVER DISCOVERING THE FATHER'S HEART! WHILE THE PHARISEES THOUGHT GOD WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SABBATH, JESUS WORKED TO HELP THE ONES THE SABBATH WAS CREATED FOR. THESE LEADERS WERE ACCUSTOMED TO THE MIRACLES OF THE SCRIPTURES REMAINING IN THE PAST. BUT JESUS BROKE INTO THEIR COMFORT ZONES BY USHERING THE SUPERNATURAL INTO THEIR CITIES. 1 Samuel 17:46 - "This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." DAVID FRAMED HIS WORLD. BEFORE HE EVER FOUGHT GOLIATH, HE CALLED OUT WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE. HE CALLED THINGS THAT BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE (ROMANS 4:17). BY FAITH, DAVID SAID, "THE LORD IS GOING TO GIVE YOU INTO MY HANDS TODAY, GOLIATH, AND I'M GOING TO CUT OFF YOUR HEAD!" GOD WANTS US TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR PRAYING AND IN OUR SAYING. IF HE DIDN'T WANT US TO SUCCEED, HE WOULDN'T HAVE GIVEN US A PATTERN BY WHICH WE COULD FRAME OUR WORLD. Exodus 19:14 - "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself." In facing their threshold or brink, marching through the "GATES" out of captivity in Egypt, Israel has to make a leap of faith. If they took the leap of faith, would God come and bear them up on eagle's wings? Bold action is always motivated by faith of some kind. Faith-filled people of God take bold action, which opens a "GATE" and releases spiritual power. Paul opened up a "GATE" in Ephesus when he boldly preached the gospel in the city. Not only were people changed but the socioeconomic system of the city was transformed as well. The city transformed (see Acts 19). Bold action opens up a "GATE" of spiritual power and blessing from God. The heavens over an area are opened in a new way. It is at the "GATES" as someone steps onto the threshold that faith and perseverance are tested. It is at the threshold where either spiritual abortion or spiritual birthing occurs. Affirmations: GOD HAS A GREAT DEAL FOR ME TO POSSESS. MY TAKING POSSESSION WILL REQUIRE GREAT FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE. GOD IS CONTINUALLY PUTTING NEW CHALLENGES BEFORE ME TO DEVELOP MY FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE AT A DEEPER LEVEL. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Mark 1:1 says: "Here begins the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God" (NLT). "HERE" ... Right here. Right now. No matter what you have been through, or are currently facing. No matter how long you have been dealing with it. "BEGINS" ... This is the moment. This is the time. This is your shift. This is when Heaven invades and everything starts to change. This is the launch of the new day, the new hour, the new season. "THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS THE MESSIAH" ... Everything the enemy meant for harm. Everything you have endured. All of the hardship. All of the disappointment. All of the confusion. Here is where you begin to see your Savior, Deliverer, Provider, Protector, Redeemer and Reviver turn curse into blessing, lack into plenty, sickness into health, broken relationships into divine unions, prodigals into devoted sons and daughters, battles into victories! "THE SON OF GOD" ... We are restored to relationship with our Heavenly Father and all of His Kingdom. Right here right now, He wants to remind you of who you are and what you have in Him and with Him, all of your days! He wants to re-mind you – change the way you think about things so that you change the way you see and speak about things. All from the perspective of certain victory through the finished work of the Cross! Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." All Fear is rooted in the notion that God's promises won't come to pass. Fear of poverty is really fear that Philippians 4:19 (concerning God providing all my needs) won't work. Fear of sickness is really the fear that 1 Peter 2:24 (concerning God's promise to heal me) won't work. OBSERVATION: I know that God is motivated by my faith and not my fears. As I hear God's word and receive it, faith will come. Likewise, if I listen to and receive satan's word's, fear will be amplified in my life. Since I have a choice --I choose faith! Ephesians 1:3,4 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as he has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." Many people who are doing something significant for God in the world are doing it "without their own resources" because God doesn't want us to depend on our own abilities. Instead, He wants us to be obedient by putting the vision on paper and then looking to Him to generate the funds and other resources that are needed to support His own work. Your provision, however, is usually hidden until you act on your vision. Whatever you were born to do attracts what you need to do it. Therefore, you first have to establish what you want to do, and begin to do it, before the need can be met. Affirmations: I KNOW THAT GOD WILL NEVER GIVE ME A VISION WITHOUT PROVISION. I REALIZE THAT MY PROVISION IS USUALLY HIDDEN UNTIL I ACT ON MY VISION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." What does it mean to "see" the kingdom of God? Jesus brought His world with Him, and it's within our reach. He wants us to see reality from God's perspective, to learn to live "from" His world "towards" the visible world. But we have to change the way we think if we want to apprehend the Kingdom power that is available. Jesus was saying that when our minds are renewed, we will see the Kingdom displayed and proven as He did in His earthly ministry. The idea of Kingdom power and spiritual conflict unsettles some people, but without power, the gospel is not good news. Jesus never made the gospel simply a doctrinal exercise. Affirmations: I HAVE AN UNRELENTING HUNGER TO WATCH THE KINGDOM BREAK INTO THIS REALM. I BECOME A CONNECTING POINT AND GATEWAY FOR GOD'S POWER. I AM A C0-LABORER WITH JESUS IN THE GREAT COMMISSION. Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus....who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.." The word "oppressed" is derived from a root word which means "press, to squeeze." The enemy is applying great pressure to cause us to go backwards. He does not desire that we "press in" for our deliverance and BREAKTHROUGH. There is also a strong attack from the enemy that would attempt to cause us to quit the race, throw in the towel, and not fulfill the things in our life that God has called us to do. Many have settled for less than God has intended and made available to us along by His precious Spirit and are content with partial victories because of a MINDSET OF LIMITATION. People should beg to know Jesus when we walk into a room! We are not seeing the greater manifestations of God's might and power, the greater brightness of His glory flowing in and through us, empowering us to see truly incredible transformations. If there is luke-warmness, you have to take responsibility for it. It's not always the church's fault. You've got to STIR YOURSELF UP to take hold of God, go to the well yourself, and go to the river of God yourself. You need to say, "I don't just want to go to where the blessing is, I want to be the blessing. I don't just want to go to the revival, I want to carry the revival. I want to be what starts the revival!" Psalms 42:1-2, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" Psalm 78:23-25 -- "Yet He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven; And He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance." As we read in John 6:31-35, Jesus is the manna from heaven. We must have a fresh encounter with Him, every day, and we must partake of Him every day. We should be more addicted to the son of God than a junky is for his next fix. If a junkie does not get his fix he will soon begin to shake. Most of the shaking we go through in life is the result of our not having partaken of Christ, every day. We, too lose our spiritual strength, our vision, and soon go into spiritual convulsions when we do not partake of Him. Many Believers today do not know where they fit in the Kingdom of God. Before we can begin to please God with our works we must first find out what His purpose is for us. There is the danger and temptation to you, of clogging your minds into your business so you can hardly do anything to the service of God. Are you ready? It is time to become a walking God-encounter for others. Stir up your faith, and release it to others as situations are presented. Determine in your heart that you want to reach the highest place in God ie. learn how to live each day in pure, loving oneness with Him. The spirit of the resurrected Christ is in you -- find it. That discovery somehow releases extraordinary faith. It's the discovery of the person in you -- that partnership positions you to re-define the nature of the world around you. Colossians 1:27 - "...Christ in you is the hope of glory." We are a "royal priesthood", meaning that we are all priests ministering to Jesus, our great High Priest. The primary function of priests is intercession and equipping the people of God. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people. that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9 Contrary to popular belief, the saying "God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible! God does not help those who help themselves. He helps those who are helpless and dependent on Him. He helps those who look to Him as their only source of help for their problem. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" - 2 Corinthians 12:9 The condition of your heart is determined by your mouth. Speak the word of God only. Leviathan is a spirit that corrodes and twists and perverts words and revelation; it also twists the flow of communication and it is referred to as the "twisted serpent" in Isaiah 27:1. The Body of Christ is called to die to our agenda and our ways so as to embrace His Kingdom. It is time to position ourselves for the shift, as God desires for His people to have His name and His Word etched on the deeds to their hearts. Let the faithful get in position to usher in the next great move of God. We are all "living stones" precious in God's sight (see 1 Peter 2:5-6). As we stir up the gifts and CHRIST CALLING within us and let the Lord's boldness come out, we begin glowing like uncut gems in sunlight. God is jealous for relationship with each one of us. Today, God is standing up and warring on our behalf. He is setting the captives free and releasing us into his PURPOSE for out life He ordained for us from the beginning. What would change in your life if you were personally encountered by God? By teaching (one on one), the Kingdom of God is not only established in grace, but also advances in the power of the Holy Spirit's revelation, wisdom, and truth. Paul taught the twelve new disciples for two years in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, and we are told that both the Jews and the Greeks throughout the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10). For twenty-four long months, the Apostle Paul labored tirelessly to bring the word of the Lord to the believers he was DISCIPLING in preparation to minister and impact the surrounding community. He trained the young disciples by the Word of God and laid a strong foundation upon which the glory could manifest in signs, wonders, and miracles. During this 24-month period of equipping, Paul prepared a team that could co-labor with him in the season of in-gathering for the harvest that was just around the corner. DISCIPLING OTHERS is an important part of advancing God's kingdom on earth. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Isaiah 66:9 says, "Shall I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the Lord. 'Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?' says your God." Isaiah 46:11 says, "Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, be assured I will do it." Whatever has been birthed in you, was spoken to you, either through the Word of God or through a prophetic word or from God speaking it to you Himself...whatever it was, God promises us that if He spoke it, He will bring it to pass. God does not bring you to the moment of birth and not deliver – He is not a man that He should lie. The very fact that you are fighting for it, travailing for it, is the undeniable truth that it already exists. It is not something you are trying to create or speak into existence, it already exists. Just as a baby already exists in a mother's womb. Isaiah 66:7 - "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child." To travail means to twist, whirl about, dance, fear, tremble, be in anguish, be pained, to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth, to wait anxiously, to be distressed. To be brought forth means the day of birth and it means to declare one's birth . Isaiah 66:12 - "For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream." We are promised delivery of the very thing God has placed inside us – we are promised it will come to a time of fruition. For God says, "I will extend peace like a river!" Peace is defined as completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, soundness (in body), health, prosperity, quiet, tranquility, contentment, peace (from war) – nothing broken or missing in your life. This is what comes at the destined time of delivery. God has a great plan for you. He has not made you promises that He can't bring to pass – if He said it, He will bring it to pass. There is a reward for the spiritual "baby" that you have been carrying – the reward is the delivery. And again, the very fact that you are carrying it declares that it is a completed work, something that already exists! It is already done! It is already complete! It is already yours! Psalm 127:3 says, "The fruit of the womb is your reward!" Your reward is real. It is not something you are hoping for or saying "maybe someday." No! It is already done! Psalm 29:9 tells us that the voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth. This is true for us as well. Sometimes God gives us a specific Scripture that has brought us through a season. He gives us a Scripture to stand on until we see the birth of what we are praying for. Psalm 27:13 - "I would have lost heart, if I had not believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living." We WILL see the goodness of God in the land of the living – we will – that goodness already exists and it is coming to delivery. The Lord has come and His reward is with Him. Don't let go of the promise – lay hold of all He said is yours! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Joshua 1:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them." True soldiers of Christ resolve to die every day to this world so that they live for the sake of the Gospel. Our work is not to make the gospel relevant to the world. To change the world we must be different from the world. We must challenge what people think. The spirit of the resurrected Christ is in you -- find it. That discovery releases extraordinary faith. It's the discovery of the person in you -- that partnership positions you to redefine the nature of the world around you. Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Some say that God doesn't speak to them, but this is not true. They just haven't learned the language of the Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes, He brings communication with Heaven: dreams, visions, and prophecies all represent union with God. Therefore, YOU MUST BELIEVE GOD CAN GET THROUGH TO YOU. What you need is the ability to interpret the influences of God upon your spirit. To sense what the Spirit of God is saying to you is, at its essence, the source of true spiritual discernment. In this regard, it is good to remember John's words: "These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him." - 1 John 2:26-27 Our goal is to develop that inner witness, for when it is united with knowledge of the Word of God, we have a powerful resource added to our arsenal of faith. Remember, the Spirit and the Word always agree. So if you memorize and study the Word of God and walk in the Spirit, you will increasingly possess discernment. This does not allow us to ignore input from teachers or others whom God may use. While we must maintain sovereignty over our will, God gives us ministries to train and equip us(Ephesians 4:11-12). Matthew 16:18 - "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Where precisely are the gates of hell? Where does the devil sit in power? The mind is the gatekeeper of the Kingdom of God. It is the place of access, transition, and power. It follows that the gates of hell are set up in people's minds. Jesus made this clear: Matthew 16:23 - "But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'" When you've been given the Spirit of God, you lose the privilege of claiming, "I'm only human." Paul rebukes the church at Corinth for behaving like mere men (1 Corinthians 3:3). The gate of hell is in our minds any time we agree with a man-centered perspective or natural wisdom that does not know God. We empower demonic forces and become a gate to release his power to kill, steal, and destroy our lives. Affirmation: I AM A GATEWAY FOR HEAVEN'S REALITY TO TAKE OVER EVERY PART OF MY LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WHO I INFLUENCE, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL THE SPECIFIC SITUATION IS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Job 41:1 asks, "Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook?" The Hebrew word Leviathan actually means "to mourn." The enemy's strategy has been to get the Church into a place of mourning over things that have gone against us and immobilize us with a sense of fatalism or hopelessness. He is called the King of the children of pride. He is arrogant, brings crooked communications, strife and division, prayerlessness, fear, apathy and passivity due to an intimidation factor. Scripture says, "I will turn your mourning into dancing...I will turn your sorrow into joy...I will turn the curse into a blessing for you because I love you, says the Lord." We must shake ourselves from grief and mourning and rejoice because God is taking everything meant for our evil and turning it for our good! Perhaps man cannot defeat Leviathan, but clearly God can. If we will just show up in this spiritual confrontation with Leviathan, being careful to recognize we do not battle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, if we will show up, God will delight in showing off His superior powers to bring about Leviathan's defeat! 1 Samuel 17:38,39 - "And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail (armor made of metal plates) and David girded his sword upon his armor, and he tried to go but could not, for he was not used to it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him." DAVID WAS SAYING, "I CAN'T USE THESE THINGS; I HAVEN'T PROVED THEM." HOW MANY TIMES IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE DO WE TRY TO USE EVERYTHING WE CAN GET OUR HANDS ON - EXCEPT THE WORD OF GOD? WE TRY TO FIND ANSWERS IN OUR OWN STRENGTH. WE TRY TO SOLICIT HELP FROM OTHERS OR TRY TO WORK IT OUT OURSELVES. IT SEEMS WE'RE AFRAID TO TRUST THE WORD OF GOD, AND IT'S THE GREATEST WEAPON WE COULD EVER HAVE. Matthew 6:33 -- "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Therefore, our number one priority every day is to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. IT IS NOT TO SEEK TO ADD THESE THESE THINGS TO OURSELVES. But what is righteousness? Righteousness is not right behavior. It is right standing with the Father. It is the clearance of all your guilt, which makes you able to stand before God. It is not something you get through right behavior. It is a GIFT from God. Paul calls it "the gift of righteousness" (Romans 5:17). And to "seek" this gift is to be CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE IT -- TO CONFESS THAT YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS IN CHRIST. At the cross, Jesus didn't just remove our sins, He gave us His righteousness so that today, we can come boldly before the throne of God and receive freely everything that He died to give us! AFFIRMATIONS: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21) I seek the righteousness of Jesus, not my own righteousness. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." What does it mean to "see" the kingdom of God? Jesus brought His world with Him, and it's within our reach. He wants us to see reality from God's perspective, to learn to live "from" His world "towards" the visible world. But we have to change the way we think if we want to apprehend the Kingdom power that is available. Jesus was saying that when our minds are renewed, we will see the Kingdom displayed and proven as He did in His earthly ministry. The idea of Kingdom power and spiritual conflict unsettles some people, but without power, the gospel is not good news. Jesus never made the gospel simply a doctrinal exercise. Affirmations: I HAVE AN UNRELENTING HUNGER TO WATCH THE KINGDOM BREAK INTO THIS REALM. I BECOME A CONNECTING POINT AND GATEWAY FOR GOD'S POWER. I AM A C0-LABORER WITH JESUS IN THE GREAT COMMISSION. Matthew 9:24,25 -- "He said to them, 'Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.' And they laughed Him to scorn. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.'' Jesus ignored what His natural eyes told Him, and He declared what His spiritual eyes saw. He saw the heart of God and the mind of God which was far more of a reality than what His physical senses told Him. Faith is the bridge between the eternal (the unseen) and the temporal (the seen). In prayer, we can cross that bridge and see as God sees. Real prayer is not just words, but intently waiting on God until we (by the Spirit) see what He is seeing. Luke 13:20,21 - "again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21“It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” Some in the church believe that ‘leaven’ always refers to sin and this parable shows how the church will be full of sin and compromise in the last days. The mistake in this line of reasoning is twofold. 1. They are mistaking the church for the kingdom. They are not the same. The church is to live in the realm of the kingdom domain but in itself is not the kingdom. While sin does infect the church, the kingdom is the realm of God’s rule. Sin cannot penetrate and influence that realm. 2. The predisposition to see a weak and struggling church in the last days has made it difficult to see the promise of God for revival. It is impossible to have faith where there is no hope. Such approaches to understanding scripture have crippled the church. The parable about the leaven illustrates the subtle but overwhelming influence (leaven) of the kingdom in any setting of which it is placed. The bible talks about influence (leaven) on the mind that determines how we interact with the kingdom. These influences (leaven) affect us as we endeavor to become students of miracles. How much time do you spend in God's Word compared to taking in other perspectives from television, movies, books, magazines, and the Internet? How will your life change as you become more extreme with your faith? Can you visualize how your relationship with the Father is changing? God wants to resurrect things that have died in you. You may think that your window of occasion is past the time that anything good can happen, but remember we serve the God of the resurrection. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life....." - John 11:25 All fear is rooted in the notion that God's promises won't come true. The ultimate oppression is the ignorance that keeps people from knowing Jesus. Just as Israel had to confront a wilderness that was the exact opposite of the land of milk & honey they had been promised, I too must do also. Faith operates by believing and saying..and saying..and saying. It is my confession, or words of faith, that brings possession. (Mark 11:22,23) Many of God's people are seeking something -- such as love, patience, or humility -- that seems to be everywhere else except in their own lives. They look for it as a thing existing on earth, instead of looking to Christ alone. Therein lies the basic difference between real and faulty Christianity. It is time to stand and be ready to do the things the Lord has placed within you. The Lord God has placed a fire in your heart that burns to release the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth to all those He places in your path. You need only to stay focused on His Word, His truth and His voice – all else will fall into place and anything that is not of Him shall fall away. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com