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1 Corinthians 15:24 - "Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and hand over the Kingdom to God the Father." THIS IS THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST -- WHAT HE CONQUERS, HE THEN SURRENDERS. IN HUMILITY ABRAHAM TAKES ISAAC, AND OFFERS HIM BACK TO GOD. DAVID CONQUERS JERUSALEM, THEN DEDICATES IT TO THE LORD, CALLING IT THE "CITY OF GOD". WHAT WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THROUGH FAITH WE NOW OFFER BACK TO GOD. John 16:13 - "However, when He comes who is the Spirit of truth, he will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but will tell only what He hears; and He will make known to you the things that are coming." The deep things of God are known only to Him, but are revealed to us through His Spirit. That is the promise of 1 Corinthians 2. Indisputably, our great desire is to soar in the Spirit and obtain revelations of God's nature, power, strategy, and insight. However, to best accommodate this great privilege, we must be firmly "rooted and grounded" in Him. We must "Go deep in order to go high!" WE MUST BE: 1. Rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). 2. Rooted and grounded in faith (Understanding Christ's finished work, who we are in Christ and our inheritance in Christ.) 3. Rooted and grounded in truth (Understanding God's Purpose for our life - our CALLING in Christ.) The more firmly we are grounded, the more capable we become to penetrate Heaven by the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation and embrace insight with understanding. AFFIRMATIONS: I confess that I am led by the Spirit of God! Because I cooperate with Him, I don't waste valuable time, energy, or money, and I don't shed a lot of unnecessary tears. He leads me past every attack: He helps me avoid each strategy of the devil; and He safely guides me to the place where God wants me to be! Song of Solomon 2:11 - "For lo! the winter is past, the rain is over and gone." YOU COULD HAVE FROZEN FROM THE EXCESSIVE COLD OR BEEN OVERWHELMED BY THE SNOWS AND STORMS OF SINS. INSTEAD, YOU BECOME STRONG DURING THE TIME WHEN YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THE LORD WITHIN WHILE THE STORMS WERE RAGING WITHOUT. THE COLD HAS DESTROYED ALL THE INSECTS - THAT IS, THINGS THAT WERE FORMERLY ACTIVE IN YOU AND WOULD HAVE DESTROYED YOU. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the word of God." Notice that it does not say, faith comes from "having heard." The whole nature of faith implies a relationship with God that is current. The emphasis is on hearing.......in the now! Faith has its anchor in the unseen realm. It lives from the invisible toward the visible. Faith actualizes what it realizes. Faith has focus and purpose. Faith grabs hold of the reality of the Kingdom and forcefully and violently brings it into a collision with this natural one. An inferior kingdom cannot stand. For one who has faith in the Word of God, there is nothing impossible. There are no impossibilites when there is faith..........and there are no exceptions. Observation: IF I WANT TO KEEP ADVANCING MY FAITH, I HAVE TO BE PLANTED. I PLANT MYSELF IN A PLACE WHERE THE WORD IS PREVALENT AND THE PEOPLE AROUND ME ARE CONTINUALLY SPEAKING AND LIVING IT. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT BY GOD'S GRACE, I AM MAKING MY PRESENT SITUATION MORE AND MORE GLORIOUS! I ALLOW GOD TO CHANGE ME SO THIS PRESENT SEASON OF MY LIFE CAN BECOME GLORIOUS. BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT SEES MY WILLINGNESS TO GO THROUGH THE NECESSARY TRANSFORMATION PROCESS, HE IS PREPARING TO MOVE ME UPWARD INTO A MORE GLORIOUS PHASE IN MY LIFE. I AM GOING FROM GLORY TO GLORY! Song of Solomon 2:10 - Behold, my beloved speaks to me and says, "Rise up, my love, my dove, my fair one, and come." GOD TURNS YOU WITHIN, TOWARD HIM, AND PREPARES YOU FOR UNION WITH HIM THROUGH HIS HOLY EMBRACE. THE BELOVED (JESUS) SPEAKS TO YOU AND INVITES YOU TO COME QUICKLY OUT OF YOURSELF. HE NO LONGER ASKS YOU TO REST, BUT COMMANDS YOU TO RISE UP. " I HAVE LED YOU DEEPLY WITHIN TO FIND ME; NOW I COME OUT AND ASK YOU TO FOLLOW ME OUT OF YOURSELF." THIS IS A CALL TO DEPART FROM YOUR SELF-NATURE. YOU MUST LOSE POSSESSION OF YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BE POSSESSED BY GOD ALONE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Psalm 1:3 - "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Water is used as a symbol of the word of God. The tree is "planted by streams of water." It is healthy and yields fruit because it is near the water and can draw the water by its roots. Observation: IN THE SAME WAY I AM CONNECTED TO THE WORD OF GOD SO IT CAN FLOW CONTINUOUSLY INTO MY LIFE. THEN I WILL BEAR MY FRUIT IN ITS SEASON. Revelation 2:6 - "But you have this in your favor; You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS IS COMPROMISE WITH THE WORLD. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM FREE FROM THE WORLD! I DO NOT WALK IN COMPROMISE! AS A RESULT OF MY FIRM DETERMINATION TO WALK WITH GOD, I HAVE POWER OVER SIN, POWER OVER SATAN, AND POWER WHEN I PRAY. I AM CONFIDENT THAT HIS PRESENCE IN MY LIFE IS GETTING STRONGER TOO! Song of Solomon 2:8 - "The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." YOU HEAR AND RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE AT ONCE. THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) BOTH EMBRACES YOU AND DWELLS WITHIN YOU. HE DOES NOT MERELY WALK UPON THE HILLS (WHICH ARE THE MORE EXTERNAL PARTS OF YOUR SOUL), BUT UPON THE MOUNTAINS (THE DEEPEST PART OF YOUR SPIRIT). YOU ARE IN UNION WITH GOD WHICH DEEPLY CHANGES YOU WITHIN. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 11:29 - "Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest." Imagine bringing a problem, wrapped in a "burden bundle," to the throne of Jesus. Picture Him reaching out and offering to take it. Does the picture include your being all too glad to turn it over to Him or do you imagine yourself hesitating? Remember that trust is a part of praise. Affirmations: TODAY I STOP FIGHTING WITH GOD AND LEARN FROM HIM! I LET HIS WORD PUT TO DEATH THE TORMENTS OF THE SIN NATURE. I CEASE STRUGGLING; I CEASE WRESTLING AGAINST THE BLESSED ONE FOR I AM COMMITTED TO SURRENDER. MY REST COMES FROM BECOMING HONEST ABOUT MY NEEDS AND ALLOWING CHRIST TO CHANGE ME. Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." With God, all things are possible, and He easily factors in our human weaknesses. He is both almighty and providential – and He providentially chose to give us human beings a free will, risking our likely revolt. He knows what the devil does to us. He's still God, and He loves us. He takes the hands of those who ask Him to guide them and He will restore to them the years that seemed to have been lost forever. Observation: TIME SPENT IN PRAYER IS NOT TIME WASTED BUT TIME INVESTED. AS I EMBRACE THE WILL OF GOD, AS I LIVE BEFORE HIM IN THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST, AS I SEEK TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSES, NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO HINDER MY PRAYERS. Song of Solomon 2:5,6 - "Sustain me with flowers, refresh me with apples; for I am lovesick. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me." AS SOON AS THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) SETS HIS LOVE WITHIN YOU, HE THEN BLESSES YOU WITH FELLOWSHIP DEEP WITHIN YOUR SPIRIT. YOU ARE ABLE TO BEAR MORE AND MORE OF GOD'S PRESENCE WITHOUT GROWING FAINT. CONFIRMED IN LOVE, YOU LIVE IN GOD. 1 John 4:16 - "Thus we have come to know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love; he who dwells in love is dwelling in God, and God in him." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 15:4 - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." WE WORK OURSELVES SEEKING TO SERVE GOD. IF WE WOULD SPEND OUR TIME WITH HIM - WAITING BEFORE HIM, WE WOULD FIND HIS SUPERNATURAL ACCOMPANIMENT WORKING MIGHTILY IN OUR EFFORTS TO SERVE HIM. WE WOULD BECOME PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE OF HIS WILL, A VEHICLE IN WHICH HE HIMSELF IS BOTH CAPTAIN AND NAVIGATOR. Psalm 62:5 - "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Mark 10:44,45 - "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." There is an important link between acts of serving others and gaining spiritual understanding and revelation that we must lay hold of in this generation. When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, the Bible points out.... "When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but THE SERVANTS KNEW who had drawn the water) the master of the feast called the bridegroom." (John 2:9) The ones who were serving actually had more understanding and insight into this notable miracle and the One who performed it, than those who were "masters" over the wedding. We discover a distinct connection between receiving revelation from God and being a servant. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT MY LIFE SHOWS FORTH AN EXCELLENT IMAGE OF WHO JESUS IS AND WHAT HE STANDS FOR IN THIS WORLD. I AM HIS REPRESENTATIVE, AND THEREFORE I DO EVERYTHING WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE! Song of Solomon 2:4 - "He brought me into the wine-cellars and set love in order within me." YOU COME FROM YOUR DELIGHTFUL FELLOWSHIP WITH THE KING (JESUS) INTOXICATED WITH LOVE FOR YOU HAVE TASTED OF THE FINEST WINE. THE KING HAS BROUGHT YOU INTO HIS WINE-CELLARS WHERE YOU WILL DRINK DEEPLY OF HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." WHEN WE DO NOT LIVE IN OUR POSITION OF AUTHORITY, IT IS BECAUSE WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE OR ACCEPT OUR CALLING IN CHRIST, BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW OUR COVENANT RIGHTS. MAN'S REDEMPTION ALLOWS HIM TO HAVE DOMINION. AFFIRMATIONS AND DECLARATIONS: I perform a prophetic act and decree that every door (that impedes my CALLING in Christ) that is locked is now unlocked and open! I decree that my words from God are yes and amen. Today, I am encouraging myself in the Lord. What He has spoken will come to pass. I decree that I have a courageous heart like David and that as he did, I completely surrender my life to My God. I praise my God in all that He does. Matthew 13:31,32 - "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field: it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." JUST AS THE GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED THAT, BY REASON OF ITS INTENSE HEAT, GROWS INTO A LARGE TREE, THE SOUL BEHOLDS ITSELF CONVERTED INTO THE IMMENSE FIRE OF LOVE THAT EMANATES FROM THAT ENKINDLED POINT AT THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT. Song of Solomon 2:3 - "As an appletree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under the shadow of him whom I desired, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." THE BELOVED (JESUS) IS THE MOST PLEASING SIGHT IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH. HIS BRIDE SITS UNDER THE SHADOW OF HIS PROTECTION. HIS FRUIT, EVEN THE FRUIT OF THE CROSS, IS SWEET TO TASTE. THIS FRUIT IS NOT SWEET TO THE FLESH, BUT TO THE SPIRIT. ONCE TASTED, IT IS MORE DESIRABLE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.'" THAT VOICE IS STILL CALLING TO ALL WHO WILL HEAR. THERE IS A DOOR OPEN IN HEAVEN AND THE SPIRIT IS BECKONING US TO COME UP THERE. THE ULTIMATE QUEST OF EVERY CHRISTIAN IS TO WALK THE EARTH FROM A POSITION SEATED WITH CHRIST JESUS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. THEREFORE, OUR PRAYER MUST BE THE ONE THAT HE TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES, FOR HIS KINGDOM TO COME, AND HIS WILL TO BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (MATTHEW 6:10). WE CAN NEVER BE TOO HEAVENLY MINDED. THE TRUE GOOD THAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO ON EARTH WILL BE DEPENDENT ON THE DEGREE TO WHICH WE HAVE ATTAINED THE HEAVENLY TREASURES. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Am I Seated With Christ in Heavenly Places? What Has God Told Me to Bring From Heaven To Earth? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 5:17,19-20 - "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees His Father doing, because whatever the father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does." Worship is more than just music or art; it's a lifestyle (Romans 12:1). We need to live like Jesus did, open our eyes and see what the Father is doing, and then do it. Not just to see the need, but also to meet the need. Anyone can be a THERMOMETER and just gauge the spiritual temperature, but we're called to be THERMOSTATS and to change the spiritual temperature! We're not called to just point out sickness, poverty and sin; we're called to change those ashes into beauty. After all, it's Christ in us that is the hope of glory! Observation: WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED ON EARTH, HE ACCOMPLISHED IN HIS HUMANITY, NOT HIS DIVINITY. OTHERWISE, HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MAN'S REPRESENTATIVE AND SUBSTITUTE. HE RELIED ON THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF GOD. I CAN DO THE SAME. AFFIRMATIONS: I arise and walk in dominion power, and lay a hold of the promises of God. The Holy Spirit who lives within me is greater than the spirit that is at work in the world (1 John 4:4). God is calling for me to arise and take a strong stand against the works of darkness (Jude 1-4). I am to take the land. Each day I seek to draw ever nearer to Christ, seeking to yield, ever deeper, my will to His will. (2 Corinthians 3:18) John 10:40,41 - "And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about may things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."' OUR EFFORTS, WORKS - NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE SPEND OF OURSELVES, CANNOT PRODUCE THE REST OR LIFE OF GOD. Matthew 11:28 - "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Song of Solomon 2:1,2 - "I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." YOU ARE LIKE A PURE AND PLEASANT LILY AND A SWEET FRAGRANCE BEFORE HIM (JESUS). THERE ARE OTHER DAUGHTERS, HOWEVER, WHO ARE NOT YET PLIABLE AND SUBMITTED TO HIS SPIRIT. THEY ARE LIKE A DEEP, IMPENETRABLE THICKET OF THORNS - THOSE WHO ARE SELF-POSSESSED AND STILL TAKEN UP WITH THEIR OWN WILL. THE LILY, HOWEVER, PERFECTLY PRESERVES ITS PURITY AND ITS PERFUME, EVEN WHEN SURROUNDED BY THORNS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 14:29 - "And He said, 'Come. ' And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus." WHAT PROGRAM, WHAT DEGREE OF MINISTERIAL PROFESSIONALISM CAN COMPARE WITH THE LIFE AND POWER WE RECEIVE THROUGH HIM? Ephesians 4:26,27 - "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Some debate whether the devil is on earth or in hell – can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be. When Satan rebelled against God he was placed under eternal judgment, in what the bible calls “pits” and “bonds of darkness”. The devil and the fallen angels with him have been relegated to live in darkness. This darkness does not simply mean lifeless regions or areas void of visible light. The eternal darkness to which scripture refers is essentially a moral darkness, which does ultimately degenerate into literal darkness. However it’s cause is not simply the absence of light, it is the absence of God who is light. Affirmations: THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN ME, AND HE ALWAYS CONVICTS ME OF WRONG ATTITUDES THAT THE DEVIL COULD POTENTIALLY USE TO BIND ME. I CONFESS THAT I WALK IN FORGIVENESS! OFFENSE, BITTERNESS, STRIFE, AND UNFORGIVENESS HAVE NO PLACE IN MY LIFE. I AM FULL OF MERCY, LONGSUFFERING, AND SLOW TO ANGER. Song of Solomon 1:15 - "Behold you are fair ,my love; behold you are fair; you have doves' eyes." YOU ALREADY HAVE "DOVES' EYES" - YOU ARE SIMPLE INWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY. INWARDLY - YOU BEHOLD YOUR KING (JESUS); OUTWARDLY - YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS ARE FREE FROM DECEPTION. SIMPLICITY IS THE SUREST SIGN OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. TO REACH YOUR BELOVED (JESUS) YOU LET HIS SPIRIT LEAD YOU. LOVE IS PERFECTED IN SIMPLICITY AND HONESTY. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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2 Corinthians 1:20 - "For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him (Christ). For this reason we all utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him to the glory of God." The Master has handcrafted each one of us for a specific PURPOSE and a precise time, making sure we've been carefully polished and are ready to soar. With practice comes the testing. This will happen until what the psalmist said of Joseph's testing in Genesis will be true of us: "Until the time that [God's] word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him" (Psalm 105:19 NASB). But God is always faithful, and everything He promises will always come to pass, thus thrusting us into our DESTINIES as we bring glory to His name! Observation: THE WORD IS THE GUARANTEE OF ANSWERED PRAYER. GOD IS ASKING ME TO BRING HIM HIS WORD, TO PLEAD MY COVENANT RIGHTS. I AM NOT TO PRAY TO GOD IN IGNORANCE BUT AS A PARTNER IN HIS PURPOSES. 2 Timothy 1:11,12,14 - "God has appointed me to proclaim the Good News as an apostle and teacher, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. Keep the good things that have been entrusted to you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us." Affirmations: I STAY FOCUSED ON MY CALLING AND REMAIN DETERMINED TO DO WHAT GOD HAS TOLD ME TO DO, EVEN IF I AM ASSAULTED BY OUTSIDE FORCES THAT SEEM TO BE BEYOND MY CONTROL. I KNOW THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS MIGHTILY IN ME, GIVING ME ALL THE POWER I NEED TO RESIST EVERY ASSAULT THE DEVIL TRIES TO BRING AGAINST ME. I AM COMPLETELY DETERMINED AND COMMITTED TO KEEP PUSHING AHEAD AND TO NEVER LET GO UNTIL I'VE ACCOMPLISHED MY GOD-GIVEN MISSION! Song of Solomon 1:14 - "My Beloved is unto me as a cluster of cypress, in the vineyards of Engedi." I AM DISCOVERING THE NEARNESS OF MY BELOVED (JESUS) TO BE LIKE A "CLUSTER OF CYPRESS" (A FRAGRANT SHRUB). HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES FRAGRANCE AND VALUE TO EVERYTHING THAT IS DONE BY THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. AS I LEARN TO FIND MY JOY IN HIM ALONE, I CAN NO LONGER DELIGHT IN ANYTHING ELSE. TO SEEK ANY OTHER SOURCE OF SATISFACTION IS TO LOSE QUICKLY ALL THAT IS FROM HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hebrews 4:9,10 - "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." We may have perfect rest -- that we dare to cast ourselves upon God, and have no care because Christ has: put away sin, has rent the veil, and has sit down on the right hand of the throne. Because all is finished and perfected, we have received the Holy Spirit from heaven in our hearts to make us the partakers of that glorified Christ -- we may with confidence, with boldness, rest in Him to maintain and perfect His work in us in our individual CALLING in Christ. Affirmation: THE REST THAT I SEEK IS NOT A REJUVENATION OF MY ENERGY, IT IS THE EXCHANGE OF ENERGY: MY LIFE FOR GOD'S, THROUGH WHICH THE VESSEL OF MY HUMANITY IS FILLED WITH THE DIVINE PRESENCE AND ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST HIMSELF. John 1:12 - "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT THE DAY I WAS BORN AGAIN, I RECEIVED THE DYNAMIC, EXPLOSIVE POWER OF GOD INTO MY LIFE. THAT POWER REMOVED MY OLD NATURE AND MADE ME A BRAND-NEW CREATURE! WHEN GOD MADE ME, HE PUT FORTH HIS FINEST CREATIVE POWERS, AND I NOW LIVE ON THIS EARTH AS A MASTERPIECE OF HIS GRACE. Song of Solomon 1:12 - "While the King was resting on His couch, my perfume sent forth its fragrance." YOU EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF THE DEEP AND CENTRAL PRESENCE OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS). THE BRIDEGROOM IS EVER IN THE CENTER OF YOUR SPIRIT. AS AN EARTHLY KING RESTS ON HIS COUCH, SO THE ETERNAL KING RESTS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR SPIRIT. THE PERFUME, YOUR FAITHFULNESS, SENDS FORTH A FRAGRANCE THAT IS SWEET AND PLEASANT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Habakkuk 2:1-2: "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me...Then the Lord answered me and said, 'Record the vision...'" Ways to be sure what you're hearing is from Him: TEST THE ORIGIN (1 John 4:1) Thoughts from our own minds are progressive, with one thought leading to the next. Thoughts from the Holy Spirit are spontaneous. The Hebrew word for true prophecy is "naba",which literally means to bubble up, whereas false prophecy is "ziyd" meaning to boil up. True words from the Lord will bubble up from our innermost being; we don't need to cook them up ourselves. COMPARE IT TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES God will never say something to you personally which is contrary to His universal revelation as expressed in the Scriptures. If the Bible clearly states that something is a sin, no amount of journaling can make it right. Much of what you journal about will not be specifically addressed in the Bible, however, so an understanding of Biblical principles is also needed. COMPARE IT TO THE NAMES AND CARACTER OF GOD REVEALED IN THE BIBLE Anything God says to you will be in harmony with His essential nature. Journaling will help you get to know God personally, but knowing what the Bible says about Him will help you discern what words are from Him. Make sure the tenor of your journaling lines up with the character of God as described in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. TEST THE FRUIT (Matthew 7:15-20) What effect does what you are hearing have on your soul and your spirit? Words from the Lord will quicken your faith and increase your love, peace, and joy. They will stimulate a sense of humility within you as you become more aware of Who God is and who you are. On the other hand, any words you receive which cause you to fear or doubt, which bring you into confusion or anxiety, or which stroke your ego must be immediately rebuked and rejected as lies of the enemy. SHARE IT WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS (Proverbs 11:14) We are members of a Body! A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and God's intention has always been for us to grow together. Nothing will increase your faith in your ability to hear from God like having it confirmed by two or three other people who have a solid Biblical orientation. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 13:26,28-30 - "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay: lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest." THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK IS NOT "WHO IS A TARE?" BUT "AM I TRULY A WHEAT?" WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE, UPROOT OR EVEN TRY TO "DISCERN" THE TARES BEFORE THE HARVEST TIME; EVEN JESUS WILL NOT REMOVE THEM UNTIL THEN. Affirmations: I REALIZE THAT LIKE SEEDS, WORDS ARE VERY LIKELY TO MULTIPLY. I CONSIDER EACH DAY THAT MY WORDS WILL BEAR FRUIT. I DETERMINE THAT I WILL ONLY SOW THAT WHICH BRINGS FORTH THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and live are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Observation: SINCE JESUS STRIPPED SATAN BARE AND LEFT NOTHING IN HIS HANDS THAT HE COULD USE AGAINST ME, HE THEN GAVE ME AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL AND ALL HIS WORKS. I CONFESS THAT IN JESUS CHRIST I AM FULLY EMPOWERED TO ENFORCE SATAN'S DEFEAT. 1 John 4:4 - "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." Song of Solomon 1:11 - "We will make for you chains and ornaments of gold, studded with silver." GOLD CHAINS REPRESENT PURE LOVE WHICH HAS ONE PURPOSE; TO DO EVERYTHING FOR GOD'S PLEASURE AND GLORY. THE INLAID SILVER SIGNIFIES THAT NO MATTER HOW WONDERFUL PURE LOVE IS, LOVE MUST STILL BE MADE VISIBLE IN GOOD WORKS. HE EXPECTS YOU TO NEGLECT NOTHING, IN HIS SERVICE OR IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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It is essential to our spiritual health that we spend quality time in His presence, waiting upon Him. Only then, will we have the spiritual energy to face the challenges, testings, and problems of life. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 During these times of intimate fellowship, we are brought into a closer union with Him. In the closeness of this communion, we will receive of His life and strength, and along with this, we will come into a deeper understanding of spiritual principles and an unfolding of His Word, which will draw us yet closer. "...The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19 "Waiting upon the Lord" is the key to a victorious, overcoming life. Throughout the Psalms, whenever David found himself in difficult circumstances, he constantly reminded himself to "wait upon the Lord." "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14 It is here in His presence that we will begin to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. There will be a realignment of our inner being, and our priorities will change from the natural to the spiritual. Our spiritual senses will be energized by His presence and restored to respond to His purposes. SOWING TO THE SPIRIT As we wait upon the Lord, we will experience a genuine encounter with the Lord. Then wherever we go, the result of this "manifest presence" that we have experienced, will cut through every bondage and fear in those who are witnessing the result of our life being the expression of His life. During these prolonged times spent in His presence, we are "sowing" to the Spirit – enlarging our capacity to flow with the Holy Spirit. It is always costly to the natural man, but this provides us with the opportunity to overcome. Many "early morning risings" may seemingly bear no fruit at all, but the continued lifting up of our desire for Him, along with our worship and the obedience of seeking after Him, rather than things, will in time bring forth within us an accumulative effect that will surprisingly produce a profound spiritual result. We will have "become" a prophetic vessel that is available to Him. These times of "waiting upon the Lord," in His presence, do not produce quick results, but rather, lasting ones. Jesus commanded us to abide in Him, adding that it will cause us to bear "fruit that remains." But, the abiding life – a life that "waits" in God's presence, will produce fruit that will stand in eternity. "I love them that love Me; and those who seek Me early shall find Me... that I may cause those who love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Proverbs 8:17, 21 OPEN THE DOOR AND INVITE HIM IN Indeed, the Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts and our lives. He is seeking to enter in. He is seeking a people that will respond to His knock and that will open the door and invite Him in, that they might "wait upon Him." 1. Come apart from all activity, and sit quietly in an attitude of worship. 2. Sit quietly in an attitude of worship and expectancy, as if looking at a door expecting at any moment that the door will open, and a person will enter (Jesus). 3. Spiritual strength is renewed as we draw on the life of Jesus that flows out from the throne – NOT abstract power as some teach. We are to seek a person, not power. 4. Mabe you have felt nothing after several minutes or hours of waiting -- but after the time of waiting, everything that you do is accomplished much better, and you notice a glow in your spirit. Now you can say with confidence: "...Let my Beloved come into His garden, and eat His pleasant fruits." Song of Solomon 4:16 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY nttp://afministry.ning.com
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1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Observation: CONFESSION DOESN'T MEAN BRINGING UP MY PAST. IT MEANS AGREEING WITH GOD ABOUT WHAT HE SAYS TO ME AND ABOUT ME. WHATEVER I TRY TO JUSTIFY, I HAVE NOT REPENTED OF. WHATEVER I TRY TO EXPLAIN, I AM NOT SORRY FOR. WHEN I AGREE THAT GOD IS RIGHT, THAT IS CONFESSING. 1 Corinthians 4:1 - "Let us be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." The kingdom of heaven is planted within us as a seed and it is intended to grow and expand within us and on the earth. We are called to glory and virtue; We show others how to be neither barren nor unfruitful in the ways of God. Since we are rooted and built up in Christ Jesus we are able to teach others (saved and unsaved) of a higher life in the Lord Jesus. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY PLACE IN GOD'S PLAN. THE ASSIGNMENT GOD HAS GIVEN ME PROBABLY WON'T BE ACHIEVED QUICKLY. IT WILL TAKE UNBELIEVABLE STRENGTH AND ENERGY TO MOVE THAT VISION FROM THE REALM OF DREAMS TO THE REALM OF REALITY. BECAUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ME, I HAVE THE STRENGTH Song of Solomon 1:10 - "Your cheeks are lovely as a turtledove's; your neck as jewels." The cheeks represent both the inner and the outer life. Here they are compared to the beauty of a turtledove. The dove marries for life. If the dove's partner dies, the dove remains single without seeking another mate. If you were ever separated from you God, you could find no pleasure in anyone or anything else. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1 Corinthians 2:2 - "For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." The Holy Spirit within the believer ministers truth by revelation. In other words, it is revealed, not figured out. God does not talk to our brains! He speaks to the spirit of man. Jesus never said that water would flow out of your head, but that, "Out of your innermost being would flow rivers of living water." John 7:36 Observation: NOTHING THAT I SEEK CAN BE AS SATISFYING TO MY SOUL, NO OTHER ANSWER AS BENEFICIAL, AS SEEING CHRIST WITH THE EYES AND UNDERSTANDING OF MY INNER MAN. Ephesians 1:17,18 - "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. Ephesians 6:17 - "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God." Affirmations: I HAVE THE EXACT WORD I NEED FOR EVERY SITUATION - A SPECIFIC, QUICKENED WORD FROM THE SCRIPTURES, PLACED IN MY HEART BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. BECAUSE THIS RHEMA FROM GOD IS IN MY HEART, I HAVE REAL SWORD POWER TO USE AGAINST THE ENEMY! Song of Solomon 1:7 - "Tell me, you who my soul loves, where you feed you feed your flock, where you rest at mid-day." YOU BEG YOUR BELOVED (JESUS) TO SHOW YOU WHERE HE FEEDS HIS FLOCKS; YOU WANT TO EAT THE FOOD THAT HE GIVES THOSE THAT ARE UNDER HIS CARE. YOU DESIRE TO BE LOST IN GOD WITH JESUS WHERE YOU WILL WANT TO REST FOREVER. SIN CANNOT DECEIVE YOU THERE, AND HE WILL KEEP YOU FROM WANDERING AWAY. Psalm 23: 1,2,6 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1 Corinthians 1:9 - "God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on)." SEEDS OF AFFIRMATION, MEDITATION, PRAYER, WORKS, GIVING AND OTHER ACTS OF OBEDIENCE ARE READY TO BURST FORTH IN BUD AND FRUIT. HARVEST AWAITS THOSE WHO DO NOT YIELD TO DISCOURAGEMENT AND REMAIN CONSISTENT IN OBEDIENCE AND DILIGENCE. GRASHOPPERS OF DISCOURAGEMENT WILL ASSAULT US WHEN WE'RE WEARY. OUR STRENGTH IS DIMINISHED WHEN WE ALLOW OUR MINDS TO ENTERTAIN AND DWELL ON INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO OUR SENSES. WHEN FOCUSED ON THE TURMOIL AND UPHEAVAL OF THE TEMPORAL WE'LL BE OVERWHELMEND. IT WILL NOT BRING US STRENGTH, BUT DRAIN US. CONDITIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WILL COUNSEL US TO GIVE UP. Affirmations: MY SEASON OF HARVEST AWAITS ME! I DON'T ALLOW THE GRASSHOPPER OF DISCOURAGEMENT TO DESTROY ALL I'VE SOWN. GOD'S PROMISE IS SURE AND BACKED BY HIS CHARACTER. Psalm 89:8 - "O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character." WHAT ARE TWO DESTRUCTIVE THINGS MY SENSES ARE TRYING TO TELL ME TODAY. 1. 2. LIST 2 AFFIRMATIONS FROM SCRIPTURE THAT I AM USING TO OVERCOME THIS THINKING. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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As we begin to see NEW growth spring forth in what was previously considered "hard places", doors connected to the ways of man begin to be shut and new doors that are connected and hinged upon the ways of God begin to open. "The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way." - Psalm 25:9 HUMILITY IS A KEY Prophetically walking through "NEW doors" often requires us to lay aside and unload some things that we have carried in times past – right, wrong or indifferent. Holding onto these often good things of our past will actually limit our ability to step into the NEW things God has prepared for you in this season. In regards to this transition, it is helpful to recognize and fully appreciate that not only has God prepared new pathways and permissions for us in this season, but He has also been preparing us for these NEW pathways and the necessary permissions to proceed in these NEW directions. These NEW pathways are a place of promotion that God has prepared. Holding onto various things connected with our past season, in our own understanding, not only becomes burdensome but they can also potentially grant an illegal access to the enemies of our past, as we are unable to enter into the promise of our future. These burdens oftentimes begin as good things for us in one season but in the next season are met with anxiety, pride, and worry as we look to hold onto these cares in our own strength. At times it is the holding onto the good things of what's been that keeps us from being able to receive the NEW that God wants to bring us into. It is often in our letting go that we are then able to lay hold. We see this truth in 1 Peter 5:6 - "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." As the "Winds of Change" begin to blow the question is: Will He find faith on the earth to believe and rejoice in the hope of what He has promised to do in your life? The strength to "build again" is coming in the joy of the Lord through an impartation of understanding that is being granted to those who make the choice to rejoice and "believe again" (see Nehemiah 8:8-10). "...yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith..." - 1 Peter 1:8b-9a For many, in the areas that you have faced previous winds of adversity and opposition, there is a significant change and shift coming – and for some it has already come. With this change, you will find that in the area of your past opposition God was actually allowing you to become rooted and grounded in love in a new way that has positioned you to flourish as a tree planted by His river in this new season (see Ephesians 3:14-20 and Psalm 1:1-3). DREAMING WITH GOD Part of being a prophetic people often means that, in most cases, we are seeing, hearing, and therefore living ahead of our time. For some this can create frustration; for others it unlocks within them a door of divine DESTINY that causes them to begin to dream in their current season of preparation in a way where they prophetically begin to REACH FORWARD IN FAITH to those things which are ahead, as they press in and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God on their lives, found in the revelation of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:13-14). Dreaming with God in this way releases a fresh resolve and conviction of faith to flourish in the hearts of God's children, where they begin to believe for, resurrect, and re-present previous petitions connected with past promises before the courts of Heaven. Personal prayer takes on a new posture – a posture of praise that unlocks the fulfillment of the very thing that you have been praying into and for. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Ways in which we can learn to live by His strength within us: 1. Become deeply rooted. We're encouraged to be strong in the Lord and His kratos power (Eph. 6:10). Read the Word and discover the fullness of this strength, power and love for you. Develop intimacy and friendship with the Lord by spending time in the secret place of His presence. Seek and come to know Him more than you have before. Those who abide in Jesus will know the anointing and will flow in it (John 15). When your roots grow deep you'll flourish (Ps. 92:13) and the Spirit of the Lord will be upon you in strength! 2. Acquaint yourself with what God would have you do, pray for wisdom. Paul prayed that the saints at Colossae might be fully acquainted with what God would have them do in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9-10). He offered a similar prayer on behalf of the Ephesians (Eph. 1:17-19). Wisdom and spiritual understanding awaken you to the reality of God's strength and power in you, working through you and flowing from you. 3. Plug into fresh oil daily. "But my horn you have exalted like a wild ox, I have been anointed with fresh oil" (Ps. 92:10). To be exalted as a wild ox is to be strengthened. Oxen are strong and powerful. It takes a lot to knock an ox down. Fresh oil releases the strength of the Lord in the inner man. It is only by His Spirit (Zech. 4:6) that you are able to accomplish the mighty and impossible and take pleasure in infirmities, in reproach, in persecution and in distress for Christ's sake. For when you are weak, then you are strong (2 Cor. 12:10). So become as strong as an ox by tapping into the precious oil of the Spirit every day. 4. Trust in the Lord. We cannot walk in the fullness of our destiny until we know and trust God’s strength and live daily by the strength of who He is in our inner man. This strength only comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. David trusted God even though he was hunted and persecuted by King Saul. He said he wasn't plucked up or destroyed, but flourished like a green olive tree in the house of the Lord (Ps. 52:8). 5. Rejoice for Christ and His Mighty Strength in You. Rejoice that you can rule and reign in this life with boldness, confidence, strength, zeal and vigor. When Christ, your High Priest, goes before you, you can walk in the fullness of your inheritance. You can walk in every manifestation of power available to you, including kratos power. Rejoice around the throne and sing a new song of victory, for Christ in you and His mighty strength in your inner man! "Blessing and honor and glory and power [kratos] be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever, and ever" (Rev. 5:13b)! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1 Peter 1:23 - "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." POWER IN PRAYER IS NOT BASED ON EMOTIONS, FEELINGS, OR THE THEORIES OF MEN, BUT UPON THE WORD OF GOD, OUR AGREEMENT WITH IT, OUR ONENESS WITH CHRIST, WHO IS THE LIVING WORD, AND OUR UNITY WITH GOD'S PURPOSES AND WILL. Hebrews 10:38 - "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Knowing that you are on the rock foundation of Matthew 16:18,19 and able to bind and to loose -- having that living faith that you can pray and know you have the answer because of God's promises, and the fact that Jesus said, "If Ye believe." It is on this rock that our faith must be based, and this will never fail; God has established it forever. Affirmations: I REFUSE TO RELINQUISH ANY OF MY GOD-PROMISED TERRITORY! MY FAITH IS TOUGH, RESISTANT, PERSISTENT, OBSTINATE, AND STUBBORN. MY SPIRIT IS SO TENACIOUS THAT IT REFUSES TO LET GO! IT ISN'T A QUESTION OF "IF" MY VICTORY WILL COME - IT'S ONLY A QUESTION OF "WHEN" IT WILL COME! Song of Solomon 1:4 - "Draw me (The Believer)! We (The Church) will run after you (Jesus)! The king (Jesus) brings me into his apartments! We will be glad and rejoice in you! We will recall your love, more fragrant than wine. The upright love you." NOW HIS BRIDE IS FILLED WITH UNSPEAKABLE JOY FOR SHE KNOWS THAT SHE IS FOUND IN HIM (JESUS). SHE PREFERS THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) OVER EVERYHING ELSE. HERE IS THE HEIGHT OF HER JOY AND PLEASURE. Psalm 105:4 - "Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength; seek and require His face and His presence continually evermore." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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EXPERIENCING HIS RADIANCE THROUGH FOCUS AND REPETITION
Albert Finch posted a blog entry in Albert Finch Ministry
It is easy to go to sleep reviewing negative ideas and pictures in our mind and wake up in the morning with a poisoned and negative spirit instead of falling asleep loving and receiving from Jesus, our Lord and Savior. CONTINUOUSLY DECLARE GOD'S WORDS We declare truth over any negative circumstance in our lives and we see Jesus present in inner healing scenes. And since we do this continuously, this becomes ALL that we see. We do not see sickness. We do not see lack. We do not see pain. We see Jesus, everwhere. We behold the glory of the Lord. We have reached that blessed state becaus we see God, everywhere, all the time (see Matthew 5:8). The Morning Star has arisen in our hearts, and our hearts are full of ONLY His light (see 2 Peter 1:19). WHATEVER WE FIX OUR EYES ON GROWS WITH US AND WHATEVER GROWS WITHIN US WE BECOME "His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditat day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." - Psalms 1:2-3 Focus, repetition (Romans 10:17 - "Faith comes from hearing and hearing, by the word of Christ."), and intensity are steps we take to move truth from our heads to our hearts. The command to look intently (see James 1:25) and to meditate continuously (see Philippians 4:8) would be examples of using focus and repetition. Repeating healing prayers pours divine light continually into our beings, until we are entirely sanctified -- spirit, soul, and body (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23). We become the radiance of His glory because we have bathed ourselves in His glory continuously. Darkness, sickness, and demons have now fled because of the light of His glory. PRAY AND MEDITATE MORNING AND EVENING We pray RESTORATIVE prayers when we awaken and are lying in bed in the morning. We pray the same prayers as we lie in bed preparing to fall asleep (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). In doing this we are "renewing our mind" (Romans 12:2) with the truth of God's divine reality. Any previous lies of the enemy which filled our heart in the past are being swept away by these cascading waves of truth which come crashing down again and again (as we affirm and meditate), until every demonic stronghold in our mind is demolished and we are fully set free and completely filled with: God's light, God's truth, God's glory, and God's reality. Once your spirit and soul are healed, delivered, and set free, God's light, which is growing within you, will penetrate your body (see Philippians 2:12-13). As it does, your body will be transformed allowing you to ultimately experience the fullness of His convenant blessings overtaking you. You have pressed through satan's lies until you are conscious of ONLY one reality: God's reality. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:12-13 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY -
Psalm 51:6 - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." As we cry out from a deep engaging of the Spirit of the living God within our spirit, we experience communion, which is a place of deep-to-deep fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches out the deep counsel of God for you and reveals it to you. Observation: DOCTRINAL TRUTH HAS AN ILLUSION ABOUT ITSELF: THE ILLUSION IS THAT KNOWLEDGE IS THE SAME THING AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. ON THE OTHER HAND, TRUTH THAT COMES BY REVELATION ALWAYS PRODUCES CHANGE; IT ALWAYS LEAVES US LESS SURE OF OURSELVES, MORE DEPENDENT UPON GOD, AND MOVE LOVING TOWARD OTHERS. 2 Timothy 2:11,12 - "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He shall also deny us." We yelid ourselves in the death to self, to the will of God; having faith in Jesus on the throne, as our Head and life, that He has brought us in and will make it true in our experience -- we trust Jesus, by being a partaker of His nature and life, to work all in us that the Father has PURPOSED for our individual life -- and we shall know how blessed it is to enter the rest of God. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM FOLLOWING THE VOICE OF JESUS. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SPIRITUAL POWER, SPIRITUAL WEAPONS, AND THE WONDERFUL WORD OF GOD. SINCE I AM EQUIPT WITH EVERYTHING I NEED TO WIN, I MAINTAIN THE ATTITUDE THAT NEVER GIVES IN, NEVER GIVES UP, AND NEVER SURRENDERS TO DEFEAT. Song of Solomon 1:3 - "Draw me, we will run after you to the fragrance of your perfume." THE YOUNG MAIDEN (THE CHURCH) ASKS TO BE DRAWN TO HER BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) FROM DEEP WITH HER SPIRIT. THE BRIDE ALREADY UNDERSTANDS THAT THERE IS AN ENJOYMENT OF HER BRIDEGROOM DEEPER AND MORE LASTING THAN WHAT SHE NOW KNOWS. THIS CAUSES HER TO MAKE A NEW REQUEST: "DRAW ME", SHE SAYS "INTO THE MOST INWARD PARTS OF MY SPIRIT, SO THAT I MIGHT COMPLETELY RUN TO YOU." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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"Before she went into labor, she had the baby. Before the birth pangs hit, she delivered a son....So I open the womb and not deliver the baby? Do I, the One who delivers babies shut the womb?" - Isaiah 66:7-9 Soul travail is an impassioned deep level of intercession (prayer) that affects the spiritual atmosphere so that the lost can hear the gospel and make a decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We literally push back the blinding oppressing power of the enemy so that the gospel penetrates the heart. Effective witnessing can never be done without a burden, anguish and true weeping for souls in prayer first! BURDEN US WITH HIS HEART We cannot have believers being stirred up to win souls out of duty or obligation because it's the Christian thing to do. But we can cry out and say: Holy Spirit come and burden me with his heart. Holy Spirit come and put inside of me the desire of God! Holy Spirit come and break me like You are broken for souls to be saved. Help me to travail for souls. LET JACOB BE OUR EXAMPLE We need to be wrestlers with God for souls. We need to become like Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30) and say, "I'm going to get a hold of you Lord God. I am going to wrestle with You, O God. I am going to labor right here in the spirit until You bless me with the burden for souls. The apostle Paul talks about travail: "My little children, for whom I lobor in birth again until Christ is formed in you." - Galatians 4:19. Paul had already labored and travailed for their spiritual birth and once again he is in labor until Christ is formed in them. OVERCOME WITH THE HEART OF GOD There is a fire -- there is an anointing that can fall on us so that we are literally overcome with the heart of God. There is grace available from the Lord to bow before Him on our face, weeping, crying out, and there is grace for us ot be touched by the Holy Spirit to labor and travail for souls. And God can take us out of our comfort zone and compel us by His Spirit to go into the streets to share the gospel with the lost. We will not be operating from a sense of duty and oblitgation. Jesus never ministered to people because it was something he had to do or because it was His job. Rather He reached the lost because of His great love for them. WE HAVE A GREAT PROMISE OF HOUSEHOLD SALVATION AND REVIVAL "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31) Travailing in warfare prayer can break satan's power -- through the ministry of binding and loosing we can truly help push back the blinding power of deception keeping souls from making a decision for the gospel. In order for Jesus to be the greatest intercessor, to be the greatest High Priest and to have the ministry forever of intercession (Hebrews 4:14, 5:1-10), He had to really relate and identify with where we're at. He had to identify with us. We need to identify with the lost too. When we allow the Holy Spirit to take us into a place of identification, we will actually identify with the plight of the lost to the point that our heart and emotions become involved. At this point we need to persevere and allow ourselves to move into prayer in a deeper and deeper way, travailing for the salvation of souls. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 6:63 - "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are life." WHEN WE HALT OUR SPIRITUAL ASCENT TOWARD GOD AT THE PLATEAU OF DOCTRINAL KNOWLEDGE, WE BECOME PEOPLE WHO NEVER REALLY CHANGE. INSTEAD, OUR OLD NATURE SIMPLY PRETENDS TO BE NEW. THE LONGER WE SETTLE FOR JUST HEAD KNOWLEDGE, THE MORE OUR CHRISTIANITY BEGINS TO DEGENERATE INTO A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT. Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." There are times when we are called by God to pray strong prayers and help to birth the will of God into an area. These strong desires mirror the strength of God's feelings. We, like Hannah, need to be in-tune with what God is ready to bring forth in that given hour. That can only be done through intimacy with God and through a willingness to allow Him to use us. Affirmation: I CONFESS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PARTNER! HE ENLIGHTENS MY EYES; HE SHOWS ME WHAT I CANNOT SEE BY MYSELF, AND HE GIVES ME THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY WHEN I PRAY. WITH HIM AS MY HELPER I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER IN PRAYER EVERY DAY! Song of Solomon 1:2,3 - "For your love is better than wine and your ointments more fragrant than the choicest perfumes; your name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the maidens love you." THE NAME OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) IS SO LOVELY THAT YOU FIND YOURSELF WHOLLY OVERCOME BY HIS POWER AND SWEETNESS. LOVE TAKES PLACE WITHOUT ANY FORCE. YOUR SPIRIT IS SO FULL OF LOVE AND YOU FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR BELOVED SO PLEASURABLE, THAT YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE CARRIED AWAY BY THE CHARMS OF LOVE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 7:14 - "The way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it." Observation: I HEED CAREFULLY THE WARNING OF JESUS SINCE I REALIZE THAT THE VOICE OF THE MAJORITY, BEING AFRAID OF BOTH THE BATTLE AND THE COST, WILL BE A VOICE OF DISCOURAGEMENT TO ME SINCE I AM SERIOUS ABOUT FULFILLING THE PROMISES OF GOD. Ephesians 6:16,17 - "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". 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! Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I WEAR MY SALVATION TIGHTLY AROUND MY MIND LIKE A HELMET. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD THE DEVIL TRIES TO HACK AWAY AT MY MIND, I STILL STAND STRONG BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT JESUS' DEATH AND RESURRECTION PURCHASED FOR ME! Song of Solomon 1:1 - "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth." Observation: GOD UNITES HIMSELF WITH MY SPIRIT, AND I AM ABLE TO BEGIN TO EXPLORE THE FULLNESS OF GOD. THE JOURNEY TOWARD THIS COMPLETE UNION IS A PLACE WHERE MY SPIRIT IS COMPLETELY POSSESSED BY GOD. CONSIDER THAT JESUS IS CALLED "THE WORD." THE "KISSES OF HIS MOUTH" IS NOTHING LESS THAN THE VITAL COMMUNICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD TO ME. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
