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  1. Psalm 8:1,2 - "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." God equates praise with strength. Praise stops satan in his tracks. It is a weapon to use in calling a halt to satan's maneuvers. Psalm 9:1-3 - "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence." Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise (from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life)! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!" (AMP) There is a way that we run that causes us to have victory. It is not enough to be on the course, we must be ON course the entire way. To the level that we maintain our FOCUS, we will also maintain consistency establishing the Throne of God in the earth through that CALLING of God on our life.Observation: I OPEN MY BIBLE AND STIR MYSELF UP WITH GOD'S GREAT PROMISES FOR MY FUTURE. I READ THEM OUT LOUD SO MY EARS CAN HEAR WHAT MY MOUTH IS SAYING. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the Word of God." AFFIRMATIONS: I always receive from God because I have faith and do not doubt. I continually ask, seek, and knock concerning the things God has prepared for me understanding His CALLING on my life because Jesus says I will receive, find, and it will be opened for me. I forget those things which are behind and reach forth to the CALLING God has put into my heart. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Psalm 42:1,2 - "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" Observation: HE CREATES IN ME THE DESIRE TO FIND HIM AND RUN AFTER HIM. HE TAKES ME WITH HIS HAND AND LEADS ME WHERE I CANNOT GO BY MYSELF - ALONG A WAY THAT NO HUMAN EYE CAN SEE, AND THAT IS THE WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  2. Romans 5:5 - "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." Observation: ACTING IN LOVE WHEN OTHERS ARE NOT ACTING IN LOVE TOWARD ME - THIS IS THE HIGHEST VALUE TO MY SOUL. LOVE IS THE PATH ON WHICH I WALK AS CLOSELY AS IS POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY LIVING IN THE LIFE ETERNAL. THE MORE I FOLLOW LOVE THE MORE MY OLD SELF IS CONSUMED AND DIES. Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Affirmation:I SPEAK GOD'S WORDS CONTINUALLY, AND THEN WATCH THE HOLY SPIRIT BLAST THE MOUNTAINS OF OBSTACLES OUT OF MY WAY. Psalm 77:12 - "I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings." What I think about the most will grow the strongest in me. Joshua 1:8 - "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night." "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20 Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why He has instructed us to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Him thanks (regardless of your feelings), and He gives you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience—at times, blind obedience. Thankfulness opens your heart to His Presence and your mind to His thoughts, enabling you to see from His perspective. It is this Light of His Presence that removes the sting from adversity. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1 "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord." - Psalm 89:15 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  3. John 5:17 - "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working." Because we are so prone to neglecting and forgetting about the needs of other people, we think that God is capable of being slothful toward us -- and so we accuse Him of neglecting us when circumstances become painful, or simply not to our liking. John 14:16 - "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." Matthew 13:14 - "In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will look and look and not see." As long as we see only with our bodily eyes, we will continue to live like a blind captive, fumbling around inside a prison cell in the dark of night -- while all the time the door that leads to our freedom stands open. Ephesians 1:18 - "I pray that your inward eyes may be illumined, so that you know what is the hope to which he calls you." Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." When God gives you a vision, it's inspiring. Waiting is the hard part. We must remember not to grow weary in well-doing because we'll reap in due season if we don't faint (Galatians 6:9).We must also remember that we inherit the promises of God through faith and patience(Hebrews 6:12). And we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). If you don't give up, if you're diligent to keep declaring the vision, it will come to pass in the kairos moment. God is not a man that He should lie or the son of man that He should repent. As the Lord told Habakkuk, "If it delays, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3 Affirmations: I HUNGER FOR AND VIGOROUSLY PURSUE REVELATION. I CRY OUT DAY AND NIGHT FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I COME INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE FATHER TO RELEASE ME INTO THE THINGS HE HAS PREDESTINED ME FOR SINCE BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  4. Matthew 17:17 - "Then Jesus answered and said, 'O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.'" Jesus made it clear to the disciples that the gift of God would remain dormant in them if they could not believe. OBSERVATION: When we walk in fear, doubt, and remembrance of failures we are robbed of our boldness, and we become unable to step out in God's ability. Jeremiah 32:17 - "Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You." Affirmation: I AM NEVER AS FAR FROM A MIRACLE AS IT FIRST APPEARS. OBSERVATION: 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." "Do not despise the day of small beginnings." - Zechariah 4:10 The Messiah had to be born in a manger before the government could be seen upon His shoulders, and it took a faithful few who trusted God's voice, beyond their own ways or understanding, to birth such tolife. The manger brings the Father, and all of Heaven for that matter, so much joy! He has always worked through manger strategies. Few recognize that so many of God's greatest moves come hidden within. Most don't want to start with a baby swaddled and surrounded inhay. Right now, many, many believers have these manger-like situations being used to birth new, small beginnings that all of Heaven is hopeful for. Most of those small beginnings don't have fanfare or a big following, just a few shepherds and wise men sent your way occasionally forencouragement to help see it through. We can't despise these moments in each step we are following the Spirit which may feel so small and misunderstood. Like Joseph and Mary, we are merely stewarding through absolute surrender, faithful obedience, and a passion for the Lord that won't be compromised. What looks like a baby surrounded by hay in the wilderness might actually be a hope that carries the destiny of the Father's Kingdom family to the world. "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  5. How I Study the Bible - One Approach I am not an expert, I am just a lay person like most of you, with not formal Bible training of education. Such education can be very helpful, or very hurtful, because we are all in the same boat. We are human, we make mistakes, we misunderstand. This is true of seminary professors, authors, pastors, and you and I. If you do not think you are in that category, then you are either Jesus, or you think of yourself more highly than you ought to. That being said, and hopefully understood and accpeted, I would like to share with you how I approach Bible study, in an effort to minimize my misunderstandings, and maximize what I learn from scripture. First off, I do three different types of Bible studies. Expository, topical, and word studies. As I define the terms, an expository study is one were I select a passage, a chapter, a whole book, or some other contiguous grouping of words from the Bible, and then go verse by verse, looking at the verse, it’s context, the intended audience, the historical setting and any parallel or related passages, to gain an understanding of the grouping of words which I am examining. I would say that a topical study, would be an examination of a specific subject, such as abortion, the rapture, tithing, marriage, etc. Finally, a word study is where I begin by looking at a word in a verse or verses in English, where either I am uncertain of it’s usage, or just want to more fully understand it’s significance and nuances. Then look at the original Greek or Hebrew word that was translated into the specific English word at the location in question. Once having identified the original language word, I then look at every occurrence of that word in the Greek or Hebrew to see the ways the word is used, and also consult works written for the purpose of original language study, such as Lexicons. My favorite type is the topical study, but the methods I use are based on principles that can be applied not only in these different studies, but can be applied to other historical literature as well as current literature. There are rules of interpretation than most conservative theologians agree upon. By and large, they look to me to be good common sense rules, so I try to stick to them. This minimizes the “that’s your interpretation” phenomenon, which is so silly. I prefer to have a good interpretation any day, than MY interpretation. Many of these rules come from traditional Jewish rules of interpretation. Now immediately, we must concede, that there are obviously limitations to these rules, or most Jews would have recognized their Messiah. The problem is, that we are human, we make mistakes, and we bring our own prejudices and preconceptions to the interpretive table. It is true for me, it is true for you also. So, sound rules are a foundation for understanding the Bible in a consistent manner, they are there to help you see past your own prejudices, but they will only work if you are willing to be consistent, and not change the rules to suit an interpretation you prefer. So what are some of these rules? In no particular order. Always examine a verse or passage in it’s context This means that you look at the verses leading up to that passage, and following, so that you can see what the subject actually is which is being discussed. Ignore the chapter heading and number, these are man-made, it is up to you to determine when a subject begins and ends. Examining a passage in context, also involves not just reading and understanding the nearby verses, but also identify who is being addressed in a passage. For whom is the message intended? Sometimes it is a specific individual, some times Israel, sometimes the church, sometimes it applies universally to mankind, determine this. The historical context is also important, Understanding things about a time and place, can affect how you understand the passage. Context, is one of the most important aspects of Biblical interpretation. Okay, suppose we have done all that. We have arrived at what we think the verse is saying and to whom. Remember that the scriptures are divinely inspired. Therefore, they will never contradict each other. We can use that to help us check our understanding of a verse or passage in question. The next rule is: Compare Scripture with Scripture Here, we search out other passages on the same topic. For example, let’s say we examined the ten commandments, and saw there: “Thou shalt not kill.” We have now the understanding that it is always wrong to kill. However, as we read in other places in the Bible, we find that God ordains wars, and prescribes putting people to death for certain crimes. Knowing that the God does not contradict himself, we understand that we must have a faulty understanding of “thou shalt not kill”. This brings us to another rule of interpretation. Examine the Verse in the Original Language Time was when you had to own quite a library to follow all of these rules effectively. In modern times, there are theological libraries in the form of software, which are substantially less expensive than they would be in printed form. Additionally, many of these helps are online. Go and experiment with sites such as blueletterbible.org, biblestudytools.com, biblehub.com, etc. You will find many things to aid your understanding on those sites. In the case of thou shalt not kill, we would find that a better translation of the Hebrew would have been “You shall do no murder”. Another tool which is indispensable is a concordance. A concordance let’s you look up Bible verses by words that exist in English in the verse. For example, if you looked up the word “locusts”, you would discover the word occurs in 17 verses. The concordance would show you part of the verse - a partial context. This is useful if you want to find verses that have a word in common with a verse you are examining. Seeing the context, lets you see if the verse is related to the topic you are studying, or to the verse you are studying, In the Gospels for instance, the different authors some times have additional details that another Gospel writer left out. Perhaps you are wanting to find a particular verse you are thinking of, a concordance can be useful for that. This can also be done with online Bible search sites. The next ones are not rules, but recommendations. Read a passage in several translations. Translations are not all alike, nor equally good, and none is without error. Most are pretty good for casual reading of the scriptures, but by reading a passage in a different version, you can often uncover some nuance, that you may want to explore further. Additionally, it is a good idea to to read about a given passage in a commentary or two, or three. In that way, you reap the benefit of the work that someone has already put into understanding the passage you are looking at. Here again, none is without error. In fact, by reading commentaries, you may come across views you never considered. Consider them thoughtfully, but realize that only the Bible text itself, is inspired. This brings me to the next rule. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture What do we mean by that? Sometimes a verse you may be considering, is already discussed in another passage in the Bible. Since the Bible is inspired by God, you have to accept the Bible’s explanation of itself. How would you know that a passage is commented on in another section in the Bible? My primary answer is read the Bible until you are familiar with it. I realize than not everyone will follow this advice, so there are other ways. The commentaries I spoke of, will often point such passages out. A good reference Bible, such as Thompson’s Chain Referance Bible, will show related passages - a very helpful tool. When reading a passage, assume it is literal, unless there is a compelling reason not to. In John 10:9 (NASB) Jesus says: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” A literal translation of that would be to think of Jesus claiming to be a slab of wood on a hinge. There is no need to be so literal. The context of the passage will usually indicate what the author was saying. Parables and visions, similes and metaphors are frequently used in the Bible. There is an excellent book on parables and metaphors (by G. Campbell Morgan). Learn to spot this type or writing, sometimes it is not so obvious: John 11:11-15 after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples therefore said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 Then Jesus therefore said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead", (NASB) In the passage above, we see that even the disciples took things too literally. Understand the Historical Background This takes some digging, but it is most helpful to understand figures of speech, customs and historical circumstances surrounding a passage. Where is the author, why is he there? To whom is he writing and why? These type of things are very useful to stay aware of. For example, some passages are written directly to a person of a people, and may not apply universally. Strive to avoid interpreting through the eyes of your own experience and culture. A helpful tool for this is the book: "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" (Alfred Edersheim). Keep with precedents Some people love inventing new meanings for words. Understand what the words meant when they were written from the original languages, if you are working in your own language, understand the meaning of the word when they were translated. For example, you may run across the word “quick” in the King James Version. Quick meant ‘living’ or ‘alive’ in 1611, not ‘fast’ or 'sudden'. Many modern commentators have erred by insisting that certain words mean certain things that they did not mean when written, don’t make the same mistake and don’t make the mistake of assuming that what they say is true, do your own research. Use Common Logic This one seems like a no-brainer that I should not even have to mention. Ask yourself, if a given understanding of a passage makes sense. Be careful here though, not everyone thinks alike. When I say to ask if it makes sense, I don’t mean does it make sense to you! I mean is the conclusion a rational one given the words used, the circumstances etc. is it where the majority of scriptural evidence points you? Don’t make the mistake of using your logic to over-rule the plain revelation of scripture. For example, I don’t like hell. It makes no sense to me that such a place would exist, why punish someone eternally for things done during the short span of a lifetime. However, I must keep in mind, that my thoughts are not His thoughts, and my ways are not His ways, so, I go with what scripture plainly teaches - there is a Hell. Recognize and determine the validity (or lack thereof) of inference This is similar to the above. You may find it difficult, for example, to discover a verse that indicates God is a triune being. However, you might fine a verse that refers to a person known as the Holy Spirit, and that the person is called God. You might find a reference to the fact that there is a person called the Father, who is also called God. Then you may find a reference to a person who is called the Son, again, He is called God also. You will find verses that indicate the these person are distinct. You will also find versed that categorically state that there is only one God. Putting them all together, we realize that there are three separate persons who are each God, and there is only one God. Therefore, the three persons are the one God. That is inference. For some, this makes no sense, I have no problem with it. This is a case however, where you may have to suspend what you think is logical, and accept instead, that this is what is revealed in scripture, we have no right to over-ride revelation with our opinions. Recognize the unity of scripture The 66 books that make up the Bible each has it’s own story to tell. However, there is one author behind each of them, and He has His story to tell as well. When you read and study the Bible, be aware that there are themes that thread their way through the various books of the Bible, some books cannot be fully understood without the benefit of the other books. If you have an interpretation of a passage, that is a contradiction to another passage, then you have not reached a correct understanding, for God does not contradict Himself. There may be more that I am forgetting, I will add them in if they occur to me, but that is the way that I approach the study of the scriptures, I hope some of these principles, are ones that you will find helpful in your own studies. Be Blessed!
  6. Psalms 133:1-3, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." In this season God is charging us to fully put some old things under our feet...to fully put to death the works of the flesh, tradition, and mindsets. We have a choice as to whether we will rise up and get victory over the old things that hinder us, or circle-around again, and battle once more. For an increased anointing, one of the FIRST things we must understand in order to INCREASE we must RELEASE. Once again...Release to Increase. What exactly does this mean? Well, we must release God to move in our lives the way He wants to. We must release His Spirit to move in our families, our churches, our businesses, and our government. If we release control, there will be an increase. Because His desire is for us to increase, He will keep leading us back to the same situations, so that He can deal with heart issues and control issues. Our spiritual advancement requires that we totally yield ourselves to His Spirit, and then for us to always follow the leading of His Spirit. SECONDLY, we must release old mindsets concerning how WE think His Spirit should move. Our faith levels have much to do with His visitation. Because of mindsets and judgments, we could easily miss our hour of visitation. If a certain flow does not line up with our mindset, we too quickly negate how God desires to minister. Remember, they rejected Jesus because of their religious mindsets, and many missed the hour of His divine visitation. Elisha went through his "testing four different times." We need to consider four different tests and challenge ourselves to press into the overcoming power within us, so that we also, can step into that increased anointing. THE FIRST TEST: GILGAL One of the meanings of the word Gilgal is "circle." Unless we determine to rid ourselves of the works of the flesh, we will circle around this mountain again. Though Elisha was determined that he was going to receive a double portion anointing, he was most likely still tested with rejection. When Elijah and he stopped at Gilgal, Elijah instructed Elisha to remain there, but Elisha insisted that he would not leave his DESTINY link. At first, it appears Elijah did not desire for Elisha to tag along with him. He actually told him to remain and not follow. However, Elisha's statement was "I will not leave thee" (2 Kings 2:2). All too often, we quickly leave a ministry that was meant to be a DESTINY link. Maybe we feel left out and rejected, so we leave a ministry or relationship prematurely. We must "hang-on" to our DESTINY links and endure until we have received our double portions. If we do not pass the test at Gilgal, we will circle once more, and God will examine our hearts. THE SECOND TEST: BETHEL Bethel means "The House of God." Each of us "houses" the anointing. We are the temple of the Lord because He lives in us This is why we can minister wherever we are! Because we are God's temple, we are not limited to any building, setting, or place. We should be ministering under the unction of the Holy Spirit, being divinely led. Now that we understand that we are God's temple, please also know that any area in our heart where the door is locked to God's Spirit, will be tested. Hidden motives and attitudes will be exposed as God's truth searches every room of our hearts. THE THIRD TEST: JERICO Just as Elisha approached his test at Jericho, so will we be tested. Are we waiting to be sent ones, and are we pressing into the fullness God has for each of us? Being obedient to WHEN we are sent, is just as important as to WHERE we are sent. So, it is very important that we are obedient, and only go WHERE we are sent, and must complete our assignment before we can move to the next place. Elisha knew his DESTINY was to receive a double portion and so, once again, he pressed past any possible hindrances, and chose once again to remain in Kingdom covenant with his destiny link. The Lord has a test for each of us...how much do you want the anointing? THE FOURTH PLACE OF TESTING: JORDAN Jordan means "descending" or "flowing down." The only way the anointing flows (according toPsalm 133), is downward. The anointing will always flow from the head down. If you are properly positioned within the Body of Christ, if you find your place and remain there, the anointing will flow (descend) down upon you. Finally, Elisha had come to the place where the anointing would fully flow downward upon him! The anointing of your mentor will flow down upon you if you remain faithful to the end of your testing. Ultimately, we know that Christ is the head. However, when we are submitted to Christ, we are also submitted to those He has placed in authority over us, and we are in UNITY. It is only then, that we are properly positioned for the flow of anointing. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  7. Psalm 40:17 - "But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art, my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God." It is clear that King David was very rich, so far as worldly goods are concerned. The eyes of His inner man were not set on earthly wealth, so it was as though He really was poor --- poor in spirit, as the Lord would have us. Matthew 5:3 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven." Galatians 6:7,8 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Observation:HE HAS REVEALED THE ENDLESS CROP OF BOREDOM I WILL HARVEST WHEN I BASE MY LIFE ON PLEASURE-SEEKING -- INSTEAD OF SOWING ACTS OF GOODNESS AND LOVE FOR A HARVEST OF ETERNAL LIFE. Luke 21:31 - "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you". Abiding in Christ and allowing Him to flow freely out of us enables us to function with the greatest degree of success, thus discovering God's CALLING upon our life. Seeking an understanding of our true identity is essential in order to obtain our divine DESTINY. We are called to succeed in advancing the Kingdom of God on earth -- to walk in overcoming victory: "...because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17) Affirmations: I ASK THE LORD TO PROPEL ME INTO THE NEXT LEVEL OF MY GROWTH AND DESTINY.I AM DETERMINED THAT I WILL COOPERATE WITH HIM. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  8. 1846 Oct. 25th - Westcott: "Is there not that in the principles of the "Evangelical" school which must lead to the exaltation of the individual minister, and does not that help to prove their unsoundness? If preaching is the chief means of grace, it must emanate not from the church, but from the preacher, and besides placing him in a false position, it places him in a fearfully dangerous one." (Life, Vol.I, pp.44,45). Dec. 23rd - Westcott: "My faith is still wavering. I cannot determine how much we must believe; how much, in fact, is necessarily required of a member of the Church." (Life, Vol.I, p.46). 1848 July 6th - Hort: "One of the things, I think, which shows the falsity of the Evangelical notion of this subject (baptism), is that it is so trim and precise...no deep spiritual truths of the Reason are thus logically harmonious and systematic...the pure Romish view seems to me nearer, and more likely to lead to, the truth than the Evangelical...the fanaticism of the bibliolaters, among whom reading so many 'chapters' seems exactly to correspond to the Romish superstition of telling so many dozen beads on a rosary...still we dare not forsake the Sacraments, or God will forsake us...I am inclined to think that no such state as 'Eden' (I mean the popular notion) ever existed, and that Adam's fall in no degree differed from the fall of each of his descendants" (Life, Vol.I, pp.76-78). July 31st - Hort: "I spoke of the gloomy prospect, should the Evangelicals carry on their present victory so as to alter the Services." (Life, Vol.I, p.160). Oct. 15th - Hort: "I entirely agree - correcting one word - with what you there say on the Atonement, having for many years believed that "the absolute union of the Christian (or rather, of man) with Christ Himself" is the spiritual truth of which the popular doctrine of substitution is an immoral and material counterfeit...Certainly nothing can be more unscriptural than the modern limiting of Christ's bearing our sins and sufferings to His death; but indeed that is only one aspect of an almost universal heresy." (Life, Vol.I, p.430). Oct. 17th - Hort: "I have been persuaded for many years that Mary-worship and 'Jesus'-worship have very much in common in their causes and their results." (Life, Vol.II, p.50). 1890 Mar. 4th - Westcott: "No one now, I suppose, holds that the first three chapters of Genesis, for example, give a literal history - I could never understand how any one reading them with open eyes could think they did - yet they disclose to us a Gospel. So it is probably elsewhere."
  9. 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." AFFIRMATIONS: SINCE I AM COMMITTED TO PRAYER AND HAVE COURAGE TO STAND ON GOD'S WORD -- I AM CONFIDENT THAT GOD WILL ANSWER FROM HEAVEN. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF BATTLE AND AM DETERMINED TO RECEIVE MY REWARD. Hebrews 10:35 - "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." Proverbs 24:16 - "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." If we lose sight of OUR PURPOSE that God has for us being here we will drift aimlessly into things that are not fulfilling, but leave us empty and confused as to why we are here. Like Caleb (Numbers 14:24), we need a "different spirit" that is exemplary in faith. For he who is born of God "overcomes" the world, possessing and inheriting the promises. (1 John 5:4) Psalm 37:23,24 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:10, "Your Kingdom come, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us! We must find out what Heaven is saying over our lives, ministries, businesses, churches, cities, and nations. Now is the time for Kingdom increase! We must make sure we steward the increase properly.Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Proverbs 4:25-27 says, "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." In this upcoming season do not allow circumstances or situations to get you off track. When breakthrough comes we must make sure we are ready to walk in the breakthrough and steward it well. Don't wear yourself out worrying. Remember you don't get stronger in the good times but you grow the most during seasons of trials, tests, and tribulation. Warfare seasons are meant to strengthen us so we can receive our breakthrough. Don't look at where you are, look at where you're going. Make sure you are connected to the right people in this season. Surround yourself with only those who will help you walk in the purposes and plans God has over your life. Align yourself with people who stay in the battle until they inherit the promises and the purpose that God has designed for them! Hebrews 6:12 says, "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  10. "In the last days, "I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, (FLAMES OF FIRE) both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the Heaven above and signs on the earth below..." (Acts 2:17-19 As we endure difficulties, challenges or trials, we consider them purpose driven fires, suitable for the Master Craftsman. James 1:2-3 challenges us to, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." TESTED IN THE FIERY FURNACE Many Christians today are being tested, stretched, and tried. It's as if our God, whose eyes are like blazing fire, is blowing His mighty wind from Heaven. He's fanning some smoldering wicks as He equips His servants to become FLAMES OF FIRE. We should not be surprised or amazed. The Apostle Paul writes that the believer's spiritual "foundation" would be tested by fire to reveal the endurance of his faith and love (I Corinthians 3:13-15). "Everyone will be salted with fire" (Mark 9:49). Everyone! And, if a baptism of fire was necessary for Jesus, it will most certainly be necessary for His followers. The baptism of fire is difficult, indeed. We must not despise the hour of testing in light of the love Jesus poured out on the cross. GOD TRANSFORMS TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH We don't just go from glory to glory. We are CHANGED from Glory to Glory. II Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not from us." When jars of clay go into the kiln, they are a brown, gooey consistency that doesn't have much strength or resistance. But after firing, a beautiful piece of pottery emerges, strong and translucent, aglow from the fire, crafted by the Master Potter's hands. We need the refining fire, beloved. Since we know our God is a CONSUMING FIRE, the Spirit of God lives and dwells in us, and we want to do only what we see the Father do, should we not be a consuming fire also? Fire is the image used throughout the Bible to describe the inner nature of God's heart. Fire heals, cleanses, purifies. The fire Jesus brings is holy fire! Fire produces passion! It's in the fire that all of our false heroes, all of our false kings die, and that's the season we will see the Lord. It's in the fire that the Son of God is manifest. Alleluia! We become more and more passionate for Him and His Kingdom because we realize we must cling to Him, walk with Him, and become one with Him, as exquisite crystal fused in a kiln. The Son of God is manifest in the fire! In the fire of our experiences, we truly realize He is all we will ever need. What really happens when water is poured on the fire in the trenches? -- it only fuels the fire! Where is the God of Elijah? He's in us. Don't let the enemy lie and use water to put out the fire. We continue affirming, confessing, and meditating on our faith in the promises of God that are revealed in scripture. WE MUST PERSEVERE Once we have endured the fire and have received the passion, we must persevere. Jesus didn't quit at Gethsemane. He went all the way to crucifixion! Once we've sustained the fiery furnace we can't give up. You must set our heart like flint, ready to go all the way with God! It's in "Gethsemane" that we say, "Father, not my will but Thine be done." When we lay hands on someone and pray for them, they don't need to experience doctrine, they need to experience the fire of God, the power of God! The world is waiting for a consuming fire, one that burns up all that is not of God: cancer cells, addictions, sickness, and disease. This is a fire that will light up the world! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  11. 2 Kings 2:8,9,13 - "And Elijah took his MANTLE and wrapped it together and smote the waters....And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me....He took up also the MANTLE of Elijah that fell from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. And He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters." The word "mantle" means, "That which is thrown on or around--a physical covering." An actual mantle, cloak or robe, is an article of clothing. It is typically large and loose-fitting. This long outer garment or topcoat was in all probability the mantle worn by Elijah and then Elisha in II Kings 2:8-14. One of the most powerful of Bible stories, centered around a mantle, has a profound prophetic significance for us today. God wants to "throw" on us, and "throw" around us, a new, more complete spiritual mantle! It's time for us to do what Elisha did. It's time to ask and receive our new mantle. It's time for the "Doubling" to take place in our personal ministry to others also! It's Time to Put On Your New Spiritual Mantle! God wants to be your clothier. He wants to clothe you with your custom made, custom-fitted, spiritual MANTLE--all the power, gifting, and authority God has for you. It's time for you to become like Elisha. ASPECTS OF YOUR NEW MANTLE 1. Your new mantle is unique...no one else can successfully receive and effectively wear your anointing or mantle like you. 2. Your new mantle is all-inclusive...it contains everything you need to walk in the full power, gifting and authority of God for your life. Your mantle represents your spiritual DNA--who you really are or who you are to become. It contains all the spiritual resources necessary for you to walk out your DESTINY in Christ. 3. Your new mantle must be activated--Elisha immediately used his new mantle to "smote the waters." You need to activate your mantle today. How? Look for new opportunities to use this new power of God in your life. Today, right now, ask God for your new personalized MANTLE--to outfit you with it. Ask Him to be your clothier. It's time for you to experience what Elisha did--to get your new and even more powerful mantle. Amen! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  12. John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth." Observation: Grace gives me courage, strength, and boldness to let my old way of seeing things and my past way of dealing with life be put to death. Then, in Spirit, I learn how to live and to "walk" above every natural event. 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." To see God, it is imperative that our vision becomes spiritual and not just sensory. To hear God, we must learn to tune out the clamor of our fears and earthly desires. The Bible was written by individuals who actually beheld the glory of God. To see the glory of God is our call as well. Our spiritual vision is not an imaginary device of the mind, but that which comes from the living union of the Holy Spirit with our hearts. Matthew 5:8 -- "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Affirmations:I ASK THE LORD TO SHOW ME HOW TO STEP OUT INTO THE GIFTS HE HAS GIVEN ME. THERE IS A MOVE OF GOD THAT IS LIVING IN ME AND THE LORD IS EAGER FOR IT TO BE RELEASED AND BRING GLORY TO HIS NAME. Philippians 3:13 - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Affirmations: I KNOW THAT IF I MEASURE EVERYTHING BY WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MY PAST, I WILL NEVER GROW BEYOND IT. MY CONFIDENCE RESTS IN WHAT GOD HAS SAID. Hebrews 13:6 - "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  13. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."- Matthew 5:13 We as Spirit-filled Believers are citizens of Heaven and as the world grows darker, our light shines brighter. We are called to be the salt of the earth. In these times, it is essential that the Bride does not compromise the truth of the Gospel. Jesus died for our freedom (Galatians 5:1) and His death was not in vain. When we compromise the Word of God by sympathizing with ungodliness and coming into agreement with a lie, people are held in captivity. It is the truth that sets people free (John 8:32) and who the Son sets free is truly free (John 8:36). "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." - Hebrews 10:10 God is awakening His children to righteousness. Some of the Church has been living under a doctrine that we, as Spirit-filled Believers, are "still sinners" saved by grace. This lie keeps us in a state of helplessness and powerlessness to sin. The truth is the moment that we are born again, we become the righteousness of Christ, empowered by grace, to fulfill our God-given destiny. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 This is the revelation that God is awakening the worldto. Our identity is found in Christ alone and we are of holiness and purity. Anything other than this is a lie that leaves room for our identity to be compromised by sin. This foundation of truth will radically liberate the Body and is the substance that will sustain the harvest. Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction". Observation: TO FEAR GOD IS TO LOVE HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE! IT IS THE WILLINGNESS TO OBEY GOD EVEN WHEN IT APPEARS MORE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR ME TO COMPROMISE OR NOT OBEY HIS WORD. Psalm 85:9 - "Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land." Matthew 14:28,29 - "And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water'. And He said 'Come.' And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Sometimes in our ownminds we justify waiting in the boat, not realizing it is just our natural mind wanting to know every detail. Thinking to ourselves, "Well, maybe I ought to just sit in the boat a little bit longer – after all, we want to have wisdom." Do you think Peter did that? No. He got out of the boat of his comfort zone before his natural feelings could jump in to dictate the next step. Observation: BREAKING THE POWER OF NATURAL LAW IN MY LIFE HAPPENS WHEN THE WORD OF GOD UNITES WITH MY MEASURE OF FAITH. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  14. Matthew 17:2,3 - "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." The word for transfigured in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 is the same Greek word for renewal in Romans 12:2. (Strongs 3339) In this transfigured moment- Jesus is the prototype of the glorious church in this moment. Moses was known for AUTHORITY and Elijah for POWER -- these are the two realms that Jesus released over his disciples. This is the prototype of what will happen with every believer who is to come to power and authority to effect and bring about change. Affirmation: I STEP OUT OF THE BOX CALLED "TIME" AND LIVE IN THE SPIRIT. I LEARN HOW TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE AND LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE. I RISE ABOVE THE PRESSURES OF TIME AND WALK IN THE ETERNAL LIFE OF GOD. Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." WHAT I KEEP SAYING I EVENTUALLY BELIEVE. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty." - Jeremiah 15:16 There is an urgency for the Church to know the Word of God. Knowing the Word stops confusion and the truth from being compromised. It also enables us to prophesy accurately and sharply. The Word of God needs to be affirmed and meditated upon. Scripture needs to be put into our mouths, chewed, swallowed and digested by our inner-man. Then what bubbles forth when we open our mouths is the accurate Word of God. "And He said to me, 'Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.' So I opened my mouth, and He gave me the scroll to eat. Then He said to me, 'Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.' So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth." - Ezekiel 3:1-3 When we marinate in the Word we become not only hearers but doers of the Word. We become the message that is projected into the world. By marinating in the Word of God, the anointing saturates us and flows from our innermost being and through our mouth like honey. Just like Ezekiel, we become carriers of the message. As Spirit-filled Believers, we are to prophesy into the world. First, we eat the Word of God and then what pours forth when we prophesy is the Word. The Word is powerful, alive and active. It divides soul and spirit and brings conviction to the human heart (Hebrews 4:12). Each one of us are carriers of a message into the world. We embody a message and become the message. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  15. Revelation 21:5, 6 - "Behold, I make all things new.....It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." The cry from the One who sits on the throne in Revelation 21:5 is about making all things new. It doesn't say He is making "all new things," rather He is "making all things new." The Kingdom message is beginning to prevail in greater ways, because the Kingdom is all about RELATIONSHIP, not about gold streets and mansions. It is about a prepared place with Christ before the Father, even in the present moment. Evangelism is not just the work of a committee at an institutional church. Evangelism is becoming the by-product of a called-out company of the renewed saints who will return to being a "witness" of the Light in the presence of the darkness. A RISK-TAKING COMPANY There is a deeper work of the Spirit that will be an earmark in the coming days. There is a "making new" of the Lord's wineskin, His elect, His "called out company," who, as their Savior did, look out over the fields that are white unto harvest. and see them as distressed and downcast, as sheep without a shepherd. And, like their Master, this renewed company will bemoved with compassion and bring a new level of healing and wholeness to those who cry out for answers, for peace, for hope, and for deliverance! It will take a courageous, risk-taking company of the people that know their God to boldly go out to where the sinners are and speak to them of the One who is already working at some level in their lives, in order to bring them to the knowledge of the truth and the light of the glory of God in the face of the Son of God. RISING OUT OF DEAD THINGS Resurrection is becoming more than a doctrine, it is becoming a way of life. As the consumer-driven culture is losing hope in "things" and asking if there is not more to life than this, a renewed company of the elect are going to be RISING OUT OF DEAD THINGS and pressing to the mark of the prize of their high calling (their DESTINY). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  16. Acts 28:3,5 - "And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire without being harmed at all." Observation: Every disaster the devil sends is an opportunity to advance the Gospel. Because I keep going and never give up, God's Spirit is always available to help me in every situation. 1 Corinthians 9:25,26 - "Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline; he does so in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer, who does not waste his punches." Affirmations: I AM EXHORTED TO LIVE WITH PURPOSE. I AM NOT JUST TO EXIST OR GET BY; NOR AM I TO MEASURE SUCCESS BY THE WORLD'S STANDARDS, BUT BY HEAVEN'S STANDARDS. I AM ENTRUSTED AS A STEWARD WITH GOD-GIVEN GIFTS, ABILITIES, AND RESOURCES. 1 John 3:22 - "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight".Isaiah 1:19 - "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." This opportunity is given to all who are saved, but not everyone is willing to adjust to a "diet" that is conducive to spiritual growth. We will mature spiritually as we arediscipled into "who we are in Christ," our "right standing with God," and how to "walk in the Spirit". In our identification with the Lord in the outworking of His PURPOSE for our life, we must develop a sensitivity to the Lord's presence, that we might rightly respond to Him as He seeks to guide us toward spiritual maturity. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  17. "He who believes in Me the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" (John 14:12). Are we walking with an earnest expectation of the miraculous? Are we truly expecting to see the goodness of God manifested (birthed) on earth, or are we just hoping that it will be? Hope in God is good, but the Lord wants to turn our hope into a living, breathing expectation. GOD IS CALLING US to supernatural living and it begins with an expectation of the miraculous. The enemy of our soul is always trying to discourage us and cause us to lose sight of who we are in Christ and all that comes along with our birthright. We are governed by the natural (what the news says, what the doctor says, etc.), yet we are children of a supernatural God who asked us to pray that things would be on earth just as they are in Heaven. EXPECTATION BASED ON HIS WORD Mary was pregnant with the expectation of God's Kingdom being manifested on earth. Her hope in God brought her to this level of expectation, "Let it be to me according to Your word" (Luke 1:38). She took God at His word and the Holy Spirit overshadowed her. Something supernatural happens when we allow God to overshadow us. Mary was pregnant with God's Word, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). She was expecting and she delivered. We too can take God at His Word. Every promise, every jot, every tittle, every utterance from God is ours. Though it tarries, we continue to expect and don't give up. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  18. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "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." Our goal is not to become perfect people, but to abide in the one who is perfect. Our righteousness will never be in us, but will always be in Him. It is not what we do, but what He has already done, that changes us. Affirmation: NO MENTAL STRUGGLES, NO SADNESS, NO TEMPTATION, BONDS, OR TEMPORARY AFFLICTIONS ARE GOING TO MOVE ME OFF MY COURSE -- GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN ME THE VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS. 2 Timothy 1:6 - "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands." The Greek word for gift is "charisma" which describes those spiritual abilities with which God equips believers. Nothing in the realm of the Spirit is accomplished without this "charisma", or supernatural ability of God. Affirmation: I AM GOING TO COMPLETE MY CALLING IN CHRIST -- IM GOING TO REACH MY DESTINY. We must pass through a door to enter the new season. When we go through a door, we enter another realm. Many times we don't want to go through the open doors because they are scary. Even if we can see past them, we don't know what to expect when we go through them. We say things like, "I've never gone that way before. Suppose I am inadequate? What if I fail?" Paul was aware of the scary things that lay ahead through his new door, as he said in 1 Corinthians 16:9, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Going through an open door symbolizes trusting Him. Fear of the future and inability to control things can prevent you from doing that. Even though the door is not closed, you really don't know what is on the other side. So going through is an act of faith. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  19. Isaiah 43:18,19 - "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing: now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." When we catch a glimpse the new identity we have in Jesus Christ, we see sin to be the boring, useless, and stupid thing it really is and we turn more easily away from it. This other side has to do with the rich inheritance that we share in with Jesus Christ as co-heirs (see Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:7, 11). We need to spend much more time confessing, not our sins, but who we are in Christ. Affirmation: I AM BELIEVING FOR GOD TO DO A NEW THING IN MY LIFE. Jude 3 - "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Observation: CONTEND MEANS TO FIGHT OR WAGE BATTLE. THERE IS CONSTANT OPPOSITION AND RESISTANCE TO MY PURSUIT OF GOD IN BOTH THE NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL REALMS! In closeness to Him, you are safe. In the intimacy of His Presence, you are energized. No matter where you are in the world, you know you belong when you sense His nearness. Ever since the Fall, man has experienced a gaping emptiness that only His Presence can fill. He designed you for close communion with your Creator. How He enjoyed walking in the garden with Adam and Eve before the evil one deceived them! When you commune with Him in the garden of your heart, both you and He are blessed. This is His way of living in the world—through you! Together you will push back the darkness, for He is the Light of the world. "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." - Psalm 32:7 "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?'” - Genesis 3:8–9 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” - John 8:12 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  20. Matthew 18:18,19 - "Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Walking in His authority is actually more than just a right that has been given to us, it's our responsibility. As joint heirs with Christ, we have a responsibility to walk in His authority TAKING DOMINION. He has called us to be good stewards of His Kingdom while we are here on earth, and walking in His authority goes hand in hand with being a good steward of the Kingdom. OBSERVATION: Whatever I allow, God allows. Mabe, I am allowing things in my life that are unlike God. Until I bind those things and remove them from my life, the path between me and my DESTINY will always be filled with traps and landmines. AFFIRMATIONS: I was born again -- I wasn't half re-born.I wasn't made half-righteous or a quarter-righteous -- I was made the righteousness of God in Christ!I am a joint Heir with Him. I step up to the position of authority and dominion that Jesus has given me, to take my rightful place beside Him and learn to operate the way He does. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before Me." AN IDOL IS WHAT I PUT BEFORE GOD IN MY LIFE. ANYTHING I LIKE, TRUST, LOVE, ADORE, DESIRE, WORSHIP, HOPE IN, HAVE FAITH IN, GIVE MY ATTENTION TO, AND SEEK MORE THAN THE LORD. 1 Corinthians 10:14 - "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 John 5:21 - "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Ephesians 3:20, 21 - "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." As we press into this present day empowering and equipping for the effective working of His Power in and through us on a day to day basis we need to live in a place of perpetual fresh oil-fresh anointing of His Wonderful Presence, to be a blazing lamp in the midst of the darkness of our day, that we would see the ever-increasing expansion of His Kingdom -- not just in Word but also in demonstration. The Holy Spirit’s desire is that we live every day in the fullness of the Lord, by seeing above and beyond what we can do, and that Jesus would receive glory and honor through His great power that works in us and through us. Praise the mighty name of Jesus who pours out the promise of the Holy Spirit to us (Acts 2:33)! Praise the mighty name of Jesus who said, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) The Father sent Jesus with an unlimited anointing of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:34). That same promise is for us. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  21. Matthew 6:10 - "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." What world is more real to us? Is it this present world or the eternal? When we are more aware of the ultimate eternal life with God, when the temporal world no longer makes much difference, there is a freedom that comes in our spirit – because this place is not our home. We are journeying through this life knowing that our home is that which is not made by hands but by God in the Heavens. The truth is that we can now live out of the PLACE OF ETERNITY. ETERNAL LIFE is also a way of life. We live from this quality of life that Jesus opened the way for us to experience. Paul tells us to focus on the eternal, not the temporal. In this, we free our minds from the cares of this life. The ETERNAL REALM is comprised of the life we are called to live in. HEAVEN IS OUR HOME The eternal realm is in God. But, make it more personal: He is our Father, the Everlasting Father. God is trying to bring His people to a place where they learn how to live from heaven towards earth. The reason is that His heart is for heaven to exist on earth. The desire to go to heaven can never cancel out His command to us to bring heaven to earth. Whatever our meditation is, that is what we will end up talking about the most. We talk about what is most valuable to us or what we've chosen to make our meditation. In all these things we need to yield our hearts and thoughts to God, ask Him to fill us with His thoughts, meditate on His words and fix our eyes upon the Lord. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  22. Luke 7:39,40-43 - "'This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: for she is a sinner.''There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?' Simon answered, and said, 'I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.'" Simon saw this woman as one type of sinner and himself as another, much better person, only requiring a little forgiveness. James 2:10 - "Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." Galatians 5:16 - "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."OBSERVATION: I must sow seeds to my spirit instead of sowing seeds to the flesh. What I feed on is what will grow in my life. Galatians 6:8 - "He who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Affirmations: I AM DEVELOPING MY OWN HUMAN SPIRIT, AND I AM BECOMING MORE SENSITIVE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD. I HAVE ACCEPTED THE CALL OF GOD TO LEAVE THE LOW LIFE BEHIND, AND I AM FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO A HIGHER REALM, WHERE I WILL LIVE IN CONTINUAL PEACE, JOY, AND VICTORY. In Psalm 81:10 God challenges us with these words, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!" What will God fill our mouths with? This is not about God giving you food. The Hebrew text actually reads, "Open wide your mouth and I will FULFILL it!" God wants to FILL our mouths with HIS Word then FULFILL it when they speak it forth! Get ready...now is the time to "Arise and Shine" with the Word of the Lord in our mouth. We come to see the folly of being consumed with hobbies, hype, and hiding our faults. We are consumed with holiness and declaring the Word....embracing the required expectation. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  23. Hey guys, New YouTuber, and here is a video I did on the message of the gospel, which I don't think everyone has really heard: I hope this adds to some clarity and gets some positive thought going. Feel free to share this with people to help them understand what the Bible really says as needed.
  24. John 14:12 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father." The miracles of Jesus were a demonstration of how the authority of the Kingdom of Heaven has dominion over any condition on the earth. To the degree that we abide in the Kingdom by abiding in the King, we too can walk in authority over any condition on the earth. As we approach the end of this age, this will change from "can" to "must." OUR GOAL IS JESUS Jesus demonstrated this with His life, and this is what He has called us to walk in. It is a high calling, and such authority can only come from abiding in the King who is above all rule, authority, and dominion. So our primary goal should not just be power or authority, but the One who has all power and authority. Even so, at the end of this age, His Body is going to demonstrate His power, dominion, and authority to prepare the way for His coming Kingdom. Before the end of this age, there will be some who say to mountains "be plucked up and cast into the sea" (see Matthew 21:21), and the mountains will obey them. This must be done to prove that His Word is true. There will be those who see every miracle Jesus performed and even more. Some are already growing in authority and will one day walk in authority over every disease or affliction. John 17:22-23: - "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You did send Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." When the Church matures and becomes what she is called to, it will be in such unity that the world will marvel. This authority of the Kingdom will coincide with the Gospel of the Kingdom being preached. One basic characteristic of those who walk in this authority is that they will be in unity with one another. This authority can only come from abiding in the King, and those who are rightly joined to the King will also be rightly joined to His Body. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  25. Revelation 22:1 - "And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." This supernatural river with healing properties flows from the throne and needs to be released on the earth. We as believers are the gateway through which this healing river is released. We already have access to everything we need to bring healing to the nations. AFFIRMATIONS: God leads me to the river of His Spirit, the current of clear goodness that flows without ceasing. As I step into that unfailing new life, I will want nothing else. A river starts small and grows until it reaches its destination. I am called to a journey that grows continually in both life and power. Proverbs 4:18 - "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." "Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:7 Are you ready to be even more aggressive in the area of faith to see the impossible become possible for great and mighty things to take place? This is not a time to be fearful but be strong in the Lord in His Power and Might. Charles Spurgeon said once that he never passed a single quarter of an hour in his waking moments without a distinct consciousness of the presence of the Lord. When the Spirit fills the heart, so does His power, grace, and direction; the face of Jesus is vividly and evidently near. Choosing to set yourself firmly in the place where God has called you unlocks spiritual principles thatresults in increase. The best days of the Church are upon us and it's a time to embrace our divine destiny. God is good and He is faithful! Let us wake up and be successful in fulfilling all He has planned! This is the hour of the fulfillment of His promises of glory and light! The people of God are beginning to "arise and shine" for our light has come! Accept each day exactly as it comes to you -- not only the circumstances of your day but also the condition of your body. Your assignment is to trust Him absolutely, resting in His goodness and faithfulness. On some days, your circumstances and your physical condition feel out of balance: The demands on you seem far greater than your strength. Days like that present a choice between two alternatives—giving up or relying on Him. Even if you wrongly choose the first alternative, He will not reject you. You can turn to Him at any point, and He will help you crawl out of the mire of discouragement. He will infuse His strength into you moment by moment, giving you all that you need for this day. Trust Him, by relying on His empowering Presence. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior." - Psalm 42:5 "For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you." - 2 Corinthians 13:4 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” - Jeremiah 31:25 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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