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  1. Genesis 1:2 - "The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Observation: AS I MEET WITH GOD HE COMES LIVING AND BREATHING THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES INTO MY HEART. AT THAT MOMENT THE VERY SAME SPIRIT THAT HOVERED OVER CREATION, IN THE BEGINNING, IS HOVERING OVER ME, TRANSFORMING ME INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST THROUGH THE WORD. THAT LIVING, BREATHING WORD IS GOD! 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." Matthew 14:27 - "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."' Christ's assurance, "It is I", literally translated reads, "I Am" - the eternal designation of God. While Jesus indeed comes to the aid of His disciples, He also reveals Himself transcendent of time's barriers. As such, He proclaims His availability to all His disciples. He is God with us, even to the end of the age! AFFIRMATIONS: Since I am in Jesus Christ all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in me. (Col. 2:9,10) God has put eternity in my heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) The Lord is like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I cannot contain it any longer. (Jer.20:9) Matthew 7:25 - "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." Observation:I CANNOT BUILD MY HOUSE "IN A STORM". MY HOUSE MUST BE BUILT DAY BY DAY, BEFOREHAND, BY DIGGING DEEP AND BUILDING ON THE ROCK OF HEARING AND OBEYING THE WORDS OF CHRIST. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  2. Matthew 17:4 - "Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter wanted to come up with a program to organize what God was doing; but God would have us to forsake our various programs and gimmicks and, instead, simply listen to Jesus. The same glory is just as close to us as it was to Peter -- as is the same instance to revert to dead works in spite of who we have seen. Matthew 17:5 - "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." Deuteronomy 28:1 - " If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth." Affirmation: I MAKE A QUALITY DECISION TO DILIGENTLY LINE UP WITH GOD'S WORD SO I CAN RELEASE THE BLESSINGS OF GOD INTO THE EARTH. "If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." - Isaiah 1:19 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. Therefore, Jesus said, "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). In other words, "Few will pay the price in order to be chosen." This process of qualifying begins after we have received the gift of salvation, which has been freely provided for us by Jesus upon Calvary's Cross. Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Observation: AFTER LEAVING EGYPT, ALL THE EXPERIENCES THAT ISRAEL WENT THROUGH WERE TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE HIGH CALLING OF REPRESENTING THE LORD ON EARTH. I TOO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS HIGHEST OF CALLINGS, AND EVERYTHING I GO THROUGH IS INTENDED TO PREPARE ME FOR IT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  3. As we are called to step out into areas that are beyond our comfort zone, we may feel as if we are floundering for a season. Yet God has called us to walk in His peace and JOY and to BRING HIS KINGDOM TO EARTH in each situation. We could easily fall into discouragement if we do not stand in God's encouragement. And part of the way He fills and refreshes us is through His spirit of JOY. Joy in the midst of heavy world situations. Joy in the midst of tragic circumstances. Joy in the midst of serious situations and huge challenges. WE CAN BE A SIGN AND A WONDER We can be a sign and a wonder to those around us as we walk in His SUPERNATURAL JOY. And when the essence of this joy touches other lives, people will be drawn to know the source of our joy, Jesus Himself. We need to EXPERIENCE THIS PLACE WHERE GOD CAN INVADE OUR SOULS and impart doses of His supernatural joy much more often than we currently do. Remember that when Paul teaches on the fruit of the Spirit, joy comes second in the list! Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is...JOY! PERSONAL APPLICATION SOAK IN HIS PRESENCE. Refresh yourself in Him. FOCUS ON JESUS AND HIS LOVE TOWARDS YOU, and let Him remind you of the many blessings that He brings to your life. As you set your mind on things above, you will receive your fill-up of joy. Walking in supernatural peace is definitely a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. We must be challenged to walk in supernatural joy, to PRESS-IN TO THE SPIRIT, find His joy there, and then walk in it, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. The message of "Good tidings of great joy" is not for the Christmas season only. Because of Him, we can walk in great joy--"Joy unspeakable and full of glory" right here and right now. "There are river fountains that splash joy, cooling God's city, the holy place where the Most High dwells" (Psalms 46:4). Let's tap into that supernatural river of joy! Let's get swallowed up in a spirit of joy. In delighting in the Lord. In rejoicing in His Presence. And in bringing His Kingdom of joy down here on earth as it is in Heaven. SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONS: Psalms 16, Psalms 46, Psalms 37, Romans 14:17, Luke 15:10, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  4. Isaiah 11:2 - "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness." Observation: THE VIRTUE OF FORTITUDE IS OFTEN MISTAKEN AS MERELY DRAWING STRENGTH FROM GOD. BUT THEN I BELIEVE I HAVE STRENGTH IN MYSELF, AND THERE IS NOTHING SO WEAK AND FAILING AS THAT. FORTITUDE COMES UPON ME WHEN MY SOUL HAS FOUND ITS ONE UNFAILING SHELTER -- THATIS, WHEN I HAVE SEEN WITH THE EYES OF FAITH, WHEN CHALLENGES COME, HOW MY SOUL HAS FLED INTO ITS ALL-SURROUNDING GOD. HE ALONE IS MY EVERLASTING WALL OF STRENGTH. Acts 6:8 - "And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people." How do you prophesy radical words over your spiritual enemies? Take a page from David's play-book. David turned Goliath's false prophesy and word curses around. 1 Samuel 17:44 - "The Philistine said to David, 'Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field.'" David prophesied back, "I will strike you down and cut off your head. Then I will give the corpses of the Philistine camp this day to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the earth so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (verse 46). Many times, you can determine what the Lord wants to do in your life by the vain imaginations and accusationscoming against your mind. When the enemy whispers to your mind or screams at your soul, speak the opposite of what the enemy is saying to you. Prophesy God's will over your life. The true prophetic word always trumps the false prophetic word—when you release it. You don't need a "prophetic word" to prophesy God's will—His will for your life is in His Word. Prophesy what God's Word says about you and what belongs to you. You will prevail! Psalm 100:4,5 - "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." Satan’s plan is to make us somehow accept, either through our upbringing, our experiences or through Church dogma that certain portions of the life of Christ are untrue or not valid in our case. Every battle we face in life is over the word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is FAITHFUL;" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  5. "Oh, my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me, that I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, 'O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.'" Jeremiah 4:19 The Holy Spirit within us wants to use us to properly do battle against the enemy. However, we must remember, "...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty THROUGH GOD for pulling down of strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4 We must allow the Holy Spirit the "right of way" to take it over and to direct it. We must turn TO it and not from it. We must not be ashamed of the WEEPING that He desires to cry out through us! "...Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...." Hebrews 3:7-8 SO WHAT DO WE DO WITH THIS WEEPING? We need to ALLOW the Holy Spirit to cry, to pray through us when this unction comes upon us, and to NOT "shut it down." Additionally, don't worry about the "words" you will pray.... Romans 8:26-27, "...the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." As we allow the weeping unction of the Holy Spirit to cry out through us, we will be praying for the things for which the Spirit within us is weeping, in the way the Lord wants it prayed about, and in the will of the Lord for the outcome. Romans 8:28, "And (then) we know that all things (will) work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." PRAY IT THROUGH When those tears and/or deep groanings come, LET them! Don't stop it! Be led by the Holy Spirit. And understand that even if you don't have your prayer language, you are still His Sheep, and you can still hear and obey the voice of the Lord, and be directed to pray according to the will of God. In whatever way He desires for you to pray, "pray it through!" Until you have a "release" or a sensing of peace that it has been "taken care of." Don't be concerned about "words!" It may be that you will experience tears and/or groanings alone. Also, we don't need to be embarrassed by tears (ours or others) if they begin to flow. We just need to "let go and let God!" And let's not "fake it" or get loud to get attention. Weeping may very well and most likely occur when we are all alone. Let's just allow the Holy Spirit total access to and through us, to be led by Him, for His purposes to be accomplished when and how He causes that unction to come. It is a time to let the "rain" of the Holy Spirit "reign!" To let Him cry out through us for souls and for mercy! In this time when so many have serious needs, let us heed the voice of the Spirit to "pray it through." Revelation 2:11, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches..." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  6. Exodus 16:4 - "Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no." God did not give the children of Israel the heavenly manna until they exhausted the flour brought from Egypt. This bread of angels is disagreeable to the palate of anyone who wants to taste human food. Persons feeding on other strange tastes not only become incapable of the Divine Spirit but are not satisfied with God alone but entertain a desire and affection for other things. John 14:6,7 - "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him."' Unless we can be corrected, unless we are seeking God for an unfolding revelation of His son, our so-called "faith" may be, in reality, just a lazy indifference, a deception concerning the things of God. Subconsciously, we may actually want a dead religion so we do not have to change. True faith is freighted with the power of God. Timothy 3:5 - "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."AFFIRMATIONS: I do only those things that I see the Father doing. As I take communion, partaking of the bread and wine, I confirm my oneness with Jesus. I am in Christ Jesus. I walk worthy of the Lord - I am fruitful, and I increase in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. Each day I seek to draw ever nearer to Christ, seeking to yield, ever deeper, my will to His will. Psalm 145:2 - "Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever." WHAT I DO DAILY DETERMINES WHAT I BECOME PERMANENTLY. Proverbs 8:34 - "Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  7. Revelation 3:17 - "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire..." We are living in the time of the Laodicean Church, which we are told is "rich and increased with goods" (Revelation 3:17). Therefore, most of us are too busy to spend much time in prayer. We must place a high value on the time that we spend alone with the Lord, or it will be overtaken and replaced with activities. This "set apart time to be alone with the Lord" must constantly be contended for. Our Lord is very sensitive about "room being made" for Him, as, when He was born into this world, there was "no room" in the inn. Thus, when anyone of us actively determines to make room for Him, He quickly notices and responds.Affirmations: I AM A "NEW WINESKIN," CLEANSED, EMPTIED AND CAPABLE OF EXPANDING WITH THE NEW WINE. MY HEART IS A CONTAINER INTO WHICH THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS POURED. I SWELL WITH CHRIST'S INNER FULLNESS. THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE IS TO CONTAIN THE FRUIT AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I AM DESPERATE IN MY SEARCH AND HUNGER FOR GOD! Galatians 4:19 - "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." Hebrews 4:10,11 - "For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labor, therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Affirmations: I LABOR BY FORCEFULLY QUIETING MY SOUL OF THE NOISE OF IT'S FLESHLY THINKING AND SOULISH CRYING, WHICH IS A YOKE OF SLAVERY AROUND MY NECK, HOLDING ME CAPTIVE IN MY OWN PERSONAL SPIRITUAL EGYPT. I SEND IT FLEEING INTO THE SILENT "WILDERNESS" WITH GOD. THERE IT WILL FIND THE FREEDOM AND HOLY REST THAT ARE THE HERITAGE OF THE TRUE SONS OF GOD. Luke 5:4 - "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets". OBSERVATION: I quit fishing in the same waters I've bee fishing in for so long. I go to new territories and get ready to catch more fish than I ever dreamed possible! Luke 5:10 - "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for the souls of men!" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  8. We don't rejoice for the battles, but we exalt in the victories that are already won in Christ. It's in times of adversity that millions, great multitudes, will come to know Christ Jesus, as many as the sand which is on the seashore (Genesis 22:17-18). STAYING IN MOTION Consistency in Kingdom advancement is more important than speed or ferocity. After all, eternity is timeless. Sometimes our journey with Jesus may seem like plodding. But, God orchestrates our steps. As long as we're in motion and not stagnating, we're taking ground. May we be able to declare, "For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed." - Isaiah 50:7. II Samuel 5:10 - "And he (David) became more and more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with him." Marching upon the path of faith is similar to pumping spiritual iron. Each time we wield the sword, every time we put on the breastplate of righteousness, every time we act in faith, our spiritual muscles grow stronger in Christ Jesus. There are times we do not engage in battle. There are times we simply "stay in the cave" and wait (Judges 15:8; I Samuel 22:1; I Kings 19:9). It's crucial to pray and inquire so we know if, and when, God is sending us to fight. It's difficult to stumble when we're on our knees. The battle belongs to the Lord. Therefore, the defeat of the enemy is in His hands. SometimesSILENCE is the greatest weapon of all, allowing the contender to exhaust himself shadowboxing, while we stay in an attitude of worship--the highest form of warfare. THE DESIRE TO FIX THINGS Often, the battle is not with the devil, but with our own CARNAL NATURE. Our flesh really longs to rise up and fix things, stating our opinion. We must remember--the greater the faith, the fewer the words. If there are some battles or power-struggles going on in your sphere of influence, keep in mind, it's best to always bow lower. After all, God became a baby to conquer the world. For it's, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, says the Lord" - Zechariah 4:6. II Samuel 5:22-25, "As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer." We're living in "move-quickly" days. When you hear the wind in the top of the mulberry trees, move quickly. Delayed obedience can be disobedience. BUILDING OUR SPIRITUAL MUSCLES God uses divine delays, times of testing, false starts, and trial runs to build up our spiritual muscles, and create a tenacious spirit within us. When David did as the Lord commanded him, he knew that God had gone before him, and he struck down the enemy all the way. There's a time of peace and a time of war, a time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to speak, and a time to be silent. A time to wait, and a time to move quickly. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  9. Genesis 21:10 - "Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." Freedom cannot abide in a slaves heart dominated by worldly desires and honors. Royal freedom of spirit attained in divine union has nothing to do with slavery. There are certain foundational attributes of servanthood and sacrifice that create a seedbed for the fragrance of Christ in our lives. Luke 22:26 - "Not so with you: on the contrary, the highest among you must bear himself like the youngest, the chief of you like a servant." 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." The proof of love is the willingness to changeObservation: I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE SAME LOVE THAT COMPELLED JESUS TO GO TO THE CROSS. IT IS THE LOVE THAT COMPELS ME TO INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS. I PRAY FOR OTHERS TO RELEASE THEM FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE ENEMY. I PRAY FOR THEM SO THEY CAN COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. Romans 15:13 - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit." One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is JOY! One way you can know that you are communing with the Holy Spirit is when His love, joy, and peace begins to flood your heart. It is a supernatural result of your love for God in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 - "For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." There is a domino effect when we choose to live in sync with the Holy Spirit rather than following the fleshly mind. Faith and trust blossoms in the presence of God. When God is big in your life, you won't make molehills mountains and mountains molehills. You will magnify the Lord and rejoice in Him at all times. Be encouraged in your faith, believe God for greater, keep moving forward, and rejoice in His presence! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  10. Matthew 12:34-37 - "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned". OBSERVATION: My future -- good or bad -- is in me, right now. It's in my mouth and it's determined by the words I speak. I am the prophet of my own life. AFFIRMATIONS: The Spirit of God is creating a desire for the NEW - I thank the Holy Spirit for helping me to press through into this new place. Revelation is opening my eyes and giving me this new vision. I arise now. My provision is waiting at the next level. The course of the river is beginning to change. I jump in and go up! A new height, a new momentum, and a new strength enters my soul. I refuse to sit any longer in a low place. 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." OBSERVATION: 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. 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." 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. This spiritual dynamic that flows into us daily is the witness of the reality of the Holy Spirit’s power to the masses who are destitute of the Love and redemption and Kingdom power that is available to them in Christ Jesus. AFFIRMATIONS:I believe for an impartation of the Holy Spirit that will enable me to flourish into a season of great fruitfulness for the glory of the Lord. I live every day in the fullness of the Lord, by seeing above and beyond what I can do, and that Jesus would receive glory and honor through His great power that works in me and through me. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  11. Anyone Got any Doubts about the Bible. Or have had any doubts that have been unresolved? please leave them here. Especially the really hard ones!!! Thanks. :-)
  12. As I write this, we have been reading the Book of Luke. I thought it might interest some of you, to see what it was like, if you were a protestant of means, able to afford one of those new fangled things called a printed Bible. Some people refer the the King James Bible, as the authorized version. It was an authorized version, authorized by the King, and the translation was completed in 1611. This authorization was for the Church of England. While the Church of England was not Roman Catholic, neither was it properly protestant church. The King James Version, was commissioned, in part, to counteract the Bible popular with protestants, to help make it easier to maintain the religious hierarchy of the Church of England. The protestants were too critical of the Church of England for the Kinds tastes, so a new version was commissioned for use in the churches of the Church of England. Basically, the Church of England, was protesting the protestants. While the KJV is an "authorized version" it was the third authorize version. Prior to it, was the Bishops Bible, of 1568, and before that, was the Great Bible, of 1535. The King James version, as was said, is AN authorized version. It was not given the title of "The Authorized Version", until 1814. Lest you get the impression, that I am anti King James Version, I am not. I love the King James Version, and it has been EXTREMELY important in church history. It is a good version. There was a faction of the Church of England, known as the Puritans. They were not called the Puritans, because they were so pure and holy, though that is how many have come to think of that term. The Puritans, were about purging or purefying the church, not just of the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, but also from issues of having a church, run by a monarch. The Puritans believed that the Church of England, was still too "Catholic" in it's operation. The puritans believed in the priesthood of all believers, not an appointed caste of Popes and Bishops and the like. This did not earn them the admiration of Kings and Popes, so they were persecuted and exiled. They were protestants, in most senses of the word. The Bible of choice, among the Puritans, was the Geneva Bible. The Geneva Bible, was the first Bible to have chapter and verse numbers, and it was translated in 1560. It was carried on the Mayflower to America, and it was the most popular English Bible, during the period of the Protestant Reformation. Why this abbreviated history lesson on early English Bible versions? I wanted you to see how easy you have it. Bibles were not often in the hands of common people. The belief of the reformers, that the Bible should be available to all, and the invention of the printing press, was the beginning of the process that lead to mass Bible access. If you were a well off Protestant, over 400 years ago, what would you have seen? Here is page of a Bible (the Geneva Bible), that was printed in English, before the King James Version.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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!
  18. 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
  19. Okay, I will start with an idea. With the ability to go online to places where you can read the Bible in various versions, it is not hard to print a page or more of a Bible text, just be certain to discover the legalities of what you may or may not do, from the copyright holder of your chosen version. That being done, you can format and print the text, using your chosen version in a word processor, and make it such that there is one or more, large columns which is left blank on the page. That way you may fill in the margins with the insights you gain as you study, making a life's work and heirloom. These margins can be things you learn from others, new insights you gain, things you purpose to work on or pray about, quotations you think are especially meaningful, cross reference verses, definition of original language words, etc, etc. The way I think works well, is to do this on 3 hole punched paper, so you can put it in a three ring binder notebook, or in smaller paper type 3 ring folders. If you really want to be fancy, buy one of those comb binder machines, or go to you local stationary store, where they may let you use their binding machines for free, many do, or, they will bind them for you for a nominal price.
  20. I may not be able to answer questions immediately, if fact, I certainly will not. However, I will try to respond in a timely manner. I may not yet, even know the answers, as this is a ongoing development. If certain questions seem frequently wondered about, or important and the answers missing or unclear, then I will probably create and FAQ (frequently asked questions) section later. For now, you all are part of influencing what this club will become.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. LET HIM THAT HATH INDERSTANDING COUNT THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST .(140 + 131 + 139 + 256 = 666) ............................................The Apokalupsis: ..............................the uncovering, the unveiling, the revealing, It's abundantly clear that verses like Rev 13:18 and Rev15:2 present the argument that Gematria was used by THE BIBLE'S AUTHORSHIP - at the bible's inception - embedded during construction. Because for one: the translators translated Chi-Xi-Stigma (χξς) into a number, using Gematria. And Revelation 15:2 being THE SMOKING GUN: counting for us the number of the beast; 666. ...............................................................................................χξς = 600, 60, 6 ................It is easily seen and provable: that the translators - USING GEMATRIA - ................considered "χξς" as a number because they - TRANSLATED IT TO THAT NUMBER 1) Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding COUNT THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST: for it is the NUMBER of a man; and his - NUMBER - is "Six hundred, Threescore, and Six". (Rev 13:18) And Revelation 15:2 being "THE SMOKING GUN" - showing us how to count ..............making clear - THE BIBLE's AUTHORSHIP - used Gematria - ............................COUNTED THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST .................................140 + 131 + 139 + 256 = 666 ......................................"over the beast"(140), ......................................"over his image"(131), ......................................"over his mark"(139), ......................................"over the number of his name"(256), ......................................140 + 131 + 139 + 256 = 666 2) And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, over his image, over his mark, over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Rev 15:2) ____________ God bless Ed J
  24. "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
  25. 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
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