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In Joshua's day, before crossing the Jordan River and moving into their inheritance, God said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5). This is an exhortation for us today! DRAW NEAR TO GOD The word consecrate, in Hebrew, is actually a relational term. "Qadash" means to separate or set yourself apart unto God. God's heart isn't, "Clean up your act so I can restore and bless you." He says instead, "Come to Me so I can bless you." BIG DIFFERENCE! His love is free, not earned. "Qadash"(set apart to Him), is actually the root word for holy (qodesh). Being "holy" isn't the result of or defined as "being good enough?" Rather it is the nature (qodesh) we receive from our union with Him (qadash), which motivates us to good works and a refusal to sin. We must be careful, then, that when we set out to prepare ourselves for a move of God's Spirit, we do not move into a legalistic works mentality, trying to accomplish separation and holiness in our own abilities; rather, we draw near to God inrelationship. There is another word in Scripture that also means separation, which we often confuse with consecration and holiness. "Nazir", from which we get the word Nazarite, means to be separate from. Nazir implies that we are separating ourselves away from something, as in sin, or the Nazarite vow of separation from certain activities. Qadash implies that we are separating ourselves unto, or drawing near to God. And this is where we must always start in our walk with Him. Samson was a Nazarite and lived a life separated from certain things. There is never any indication in Scripture, however, that he was separated unto, or walking closely with God. When Delilah entered the picture, since Samson was attempting holiness in his own strength, not by drawing near to the Lord, He did not have the strength to resist temptation. The Lord desires to raise up men and women of prayer and radical devotion through which He can release a greater "Great Awakening" and shift the course of nations today. To be a part of this, however, we must be willing to comply with what God requires of us: Prepare ourselves through drawing near. A SEASON OF SEPARATION The Lord is inviting you to enter into a season where you separate yourself unto Him in an extra special way: 1. Take time to inquire of the Lord as to what this means for you. 2. Things will shift if you increase your devotion time from 15 to 30 minutes each day. 3. Doors will open if you fast one lunch per week to spend that time with the Lord. 4. You will experience breakthrough if you put on some worship music and commune with the Lord as you go about your daily chores. 5. For 15 minutes a day, invite Him to walk with you around your backyard or sit beside you on your porch. If you rearrange your busy schedule over the next few weeks to pray and fast and spend more time in worship and the Word, your life will radically change. No matter what level of relationship you currently enjoy with the Lord, He wants to transform you into a more passionate and zealous Believer. As you draw into His depths, His cleansing stream will prepare you to advance in His PURPOSE for your life. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Philippians 3:7-9 -- "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him." OBSERVATION: At some point I have to cease being a spiritual encyclopedia (That is, collecting more facts, opinions, illustrations and interpretations, and then presenting them as my faith). I make a quality decision today to turn myself over to God, submit to His training and breaking so that He can discard all that hinders me from seeing Christ as He is.....In God's eyes. My only hope for salvation from lesser things is Christ.....a greater Christ than the one I have been content with until now. Hebrews 1:2,3 -- "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom He made the worlds. Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." 1 Corinthians 4:20 - "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power." We are called to be forerunners and messengers of the coming kingdom. The power of our message will be directly related to the power of the life that is in us. Our goal is to live and reveal the power of the life that is in Christ Jesus. Our life and character should be so different and powerful in Christlikeness, that we stand out because of them. Not only are we a priesthood, we are a "royal" priesthood. Christians are the true royalty on earth. Affirmations: THE POWER THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO TESTIFY OF THE COMING KINGDOM IS THE POWER OF LIFE. THIS LIFE IS INFINITELY MORE PRECIOUS THAN ANYTHING I COULD EVER POSSESS ON THIS EARTH. MY IDENTITY IS TRULY IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND MY PRIESTLY CALLING TO MINISTER AND INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS ON A DAILY BASIS. Psalm 115:8 - "Those who make them (idols) will become like them, everyone who trusts in them." THE ONLY REASON WE TOLERATE DEAD IDOLS IS BECAUSE, WHILE THEY CANNOT HELP US, NEITHER CAN THEY HARM US NOR CONVICT US OF SIN. THE CONSEQUENCES OF HARBORING IDOLS IS THAT WE BECOME LIKE THEM. SIN CAN BECOME AN IDOL -- A FALSE GOD THAT DEMANDS OUR OBEDIENCE. SIDE BY SIDE WITH SIN IS THE IDOL OF FALSE KNOWLEDGE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" OBSERVATION: If our Christianity does not work in this life where we can test it, it is foolhardy to hope it will successfully transport us into eternity where, if we fail the test, we suffer eternal separation from God. The test of truth is not an intellectual pursuit but whether you are drawing closer, week by week, to knowing and loving Jesus Christ. Luke 10:40-42 - "But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."' MARY HAD SET EVERYTHING ELSE SET ASIDE, SO SHE COULD HEAR THE WORD. BUT MARTHA HAD LET THE SEEMINGLY IMPORTANT BUSINESS OF LIVING TAKE PRIORITY OVER THE WORD. Romans 8:6 - "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:25 - "But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently." There is a fresh stirring of the Lord's desire for us to become all that He would have us to be (our DESTINY). We are hearing a new message beyond anything that we have heard in the past. Our part is to be spiritually open and receptive. We become increasingly aware of the "Open Heaven" that has always been available to us, through which the "Son" can shine brightly to release the potential that is buried within us. For this to happen, we must respond with anticipation, expectancy, and patience. AFFIRMATIONS: God grants me the spirit of wisdom and understanding to fulfill the hope to which He has called me and realize the richness of His glorious inheritance in me. (Ephesians 1:17,18) I curse those things that don’t bear fruit for God in my life. (Mark 11:12) I make plans and goals to reach and fulfill the desire God has put into my heart. The Holy Spirit will correct those plans and goals to match God’s purpose for me. An uncommon dream requires uncommon patience. (Proverbs 19:21) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Zechariah 12:1 -- "Thus says the Lord, Who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him." God is spirit, and Zechariah 12:1 tells us that God formed the spirit of man within him. This human spirit is what makes relationship and fellowship with God possible at all. Through his spirit, man can walk in step with God. In the spirit he is one with God. Through his spirit he knows of God and receives everything God wants to communicate to him. It is in Man's spirit that Christ takes up residence. He who puts on Christ is one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17 -- But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. INTO ACTION: How do I stay in touch with God's Spirit during the day? What am I presently not doing? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Psalm 42:11 - "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: For I shall yet praise Him." DAVID BEGAN TO SELF-TALK WHEN HE FELT DISCOURAGEMENT COME UPON HIM. Observation: I CAN SPEAK TO MY EMOTIONS AND TAKE CONTROL OF THEM BY TELLING MY INNER MAN TO HOPE IN GOD. HOPE WORKS AGAINST DISCOURAGEMENT AND DESPAIR, SO WHEN I SPEAK THE "WORD" TO MY SPIRIT, I AM STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED BY GOD. John 19:30 - "When Jesus therefore, had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished': and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." AT THAT, JESUS' DISCIPLES, LOOKING TO THEIR OWN LIMITATIONS AND THE SEEMING HOPELESSNESS OF THEIR SITUATION, SCATTERED. THEY HID THEMSELVES. THEY WEREN'T THINKING ABOUT JESUS' PROMISE: THEY WERE THINKING ONLY ABOUT HOW POWERLESS, HELPLESS, AND AFRAID THEY FELT WITHOUT HIM. Observation: IF THE DEVIL CAN GET ME TO CONSIDER WHAT I PERCEIVE AS A LIMITATION OF MY BODY, MY MIND, OR MY FINANCES - HE WILL DEFEAT ME. BUT IF GOD CAN GET ME TO TAKE ONE STEP BEYOND MY OWN LIMITS, HE WILL GIVE ME THE VICTORY. I WILL TAP INTO HIS POWER THAT HAS NO LIMITS, AND I WILL SOAR TO HEIGHTS OF VICTORY AND SUCCESS THAT I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. John 3:3 - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again." We must know by revelation that we are not struggling to get up into heaven; rather that we were born there in spiritual rebirth. Psalm 110:1,2 - The Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), "Sit at My right hand until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes." Ephesians 2:6 - "and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" We have been raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is why the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us that the worship of God is our first response in battle. Affirmations: I POSITION MYSELF IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND SIT AT REST IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT CHRIST HAS ALREADY MADE MY ENEMIES THE FOOTSTOOL FOR MY FEET. AS I REST IN HIS VICTORY I RULE IN THE MIDST OF MY ENEMIES. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Ephesians 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God." THERE IS A PLACE GREATER THAN KNOWLEDGE WHERE WE ABIDE IN CHRIST'S LOVE. THIS IS, INDEED, THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD. IT IS A PLACE WHERE OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS FULFILLED WITH THE SUBSTANCE OF GOD. WE CANNOT TRULY KNOW GOD WITHOUT, IN SOME WAY, ALSO EXPERIENCING HIS PERSON. WE MUST SEEK HIM UNTIL WE PASS THROUGH OUR KNOWLEDGE INTO AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ALMIGHTY. WE MUST LEARN HOW TO LISTEN TO HIM; AS WE HEAR, OUR CALL IS TO THEN ASCEND HIGHER TO THE DWELLING PLACE OF LOVE THAT FLOODS OUR BEING WITH HIMSELF. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Observation: WHEN THE WORD OF GOD IS ABIDING IN ME AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IT WORKS ON ME FIRST BEFORE IT WORKS ON MY CIRCUMSTANCES, "SEPARATING" MY SPIRIT, MY SOUL (MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS), AND MY BODY AND GETTING MY SPIRIT INTO A POSITION WHERE I CAN HEAR GOD WITHOUT THE INFLUENCE OF MY SOUL OR BODY. Ephesians 1:17,19,20 - "That He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep and intimate knowledge of Him. And so that you can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength. Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places." The Holy Spirit within the believer ministers truth by revelation. In other words, it is revealed, not figured out. God does not talk to our brains! He speaks to the spirit of man. Jesus never said that water would flow out of your head, but that, "Out of your innermost being would flow rivers of living water." John 7:36 This is the ultimate Christianity -- communication and communion with the Holy Spirit, knowing more and more about Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Affirmation: I KNOW THE MIRACLE OF RESURRECTION FOR ME IS -- JESUS IS THE POWER AND THE POWER IS ALWAYS PRESENT -- THAT SAME POWER THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, ENABLES ME TO RISE OUT OF MY ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES AND STEP INTO THE PURPOSES OF GOD FOR MY LIFE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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If we are to experience RESTORATION, we must believe in one true God and in His living Word. God promised us this very thing through Joel: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you" (Joel 2:25). What a magnificent promise. Do you believe it? They may not always line up with our time frame, but always with His. To restore means that God makes restitution for what has been taken. It means to complete, finish, and to make safe. Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word for restoration is the root word of shalom, which means that God makes us whole, He strengthens us, and restores our peace. When God says that He will restore to us what the locusts have eaten, He is promising to make us WHOLE AND COMPLETE, which will in turn lead us into our DESTINIES. 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. " "The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly" - (John 10:10). We know that the enemy's strategy is to create destruction in our lives. Yet, Jesus said He came to give us abundant life! The word life is translated "Zoe" in the Greek, which means THE GOD KIND OF LIFE. You are called to live the God kind of life! This life is not a life of lack but a life of abundance; a life of overflow! Do not settle for anything that is not God's best! God wants the very best for His children! AFFIRMATIONS: God is calling for me to arise and take a strong stand against the works of darkness (Jude 1-4). I am to take the land. I lay hold of the promises of God, take Him at His word, and stand firm in faith. Rather than just being content to sit and hear, I become an activator of the Word. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 12:28 -- "If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." The unseen world has influence over the visible. The Kingdom is here and now. We must acknowledge that it's in the invisible realm. Just as Jesus worked only through the Spirit of God, we need to do likewise as His agent. The enemy's attempt to anchor our affections to the things that are visible is easily resisted when our hearts are aware of the presence of the Kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 4:18 -- Meanwhile our eyes are fixed, not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen: for what is seen passes away; what is unseen is eternal. INTO ACTION: What are you doing daily to establish the presence of the Kingdom of God in your consciousness? 1. 2. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Philippians 3:12 -- "But I keep going on, trying to grasp that purpose for which Christ Jesus grasped me." Psalm 63:1 -- "O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You: my inner self thirsts for you, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." OBSERVATIONS: I do not want to just give mental assent to Christian doctrine. I want to see, have contact with, and live in the experienced reality of Christ's actual presence. I want to press into God to lay hold of the purpose for which Christ Jesus has saved me and wants me to be. INTO ACTION: What are you doing to commune with, embrace, and press into the Lord Jesus? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Revelation 3:19,21 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne." IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION, JESUS DID NOT TELL THE CHURCHES THEY WERE "PERFECT IN HIS EYES." NO! HE REVEALED TO THEM THEIR HEARTS; HE TOLD THEM THEIR SINS. WITHOUT COMPROMISE, HE PLACED ON THEM THE DEMAND TO BE "OVERCOMERS," EACH IN HIS OWN UNIQUE AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE. Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." Psalm 91:1 - "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The Father has created a holy and intimate place in our spirit that the world cannot penetrate called the secret place of His presence. It's reserved for us, true believers in Jesus Christ. It's a place of freedom, where our love for Jesus can intensify, both in intimacy and overflowing, life-giving joy! As we develop a friendship with God, then He can show us how to love others. As we are first filled with the power to truly love others by loving Him and byRECEIVING HIS LOVE FOR USwe will come to realize our need to DISCIPLE other new believers. This only comes through our communion with Christ. We need to hear the voice of the Lord! We need to hear His voice now more distinctly than ever before because we need a personal revelation of our DESTINY in Christ. God wants us to come out away from our "usual place" and seek Him afresh and anew -- to turn from all else and seek only Him. He wants to show His love for us in a new way. AFFIRMATIONS: I resolve to get to know Him in a fresh way and experience new aspects of His character -- to experience new facets of His love. As I love Him as I have never loved Him before my capacity to love others is enlarged. As I abide in the secret place in silence I lift up my heart to Him in love and experience the communion of His presence. John 5:35 - "John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light." OBSERVATION: God wants to impact my life more deeply today than I could ever think possible. He wants to fan the flame in my heart! I want to be a burning, shining lamp. Today I ask God for a new passion, new fire, and the gift of holy hunger. Isaiah 64:1,4 - "Oh, that You would rend the heavens and that You would come down, that the mountains might quake and flow down at Your presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 6:6 - "When you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray." For us to enter our "closet" (set apart place) to pray requires that we actively and determinedly MAKE ROOM, where there is no room. For us to establish a "set apart time and place" for prayer, and then maintain this time for prayer, does not come easily. Therefore, 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. Observation: CHRIST DESIRES FOR ME TO LEAVE THE FAMILIAR, DISTRACTING WORLD OF MY SENSES AND ABIDE IN THE WORLD OF MY HEART, BEARING IN MIND THAT THE HIGHEST GOAL OF PRAYER IS TO FIND GOD. EVERY MINUTE I SEE GOD IS A MINUTE ENRICHED WITH NEW LIFE AND NEW POWER FROM GOD. Affirmation: I PERSIST DAY BY DAY, AND WEEK BY WEEK, UNTIL I HAVE DRAWN NEAR ENOUGH TO GOD THAT I CAN HEAR HIS VOICE. Matthew 7:8 - "For everyone who keeps on asking receives: and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened." John 17:3 - "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent." ULTIMATELY OUR WORK OF MINISTRY WILL ONLY LAST IF WE PROVOKE PEOPLE TO SEEK AND COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST. WHILE WE ARE CALLED TO DO GOOD WORKS, AND HELP PEOPLE PRACTICALLY, OUR PRIMARY CALLING IS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO SEEK GOD. AND THAT WILL ONLY COME AS WE MAKE MEETING WITH HIM OUR PRIMARY CALLING AND WORK. Song of Solomon 4:16 - "Arise, north wind, and come south wind; blow through my garden and let its spices flow out." INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE SPIRIT OF LIFE, TO COME AND BREATHE THROUGH YOU. DESIRE THAT YOUR GARDEN BE FILLED WITH FLOWERS AND FRUITS AND THAT ITS FRAGRANCE DRAW OTHERS TO HIM. THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) WANTS YOUR RESURRECTION TO BE QUICK SO THAT YOU MIGHT RECEIVE NEW LIFE BY THE BREATH OF THE SPIRIT. THE SPIRIT WILL BRING YOU TO LIFE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Exodus 33:7 - "Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And it came about, that everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp." IF WE ARE GOING TO TRULY SEEK THE LORD, WE MUST "GO OUT" AS DID MOSES AND THOSE WHO SOUGHT THE LORD. WE MUST PITCH OUR TENT "A GOOD DISTANCE FROM THE CAMP" - THE "CAMP OF FAMILIARITY." JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES TO LEAVE THE FAMILIAR PATTERN OF THEIR LIVES AND BE WITH HIM. HE KNEW THAT MEN, BY NATURE, ARE UNCONSCIOUSLY GOVERNED BY THE FAMILIAR. IF HE WOULD EXPAND US TO RECEIVE THE ETERNAL, HE MUST RESCUE US FROM THE LIMITATIONS OF THE TEMPORAL. Luke 14:33 - "In the same way," concluded Jesus, "none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up everything he has." Genesis 28:10,12 - "Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Like the ladder, Jesus dwelt in two places at the same time, in the earth and in the heavens. He is the access point between those two realms. When Jesus told Nathanael that he would see heaven open, He meant that he would see that Jesus is the ladder between the earth and heaven that is wide open to mankind. To Nathanael, He revealed heaven's open availability to the believer. In other words, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (available). John 1:51 - And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Your time in communion with the Lord will raise you to that "Come up here, let me show you something you didn't know before" place for a substantial breakthrough. "I saw a door open in heaven and heard the same voice speaking to me, the voice like a trumpet, saying 'Come up here: I will show you what is to come in the future.'" - Revelation 4:1 When the Word becomes as a burning fire in your heart and bones your focus will be on harvest and it won't be denied you. Because freely you have received the Word and freely you give of the powerful Word of the Lord. To be effective we must minister according to His energy, or His power in our lives. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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A move of God by definition involves God moving. Which means we may not "find" Him exactly where (or how) we have in the past – because He is doing a new thing. He is not changing, God never changes (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8). But He loves to reveal more of Himself to us in greater and greater depths and dimensions so that we can know more of Him (and thus make more of Him known to the world around us). He woos us into a greater revelation of all He is by leading us from the comfort zone of what we have already come to know of Him. In Song of Solomon 2, the Lover (Jesus) is wooing His Beloved to a new place in verse 10,"Rise up, my beloved, my fair one, and come away," he invites. He then goes on to declare that "the winter is past…the flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come…the fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom," and then he repeats his invitation for her to arise and come away with him (Song of Solomon 2:13). The Lover (Jesus) is announcing that it is a NEW hour, a NEW season, and that he has NEW things to show her, new places to take her, new heights for them to soar to together. She is hearing him on some level (SoS 2:8), and yet at the beginning ofSong of Solomon 3 we see that while she is yearning for her Lover, she is still reaching out for him where she has always found him – and discovers that he is no longer there (SoS 3:1). STEPPING INTO THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE UNKNOWN She has a choice to make. She can continue to search for him where he has been, or she can respond to the invitation to arise and step into the uncertainty of the unknown, discovering him in new places and in new ways (SoS 3:2-4). She chooses the latter, and in doing so embarks on a journey with her Lover in which she comes to know him, rely on him, and lean into him to such a degree that she is completely transformed – so much so that her peers do not even recognize her when she returns (SoS 8:5). Like in the Song of Solomon, we may have entered into a NEW season. The Lord is beckoning us, wooing us, inviting us to come away from where we have been and ARISE into a NEW place with Him – a place of greater revelation and demonstration of all that He is. If you have noticed lately that things seem different, or you're not quite finding God "how" or "where" you have in the past, do not despair; do not be discouraged. He is simply answering your prayers. He is moving. He is inviting you to come along with Him. Arise, and His glory will appear upon you. (Isaiah 61:1,2) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Luke 12:10 - "Everyone who will speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him." Observation: JESUS WAS PREPARED IN HIS HEART TO FORGIVE MEN BEFORE THEY EVER SINNED AGAINST HIM. HE KNEW HIS MISSION WAS TO DIE FOR MEN, NOT CONDEMN THEM. I AM TO DO THE SAME. Romans 8:13,16 - "For if I live after the flesh, I shall die; but if I through the spirit to mortify the deeds of the body, I shall live. The Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit, that I am a child of God." Affirmation: I DOMINATE MY MIND AND MY BODY WITH MY SPIRIT SINCE I MAINTAIN MY SPIRIT PROPERLY - FEEDING, STRENGTHENING, AND DOMINATING MY INNER MAN WITH THE WORD. LET US DECLARE: 1. That I will come into a greater revelation of the restored relationship I have with our Heavenly Father (Gods PURPOSE for my life - my CALLING in Christ) and His Kingdom through the Cross! 2. That in revelation of my sonship I will occupy the full authority I have in the earth and bring all of creation back into subjection to the dominion of the King! 3. My environment will be forever changed as I pray, say and do what the Father shows me and I see Heaven invade every place I go and everyone I meet. Song of Solomon 4:3 - "Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your speech is sweet. Your cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate, besides that which is hidden within." "YOUR CHEEKS ARE LIKE A PIECE OF POMEGRANATE." THE POMEGRANATE HAS MANY SEEDS ALL CONTAINED IN ONE SINGLE RIND. LIKEWISE, ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ARE RE-ORDERED IN GOD BY A PURE AND PERFECT LOVE. ALL THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED HERE IS NOTHING COMPARED WITH ALL THAT IS YET CONCEALED IN THE DEEPEST DEPTHS OF YOUR SPIRIT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight." "Sense knowledge" is the attitude that says, "if I cannot see it, then it is not real. I'll believe it when I see it." This means that faith and sense knowledge are not compatible. Faith is the substance and evidence of things that your sense knowledge cannot see. Luke 8:47 is the story of the woman who had an issue of blood who desperately pressed through the crowd to lay hold of the hem of Jesus' garment. Most of the time when Jesus was healing the crowds of people He was doing that which He saw the Father doing. But in this instance it wasn't Jesus that "SET THE TIME" for this woman's miracle, but rather the woman "SET THE TIME" through her faith, desperation and determination. Many times when we are believing for a miracle we may feel we have positioned ourselves and we are waiting on God, when in fact, God is waiting on us to activate our faith to "set the time" for the release of the supernatural turnaround. Pull your future miracle into the NOW by activating your faith and pressing into His presence as never before. Remember, every day is Jubilee when you are in Christ! 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 - "Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offence." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM NEVER GOING TO STOP UNTIL I HAVE ATTAINED THE HIGH LEVEL OF LOVE JESUS WANTS ME TO HAVE IN MY LIFE! AS I SPEND TIME WITH JESUS, I AM BEING CHANGED INTO HIS IMAGE - AND I DEMONSTRATE HIS LIFE AND HIS NATURE TO OTHER PEOPLE! Song of Solomon 2:16 - "My beloved is mine and I am his: he feeds among the lilies." THERE IS UNIMAGINABLE HAPPINESS FOR YOU AS YOU WHOLLY AND UNRESERVEDLY DEVOTE YOURSELF TO YOUR LORD. YOU KNOW THAT YOU BELONG TO YOUR BELOVED (JESUS): HE MAY DO WITH YOU WHAT PLEASES HIM. HE LIVES UPON INNOCENCE AND PURITY, NOURISHING YOU WITH THE SAME FOOD. HE INVITES YOU TO EAT WITH HIM THE FOOD WHICH HE LIKES BEST. Isaiah 55:2 - "Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Habakkuk 2:1-2: "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me...Then the Lord answered me and said, 'Record the vision...'" Ways to be sure what you're hearing is from Him: TEST THE ORIGIN (1 John 4:1) Thoughts from our own minds are progressive, with one thought leading to the next. Thoughts from the Holy Spirit are spontaneous. The Hebrew word for true prophecy is "naba",which literally means to bubble up, whereas false prophecy is "ziyd" meaning to boil up. True words from the Lord will bubble up from our innermost being; we don't need to cook them up ourselves. COMPARE IT TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES God will never say something to you personally which is contrary to His universal revelation as expressed in the Scriptures. If the Bible clearly states that something is a sin, no amount of journaling can make it right. Much of what you journal about will not be specifically addressed in the Bible, however, so an understanding of Biblical principles is also needed. COMPARE IT TO THE NAMES AND CARACTER OF GOD REVEALED IN THE BIBLE Anything God says to you will be in harmony with His essential nature. Journaling will help you get to know God personally, but knowing what the Bible says about Him will help you discern what words are from Him. Make sure the tenor of your journaling lines up with the character of God as described in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. TEST THE FRUIT (Matthew 7:15-20) What effect does what you are hearing have on your soul and your spirit? Words from the Lord will quicken your faith and increase your love, peace, and joy. They will stimulate a sense of humility within you as you become more aware of Who God is and who you are. On the other hand, any words you receive which cause you to fear or doubt, which bring you into confusion or anxiety, or which stroke your ego must be immediately rebuked and rejected as lies of the enemy. SHARE IT WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS (Proverbs 11:14) We are members of a Body! A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and God's intention has always been for us to grow together. Nothing will increase your faith in your ability to hear from God like having it confirmed by two or three other people who have a solid Biblical orientation. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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It is essential to our spiritual health that we spend quality time in His presence, waiting upon Him. Only then, will we have the spiritual energy to face the challenges, testings, and problems of life. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 During these times of intimate fellowship, we are brought into a closer union with Him. In the closeness of this communion, we will receive of His life and strength, and along with this, we will come into a deeper understanding of spiritual principles and an unfolding of His Word, which will draw us yet closer. "...The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19 "Waiting upon the Lord" is the key to a victorious, overcoming life. Throughout the Psalms, whenever David found himself in difficult circumstances, he constantly reminded himself to "wait upon the Lord." "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14 It is here in His presence that we will begin to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. There will be a realignment of our inner being, and our priorities will change from the natural to the spiritual. Our spiritual senses will be energized by His presence and restored to respond to His purposes. SOWING TO THE SPIRIT As we wait upon the Lord, we will experience a genuine encounter with the Lord. Then wherever we go, the result of this "manifest presence" that we have experienced, will cut through every bondage and fear in those who are witnessing the result of our life being the expression of His life. During these prolonged times spent in His presence, we are "sowing" to the Spirit – enlarging our capacity to flow with the Holy Spirit. It is always costly to the natural man, but this provides us with the opportunity to overcome. Many "early morning risings" may seemingly bear no fruit at all, but the continued lifting up of our desire for Him, along with our worship and the obedience of seeking after Him, rather than things, will in time bring forth within us an accumulative effect that will surprisingly produce a profound spiritual result. We will have "become" a prophetic vessel that is available to Him. These times of "waiting upon the Lord," in His presence, do not produce quick results, but rather, lasting ones. Jesus commanded us to abide in Him, adding that it will cause us to bear "fruit that remains." But, the abiding life – a life that "waits" in God's presence, will produce fruit that will stand in eternity. "I love them that love Me; and those who seek Me early shall find Me... that I may cause those who love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Proverbs 8:17, 21 OPEN THE DOOR AND INVITE HIM IN Indeed, the Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts and our lives. He is seeking to enter in. He is seeking a people that will respond to His knock and that will open the door and invite Him in, that they might "wait upon Him." 1. Come apart from all activity, and sit quietly in an attitude of worship. 2. Sit quietly in an attitude of worship and expectancy, as if looking at a door expecting at any moment that the door will open, and a person will enter (Jesus). 3. Spiritual strength is renewed as we draw on the life of Jesus that flows out from the throne – NOT abstract power as some teach. We are to seek a person, not power. 4. Mabe you have felt nothing after several minutes or hours of waiting -- but after the time of waiting, everything that you do is accomplished much better, and you notice a glow in your spirit. Now you can say with confidence: "...Let my Beloved come into His garden, and eat His pleasant fruits." Song of Solomon 4:16 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY nttp://afministry.ning.com
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1 Corinthians 2:2 - "For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." The Holy Spirit within the believer ministers truth by revelation. In other words, it is revealed, not figured out. God does not talk to our brains! He speaks to the spirit of man. Jesus never said that water would flow out of your head, but that, "Out of your innermost being would flow rivers of living water." John 7:36 Observation: NOTHING THAT I SEEK CAN BE AS SATISFYING TO MY SOUL, NO OTHER ANSWER AS BENEFICIAL, AS SEEING CHRIST WITH THE EYES AND UNDERSTANDING OF MY INNER MAN. Ephesians 1:17,18 - "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. Ephesians 6:17 - "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God." Affirmations: I HAVE THE EXACT WORD I NEED FOR EVERY SITUATION - A SPECIFIC, QUICKENED WORD FROM THE SCRIPTURES, PLACED IN MY HEART BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. BECAUSE THIS RHEMA FROM GOD IS IN MY HEART, I HAVE REAL SWORD POWER TO USE AGAINST THE ENEMY! Song of Solomon 1:7 - "Tell me, you who my soul loves, where you feed you feed your flock, where you rest at mid-day." YOU BEG YOUR BELOVED (JESUS) TO SHOW YOU WHERE HE FEEDS HIS FLOCKS; YOU WANT TO EAT THE FOOD THAT HE GIVES THOSE THAT ARE UNDER HIS CARE. YOU DESIRE TO BE LOST IN GOD WITH JESUS WHERE YOU WILL WANT TO REST FOREVER. SIN CANNOT DECEIVE YOU THERE, AND HE WILL KEEP YOU FROM WANDERING AWAY. Psalm 23: 1,2,6 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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As we begin to see NEW growth spring forth in what was previously considered "hard places", doors connected to the ways of man begin to be shut and new doors that are connected and hinged upon the ways of God begin to open. "The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way." - Psalm 25:9 HUMILITY IS A KEY Prophetically walking through "NEW doors" often requires us to lay aside and unload some things that we have carried in times past – right, wrong or indifferent. Holding onto these often good things of our past will actually limit our ability to step into the NEW things God has prepared for you in this season. In regards to this transition, it is helpful to recognize and fully appreciate that not only has God prepared new pathways and permissions for us in this season, but He has also been preparing us for these NEW pathways and the necessary permissions to proceed in these NEW directions. These NEW pathways are a place of promotion that God has prepared. Holding onto various things connected with our past season, in our own understanding, not only becomes burdensome but they can also potentially grant an illegal access to the enemies of our past, as we are unable to enter into the promise of our future. These burdens oftentimes begin as good things for us in one season but in the next season are met with anxiety, pride, and worry as we look to hold onto these cares in our own strength. At times it is the holding onto the good things of what's been that keeps us from being able to receive the NEW that God wants to bring us into. It is often in our letting go that we are then able to lay hold. We see this truth in 1 Peter 5:6 - "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." As the "Winds of Change" begin to blow the question is: Will He find faith on the earth to believe and rejoice in the hope of what He has promised to do in your life? The strength to "build again" is coming in the joy of the Lord through an impartation of understanding that is being granted to those who make the choice to rejoice and "believe again" (see Nehemiah 8:8-10). "...yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith..." - 1 Peter 1:8b-9a For many, in the areas that you have faced previous winds of adversity and opposition, there is a significant change and shift coming – and for some it has already come. With this change, you will find that in the area of your past opposition God was actually allowing you to become rooted and grounded in love in a new way that has positioned you to flourish as a tree planted by His river in this new season (see Ephesians 3:14-20 and Psalm 1:1-3). DREAMING WITH GOD Part of being a prophetic people often means that, in most cases, we are seeing, hearing, and therefore living ahead of our time. For some this can create frustration; for others it unlocks within them a door of divine DESTINY that causes them to begin to dream in their current season of preparation in a way where they prophetically begin to REACH FORWARD IN FAITH to those things which are ahead, as they press in and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God on their lives, found in the revelation of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:13-14). Dreaming with God in this way releases a fresh resolve and conviction of faith to flourish in the hearts of God's children, where they begin to believe for, resurrect, and re-present previous petitions connected with past promises before the courts of Heaven. Personal prayer takes on a new posture – a posture of praise that unlocks the fulfillment of the very thing that you have been praying into and for. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1 Peter 1:23 - "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." POWER IN PRAYER IS NOT BASED ON EMOTIONS, FEELINGS, OR THE THEORIES OF MEN, BUT UPON THE WORD OF GOD, OUR AGREEMENT WITH IT, OUR ONENESS WITH CHRIST, WHO IS THE LIVING WORD, AND OUR UNITY WITH GOD'S PURPOSES AND WILL. Hebrews 10:38 - "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Knowing that you are on the rock foundation of Matthew 16:18,19 and able to bind and to loose -- having that living faith that you can pray and know you have the answer because of God's promises, and the fact that Jesus said, "If Ye believe." It is on this rock that our faith must be based, and this will never fail; God has established it forever. Affirmations: I REFUSE TO RELINQUISH ANY OF MY GOD-PROMISED TERRITORY! MY FAITH IS TOUGH, RESISTANT, PERSISTENT, OBSTINATE, AND STUBBORN. MY SPIRIT IS SO TENACIOUS THAT IT REFUSES TO LET GO! IT ISN'T A QUESTION OF "IF" MY VICTORY WILL COME - IT'S ONLY A QUESTION OF "WHEN" IT WILL COME! Song of Solomon 1:4 - "Draw me (The Believer)! We (The Church) will run after you (Jesus)! The king (Jesus) brings me into his apartments! We will be glad and rejoice in you! We will recall your love, more fragrant than wine. The upright love you." NOW HIS BRIDE IS FILLED WITH UNSPEAKABLE JOY FOR SHE KNOWS THAT SHE IS FOUND IN HIM (JESUS). SHE PREFERS THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) OVER EVERYHING ELSE. HERE IS THE HEIGHT OF HER JOY AND PLEASURE. Psalm 105:4 - "Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength; seek and require His face and His presence continually evermore." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Psalm 51:6 - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." As we cry out from a deep engaging of the Spirit of the living God within our spirit, we experience communion, which is a place of deep-to-deep fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches out the deep counsel of God for you and reveals it to you. Observation: DOCTRINAL TRUTH HAS AN ILLUSION ABOUT ITSELF: THE ILLUSION IS THAT KNOWLEDGE IS THE SAME THING AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. ON THE OTHER HAND, TRUTH THAT COMES BY REVELATION ALWAYS PRODUCES CHANGE; IT ALWAYS LEAVES US LESS SURE OF OURSELVES, MORE DEPENDENT UPON GOD, AND MOVE LOVING TOWARD OTHERS. 2 Timothy 2:11,12 - "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He shall also deny us." We yelid ourselves in the death to self, to the will of God; having faith in Jesus on the throne, as our Head and life, that He has brought us in and will make it true in our experience -- we trust Jesus, by being a partaker of His nature and life, to work all in us that the Father has PURPOSED for our individual life -- and we shall know how blessed it is to enter the rest of God. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM FOLLOWING THE VOICE OF JESUS. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SPIRITUAL POWER, SPIRITUAL WEAPONS, AND THE WONDERFUL WORD OF GOD. SINCE I AM EQUIPT WITH EVERYTHING I NEED TO WIN, I MAINTAIN THE ATTITUDE THAT NEVER GIVES IN, NEVER GIVES UP, AND NEVER SURRENDERS TO DEFEAT. Song of Solomon 1:3 - "Draw me, we will run after you to the fragrance of your perfume." THE YOUNG MAIDEN (THE CHURCH) ASKS TO BE DRAWN TO HER BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) FROM DEEP WITH HER SPIRIT. THE BRIDE ALREADY UNDERSTANDS THAT THERE IS AN ENJOYMENT OF HER BRIDEGROOM DEEPER AND MORE LASTING THAN WHAT SHE NOW KNOWS. THIS CAUSES HER TO MAKE A NEW REQUEST: "DRAW ME", SHE SAYS "INTO THE MOST INWARD PARTS OF MY SPIRIT, SO THAT I MIGHT COMPLETELY RUN TO YOU." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 6:63 - "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are life." WHEN WE HALT OUR SPIRITUAL ASCENT TOWARD GOD AT THE PLATEAU OF DOCTRINAL KNOWLEDGE, WE BECOME PEOPLE WHO NEVER REALLY CHANGE. INSTEAD, OUR OLD NATURE SIMPLY PRETENDS TO BE NEW. THE LONGER WE SETTLE FOR JUST HEAD KNOWLEDGE, THE MORE OUR CHRISTIANITY BEGINS TO DEGENERATE INTO A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT. Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." There are times when we are called by God to pray strong prayers and help to birth the will of God into an area. These strong desires mirror the strength of God's feelings. We, like Hannah, need to be in-tune with what God is ready to bring forth in that given hour. That can only be done through intimacy with God and through a willingness to allow Him to use us. Affirmation: I CONFESS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PARTNER! HE ENLIGHTENS MY EYES; HE SHOWS ME WHAT I CANNOT SEE BY MYSELF, AND HE GIVES ME THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY WHEN I PRAY. WITH HIM AS MY HELPER I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER IN PRAYER EVERY DAY! Song of Solomon 1:2,3 - "For your love is better than wine and your ointments more fragrant than the choicest perfumes; your name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the maidens love you." THE NAME OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) IS SO LOVELY THAT YOU FIND YOURSELF WHOLLY OVERCOME BY HIS POWER AND SWEETNESS. LOVE TAKES PLACE WITHOUT ANY FORCE. YOUR SPIRIT IS SO FULL OF LOVE AND YOU FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR BELOVED SO PLEASURABLE, THAT YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE CARRIED AWAY BY THE CHARMS OF LOVE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Numbers 13:27,28,33 - "We came unto the land where thou sent us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great. And there we saw the giants." There is a wonderful grace offered for us to advance in the times of adversity! The invitation is extended to all saints; however, by a lack of commitment many will disqualify themselves. This is a time to be desperate for the revealed glory of God. One of the marks of these overcomers will be hunger and complete dissatisfaction with business as usual. This holy hunger will drive us to seek the Lord on a much more increased level. Jesus states “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, uprightness, and right standing with God, shall be completely satisfied!" - Matthew 5:6 AMP It’s time to remove all lids of limitations off -- believe God for big things (see Ephesians 3:20-21). The promise is that the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God’s glory (see Numbers 14:21 and Hab. 2:14). The Spirit of God is stirring our soul and awaking our heart to seek deeper depths and higher heights. This is the time for us to go all out for Christ and the Kingdom of God. We don't hold back -- we surrender ourselves completely to the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The statement is so true -- deep is calling to deep (see Psalms 42:7). Observation: THE EXODUS FROM THE MIND TO THE HEART DEMANDS THAT WE MUST FACE AND CONQUER THE GIANTS OF SIN, CONDEMNATION AND IGNORANCE. AS WITH ANY JOURNEY TO A DISTANT LAND, THE PRICE TO ACTUALLY TRAVEL TO THAT COUNTRY, TO TASTE ITS WATER AND BREATHE ITS AIR, FAR EXCEEDS THE PRICE OF MERELY READING OF ITS BEAUTY IN A BOOK. 2 Corinthians 12:12 - "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT GOD IS FILLING ME WITH SUPERNATURAL ENDURANCE TO STAY PUT UNTIL I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE ASSIGNMENT HE ASKED ME TO DO. I DECLARE THAT I AM STRONG; I AM FILLED WITH FORTITUDE; AND I WILL DO PRECISELY WHAT GOD HAS ASKED ME TO DO! Song of Solomon 1:2 - "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth: for thy love is better than wine." The "kiss" is the union of God's Spirit to our spirit. When a person is first converted, he is united to God but he has not yet come to experience Him deeply. There is a deep and abiding union with Christ that we can come to know. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Exodus 3:8 - "And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. " THE JEWS WERE CALLED, NOT JUST TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROMISED LAND BUT TO "DWELL" IN IT AND MAKE IT THEIR HOME. SO ALSO I AM CALLED TO DWELL IN CHRIST, WHERE GOD IN HIS KINGDOM BECOMES MY ABIDING PLACE. 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the Word urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not. Correct and rebuke your people when they need it, encourage them to do right, and all the time be feeding them patiently with God's Word." Observation: I CONFESS THAT I AM NOT MOVING FROM THE CALLING FOR WHICH I WAS PREDESTINED. THE DEVIL AND VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE TRIED HARD TO MOVE ME, BUT I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND THAT I AM NOT MOVING FROM THE PLACE WHERE JESUS CALLED ME TO GIVE MY HEART! Numbers 23:19 - "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" 2 Corinthians 10:4 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." The word "stronghold" is a Greek word ochuroma, which means a "fortress, a castle, or a citadel." Developing a Kingdom mentality requires a paradigm shift in our thinking. As we embrace the Kingdom message, many of us are challenged with RELIGIOUS MINDSETS, OLD BELIEF SYSTEMS, and OLD PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR. Paul addressed these strongholds and also stated that they were to be pulled down. To truly embrace the new will require that we let go of the old. The only way for us to do this is to trust the Lord and attach ourselves securely as we continue to touch Him. Affirmations: I NO LONGER RELY ON MY OWN POWER, BECAUSE I AM A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST AND HIS POWER RESIDES WITHIN ME. AS I APPLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS TO A STRONGHOLD, I AM USING THE WEAPON GOD HAS GIVEN ME TO DESTROY THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. GOD'S ANOINTING ON MY LIFE BREAKS THE YOKE OF WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK FROM ENTERING INTO ALL THAT HE HAS FOR ME. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Rev 4:1 - "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven; and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, 'Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.'" John is describing the ascended life. John 3:13 - "And no man hath ascended up to heave, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." The Lord has called us to ascend into heavenly relms encountering the Lord and that is the normal Christian life -- learning to live in realms of glory and learning to navigate realms of glory to where they have full and complete impact on how we think and how we see. We don't live on earth -- we are seated in heavenly places and we are to live from the ream of God's glory towards earth. What that has become is a point of theology instead of a point of expierence. And all of theology is an invitation to an encounter. WHAT REVELATION MEANS IS TO LIFT THE VEIL The truth has always been what He has done -- revelation lifts the veil so that you can see what what that truth is. We love concept so much that we stop at the concept of truth and not realize that with revelation comes the responsibilty to PURSUE THE ANOINTING so that we can display the effect of that truth. 1 Corinthians 12:5,7,31 - "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. But the manifestation of the Spirit is give to every man to profit withal. But covet earnestly the best gifts.." Paul is lifting the veil on what they need to understand. In 1 Corinthians 14:1 it says to pursue earnstly spiritual gifts. What gifts? -- the ones he just unveiled in Chapter 12. It shows that the revelation of the gift didn't release the gift -- it showed just what is available. The revelation of truth shows what is available. And with revelation is the invitation to pursue for personal encounter -- we get into the secret place and look for the anointing so we can display that truth. WE ARE WIRED FOR THE GLORY -- WE ARE DESIGNED FOR THE GLORY John 7:37 - "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." The release of the spirit upon you is connected with Jesus' position of being glorified. Everything the HS does has only one aim -- to make us like Jesus. 1 John 4:17 --"As He is so are we in this world" -- resurrected, ascended, and glorified. In that position, so are we in the world. TRANSFIGURED MIND -- RENEWED MIND These scriptures reveal intent -- the weight of what already exists in our HS account. Matthew 17:2 -- "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and his rainment was white as he light." The word for transfigured in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 is the same Greek word word for renewal in Romans 12:2. (Strongs 3339) That transfigured mind in the visual is what the renewed mind looks like in the invisible -- it is altogether brilliant. In this transfigured moment- Jesus is the prototype of the glorious pelople in this moment. The implact of who you are and what you carry. Moses was known for authority and Elijah for power -- these are the two realms that Jesus released over his disciples. This is the proptotype of what will happen with every believer who are to come to power and authority to effect and bring about change. JESUS PAID THE PRICE Jesus became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him -- Moses and Elijah came to talk to Him about His upcoing death that was to make that possible. God is wanting to re-calibrate the hearts of people. Psalm 93 shows Asaph when he came into the sanctuary and experienced the glory. Everything outside the Glory is subject to distortion -- be mis-represented -- our passion desire, and ability is to live in the glory. We were designed with glory -- recognition and favor, realms of presence. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
