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  1. Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." WHEN WE DO NOT LIVE IN OUR POSITION OF AUTHORITY, IT IS BECAUSE WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE OR ACCEPT OUR CALLING IN CHRIST, BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW OUR COVENANT RIGHTS. MAN'S REDEMPTION ALLOWS HIM TO HAVE DOMINION. AFFIRMATIONS AND DECLARATIONS: I perform a prophetic act and decree that every door (that impedes my CALLING in Christ) that is locked is now unlocked and open! I decree that my words from God are yes and amen. Today, I am encouraging myself in the Lord. What He has spoken will come to pass. I decree that I have a courageous heart like David and that as he did, I completely surrender my life to My God. I praise my God in all that He does. "But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him. Of the angels He says: 'He makes His angels spirits, and His servants a flame of fire.'" - Hebrews 1:6-7 There will be a growing consciousness of the angelic activity in our midst, especially as we activate them in through our worship. The angels are activated and energized by our surrendered pursuit of God. We know the angels rejoice when someone comes to the Lord and that they are here to help us advance His Kingdom. When Heaven is manifested on the earth, it stirs and shifts things in the invisible realm where God's angels are activated. As we continue to engage with God – manifesting His Kingdom in such a way that the light of His presence changes atmospheres – His heavenly hosts will bring their assistance to us. Song of Solomon 2:3 - "As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under the shadow of him whom I desired, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." THE BELOVED (JESUS) IS THE MOST PLEASING SIGHT IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH. HIS BRIDE SITS UNDER THE SHADOW OF HIS PROTECTION. HIS FRUIT, EVEN THE FRUIT OF THE CROSS, IS SWEET TO TASTE. THIS FRUIT IS NOT SWEET TO THE FLESH, BUT TO THE SPIRIT. ONCE TASTED, IT IS MORE DESIRABLE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  2. The cave of Adullam is where David hid with his band of distressed, indebted and discontented men (1 Samuel 22). From these 400 came David's mighty army. After David was anointed King, the Philistines came against him and he went into the "hold" (2 Samuel 5:17), which 1 Chronicles 11:15 indicates was the cave of Adullam. David sought the Lord and had victory. The Philistines regathered and David once again sought the Lord. "Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, 'Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.'" - 1 Chronicles 14:14-15 KJV It is time to come out of the caves of hiding, the caves of "lowland" thinking, and renew our minds to the highest realms – the mind of Christ. The veil has been torn and we have access to all. Our "lowland" thinking is creating the bars of the cage holding back the glory of God from manifesting in our lives! We needed to be in the cave for a time of healing and building, but it is now time for His glory to be manifested in the earth. The sound of the "going" in the mulberry trees (according to Strong's Concordance) is "marching." The armies of the living God are on high alert, waiting for the sound to come forth, and He will go before us and fight our enemies! It is time for the new sound to be birthed. It will cause a vibration that will affect every born again Believer to come forth in His Glory. It is time to go forth and subdue the land. The subduing is not a laying down under, subduing will come when His sound rises as thunder. All will see and all will know that Jesus is Lord -- let His glory flow. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  3. John 5:17,19-20 - "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees His Father doing, because whatever the father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does." Worship is more than just music or art; it's a lifestyle (Romans 12:1). We need to live like Jesus did, open our eyes and see what the Father is doing, and then do it. Not just to see the need, but also to meet the need. Anyone can be a THERMOMETER and just gauge the spiritual temperature, but we're called to be THERMOSTATS and to change the spiritual temperature! We're not called to just point out sickness, poverty, and sin; we're called to change those ashes into beauty. After all, it's Christ in us that is the hope of glory! Observation:WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED ON EARTH, HE ACCOMPLISHED IN HIS HUMANITY, NOT HIS DIVINITY. OTHERWISE, HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MAN'S REPRESENTATIVE AND SUBSTITUTE. HE RELIED ON THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF GOD. I CAN DO THE SAME. AFFIRMATIONS:I arise and walk in dominion power, and lay a hold of the promises of God. The Holy Spirit who lives within me is greater than the spirit that is at work in the world (1 John 4:4). God is calling for me to arise and take a strong stand against the works of darkness (Jude 1-4). I am to take the land. Each day I seek to draw ever nearer to Christ, seeking to yield, ever deeper, my will to His will. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Hebrews 12:29 - "For our God is a consuming fire". OBSERVATION: If I am truly getting closer to Him, the fire in my life will be growing. Song of Solomon 2:1,2 - "I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." YOU ARE LIKE A PURE AND PLEASANT LILY AND A SWEET FRAGRANCE BEFORE HIM (JESUS). THERE ARE OTHER DAUGHTERS, HOWEVER, WHO ARE NOT YET PLIABLE AND SUBMITTED TO HIS SPIRIT. THEY ARE LIKE A DEEP, IMPENETRABLE THICKET OF THORNS - THOSE WHO ARE SELF-POSSESSED AND STILL TAKEN UP WITH THEIR OWN WILL. THE LILY, HOWEVER, PERFECTLY PRESERVES ITS PURITY AND ITS PERFUME, EVEN WHEN SURROUNDED BY THORNS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  4. 2 Corinthians 1:20 - "For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him (Christ). For this reason we all utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him to the glory of God." The Master has handcrafted each one of us for a specific PURPOSE and a precise time, making sure we've been carefully polished and are ready to soar. With practice comes the testing. This will happen until what the psalmist said of Joseph's testing in Genesis will be true of us: "Until the time that [God's] word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him (Psalm 105:19 NASB).But God is always faithful, and everything He promises will always come to pass, thus thrusting us into our DESTINIES as we bring glory to His name! Observation: THE WORD IS THE GUARANTEE OF ANSWERED PRAYER. GOD IS ASKING ME TO BRING HIM HIS WORD, TO PLEAD MY COVENANT RIGHTS. I AM NOT TO PRAY TO GOD IN IGNORANCE BUT AS A PARTNER IN HIS PURPOSES. 2 Timothy 1:11,12,14 - "God has appointed me to proclaim the Good News as an apostle and teacher, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. Keep the good things that have been entrusted to you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us." Affirmations: I STAY FOCUSED ON MY CALLING AND REMAIN DETERMINED TO DO WHAT GOD HAS TOLD ME TO DO, EVEN IF I AM ASSAULTED BY OUTSIDE FORCES THAT SEEM TO BE BEYOND MY CONTROL. I KNOW THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS MIGHTILY IN ME, GIVING ME ALL THE POWER I NEED TO RESIST EVERY ASSAULT THE DEVIL TRIES TO BRING AGAINST ME. I AM COMPLETELY DETERMINED AND COMMITTED TO KEEP PUSHING AHEAD AND TO NEVER LET GO UNTIL I'VE ACCOMPLISHED MY GOD-GIVEN MISSION! Song of Solomon 1:14 - "My Beloved is unto me as a cluster of cypress, in the vineyards of Engedi." I AM DISCOVERING THE NEARNESS OF MY BELOVED (JESUS) TO BE LIKE A "CLUSTER OF CYPRESS" (A FRAGRANT SHRUB). HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES FRAGRANCE AND VALUE TO EVERYTHING THAT IS DONE BY THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. AS I LEARN TO FIND MY JOY IN HIM ALONE, I CAN NO LONGER DELIGHT IN ANYTHING ELSE. TO SEEK ANY OTHER SOURCE OF SATISFACTION IS TO LOSE QUICKLY ALL THAT IS FROM HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  5. 2 Corinthians 1:20 - "For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him (Christ). For this reason we all utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him to the glory of God." The Master has handcrafted each one of us for a specific PURPOSE and a precise time, making sure we've been carefully polished and are ready to soar. With practice comes the testing. This will happen until what the psalmist said of Joseph's testing in Genesis will be true of us: "Until the time that [God's] word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him (Psalm 105:19 NASB).But God is always faithful, and everything He promises will always come to pass, thus thrusting us into our DESTINIES as we bring glory to His name! Observation: THE WORD IS THE GUARANTEE OF ANSWERED PRAYER. GOD IS ASKING ME TO BRING HIM HIS WORD, TO PLEAD MY COVENANT RIGHTS. I AM NOT TO PRAY TO GOD IN IGNORANCE BUT AS A PARTNER IN HIS PURPOSES. 2 Timothy 1:11,12,14 - "God has appointed me to proclaim the Good News as an apostle and teacher, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. Keep the good things that have been entrusted to you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us." Affirmations: I STAY FOCUSED ON MY CALLING AND REMAIN DETERMINED TO DO WHAT GOD HAS TOLD ME TO DO, EVEN IF I AM ASSAULTED BY OUTSIDE FORCES THAT SEEM TO BE BEYOND MY CONTROL. I KNOW THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS MIGHTILY IN ME, GIVING ME ALL THE POWER I NEED TO RESIST EVERY ASSAULT THE DEVIL TRIES TO BRING AGAINST ME. I AM COMPLETELY DETERMINED AND COMMITTED TO KEEP PUSHING AHEAD AND TO NEVER LET GO UNTIL I'VE ACCOMPLISHED MY GOD-GIVEN MISSION! Song of Solomon 1:14 - "My Beloved is unto me as a cluster of cypress, in the vineyards of Engedi." I AM DISCOVERING THE NEARNESS OF MY BELOVED (JESUS) TO BE LIKE A "CLUSTER OF CYPRESS" (A FRAGRANT SHRUB). HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES FRAGRANCE AND VALUE TO EVERYTHING THAT IS DONE BY THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. AS I LEARN TO FIND MY JOY IN HIM ALONE, I CAN NO LONGER DELIGHT IN ANYTHING ELSE. TO SEEK ANY OTHER SOURCE OF SATISFACTION IS TO LOSE QUICKLY ALL THAT IS FROM HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  6. In the flesh, we are confined in time; but not when we get into the spirit. When we are in the spirit, we can see both backward in time and forward. It is then that God can show us a word of knowledge about a person or situation or a "forward" which is a prophecy. A word of wisdom for us, or someone, could also be considered a "forward." This is because we have His Spirit in us and Ecclesiastes says that eternity is in us. "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts..." Ecclesiastes 3:11 THE MEMORY OF ETERNITY He has put eternity in our heart. As we get into the spirit and search the deep things of God, He will show you things to come, but the fact is that it has already been done in eternity -- we have a memory of eternity in our born-again spirit! Sometimes what the world calls Deja Vu (which means "already seen" in French) is simply you experiencing a word of knowledge about something in eternity that you already have within you, and has been there the whole time. The Holy Spirit is bringing all things to your remembrance. John 14:26, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." TIME TO CALL IT FORTH Many times, we see future things that have been there all along—settled in Heaven -- but it is time to call it forth into this place called time. That is why when we seek God and get into the spirit that we begin to get revelation for the future that is relevant for such a time as this! The key of David was intimacy with God -- entering into His presence. It was there that he would gain revelation. "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. "But as it is written, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.' But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:7-12 If the enemy had known that when they crucified Jesus He would multiply Himself in all of those who received Him, the enemy wouldn't have done it; because now, we are all filled with eternity and have access into that which is beyond this world—unbound by time. We now have access into the mysteries of God and to these eternal things. There is no veil holding us back any longer from the access to all that the eye has not seen! HOW DOES THIS HELP US NOW? This knowledge helps us when we get into the spirit. We can now see what is already finished in Heaven and bring the eternal realm into this place called time. This happens by saying what we hear Him saying and doing what we see him doing! Rev. 19:10 says, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." You see, the testimony of Jesus was that He only did what He saw the Father doing, and said what He heard the Father saying. This is why Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 18:18, "Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in Heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in Heaven." SUMMARY: It is already settled in Heaven! Enter into the place where He has seated you, where there is no time! Enter into His rest and you will see and hear and will decree that which is finished in eternity, into your situation on earth! For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal and will last forever! You have the authority to bring eternity into time through your worship of what He has already done! It is time to decree what you see! It is time to decree a thing and so shall it be established on the earth! It is time to bring the eternal into this place called time!" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  7. Hebrews 4:9,10 - "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." We may have perfect rest -- that we dare to cast ourselves upon God, and have no care because Christ has: put away sin, has rent the veil, and has sat down on the right hand of the throne.Because all is finished and perfected, we have received the Holy Spirit from heaven in our hearts to make us the partakers of that glorified Christ -- we may with confidence, with boldness, rest in Him to maintain and perfect His work in us in our individual CALLING in Christ. Affirmation: THE REST THAT I SEEK IS NOT A REJUVENATION OF MY ENERGY, IT IS THE EXCHANGE OF ENERGY: MY LIFE FOR GOD'S, THROUGH WHICH THE VESSEL OF MY HUMANITY IS FILLED WITH THE DIVINE PRESENCE AND ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST HIMSELF. "Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." - Psalm 119:165 How can we do that when we feel hurt or angry? When we feel justified being offended? We are to trust God as the lawgiver, the judge, and enactor of justice. God desires to increase His Government in the earth and His Government must be increased in us first. We are instruments of blessing, trusting GOD to judge justly. If we are truly wronged, God will vindicate in His timing and in His ways (perhaps after we learn what we need to learn). Personal offenses are one of the main tools the adversary is using to keep us from moving into our land of promise -- the fullness of our destiny in Christ -- the enemy is trying to keep us from going through our new gates. God allows this. He will reveal the trickery so that we can correct our vision and overcome! "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." - Psalm 24:9 Song of Solomon 1:12 - "While the King was resting on His couch, my perfume sent forth its fragrance." YOU EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF THE DEEP AND CENTRAL PRESENCE OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS). THE BRIDEGROOM IS EVER IN THE CENTER OF YOUR SPIRIT. AS AN EARTHLY KING RESTS ON HIS COUCH, SO THE ETERNAL KING RESTS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR SPIRIT. THE PERFUME, YOUR FAITHFULNESS, SENDS FORTH A FRAGRANCE THAT IS SWEET AND PLEASANT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  8. "...He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature..." - 2 Peter 1:4 Promises from God are met with contradiction in the natural realm. God is announcing a reality to you that will most likely appear very distant and disconnected from your present situation. God's promises are prophetic glimpses of the realities He wants to release into and through your life. SUPERNATURAL BENEFITS OF THE PROMISES OF GOD 1.) Promises Call You to Pull Tomorrow Into Today. Promises will always contradict your present circumstances because God wants you to collaborate with Him, through faith, to bring His promised reality into the present, so that His will can be done. 2.) Promises Teach You to Prophesy. Whether it's a prophetic word, a passage of Scripture the Holy Spirit is highlighting, or some expression of God speaking something to you, you have an assignment—when you receive a promise, you need to align your words with what God is saying. This is the essence of the prophetic: You saying what God is speaking. 3.) Promises Demand Lifestyle Adjustment and Accommodation. The reason there are so many unclaimed, unreleased promises is that the transaction is a two-way street. We just want God to do everything and us do nothing. God, in His glory and love, entrusts promises to us. That's His part. At the same time, we need to steward and carry the promises to fruition. It's not enough to get a prophetic word in a gathering; some people think that just because they "got a word," God is obligated to fulfill it. The Word of the Lord places a demand on your life. Will you adjust everything—your habits, your thought processes, your relationships, your pursuits—according to the promise you received, or will you continue with "life as normal?" Normal will never be invaded by the supernatural as long as we are content to continue with status quo rather than accommodate the promises of God. WHAT GOD IS SAYING TO YOU ABOUT HIS PROMISES 1.) The Lord wants you to inherit new promises: Position yourself and live in expectation! He is not looking for perfect people; just yielded ones. Mary was surely not perfect—she was simply willing to say "Yes" to an impossible promise. 2.) The Lord also wants to send the renewing wind of the Spirit to those of who you received promises in past seasons. He brings resurrection life to past-season promises. Ask the Holy Spirit for a fresh visitation of His resurrection power, breathing life upon those post-season promises and reviving them! "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?" - Numbers 23:19 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  9. Matthew 13:26,28-30 - "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay: lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest." THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK IS NOT "WHO IS A TARE?" BUT "AM I TRULY A WHEAT?" WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE, UPROOT OR EVEN TRY TO "DISCERN" THE TARES BEFORE THE HARVEST TIME; EVEN JESUS WILL NOT REMOVE THEM UNTIL THEN. Affirmations: I REALIZE THAT LIKE SEEDS, WORDS ARE VERY LIKELY TO MULTIPLY. I CONSIDER EACH DAY THAT MY WORDS WILL BEAR FRUIT. I DETERMINE THAT I WILL ONLY SOW THAT WHICH BRINGS FORTH THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" - John 7:38 We are living wells and it is important to steward, guard, protect, deepen, and open that well. Wherever we go, out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water. God wants us to stay full of the oil. It's so important that we spend time deepening our relationship with Jesus so that when the time comes to enter into greater depths with Him, we are ready (Matthew 25). When you find Jesus in the midst of the whirlwinds surrounding moves of God, keep your eyes fixed on Him no matter what's going on around Him. As we stay focused on the one thing, our heart will burn with greater passion and fire for Jesus than ever before (Psalm 27). The origin of the word "focus" is influenced by the Latin word used for "fire". What we focus on shapes our lives and determines who we will become. When we focus on Jesus and on those things He has entrusted us within each season, this will help make us ready. Prayer: GOD, SEND YOUR FIRE IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE AND BURN AWAY ANYTHING THAT IS NOT OF YOU FOR THIS SEASON. REFINE AND BRING TO THE SURFACE THE GOLD. It's important to steward holiness and a consecrated life because the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Song of Solomon 1:11 - "We will make for you chains and ornaments of gold, studded with silver." GOLD CHAINS REPRESENT PURE LOVE WHICH HAS ONE PURPOSE; TO DO EVERYTHING FOR GOD'S PLEASURE AND GLORY. THE INLAID SILVER SIGNIFIES THAT NO MATTER HOW WONDERFUL PURE LOVE IS, LOVE MUST STILL BE MADE VISIBLE IN GOOD WORKS. HE EXPECTS YOU TO NEGLECT NOTHING, IN HIS SERVICE OR IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  10. "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." - John 5:17 We work and partner with what he is already doing in Heaven. The father works in heaven and we work with the Holy Spirit on earth. "So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he "sees" the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." We are totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to discern the Father's will, so we can partner with heaven on earth. "For the Father loves the Son, and "shows Him" all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel." - John 5:19-20 THE KEY IS IN PRAYER AND WAITING The context of the above Scriptures is Jesus and the intimacy he had with the father. In these verses we see a great key to doing his will and manifesting his power. As we affirm and meditate on these verses our expectation to "see" will grow. Jesus knew the key was in prayer and waiting. "Jesus often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." - Luke 5:16. "Jesus also arose along while before daylight and prayed" - Mark 1:35. He lived to the Fathers will and took the time to pray and see how the Father was working.The blueprints for building and releasing the kingdom already exist already in heaven. There's already a true heavenly copy. For example, Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. God told him to "make all things according to the pattern shown to him on the mountain" - Hebrews 8:5. David was given the pattern for the Temple that his son Solomon would build too. (1 Chronicles 28: 11-19). SPEAK IT OUT We see it and proclaim it! Once we learn how to partner with God, by seeing whatever He directs us to see in the heavens, then we learn how to speak with authority in that realm, calling it forth in prayer. Then it manifests here on the earth. What you do in that kind of experience will change what happens to you in this realm. He is just looking for friends, ones who want to know His mind and His heart. He longs to share the secrets of His heart with those who tune their spiritual ears to listen to what His Spirit is saying. "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the tower; and I will keep watch to see what He will say to me," -- Habakkuk 2:1 We wait, pray, look and "see" what The Lord "says to me." We must see by revelation. It is key to manifesting his power. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  11. Just read about Lincoln car manufacturer working with the TSA and DHS to give the consumer "complimentary memberships" to make travel effortless. S.C.A.R.Y. They are basically using your biometrics (i.e. facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scanners) to spy on you. Wow....the last days are fast approaching us. http://massprivatei.blogspot.com/2017/12/new-cars-to-be-equipped-with.html
  12. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Observation: CONFESSION DOESN'T MEAN BRINGING UP MY PAST. IT MEANS AGREEING WITH GOD ABOUT WHAT HE SAYS TO ME AND ABOUT ME. WHATEVER I TRY TO JUSTIFY, I HAVE NOT REPENTED OF. WHATEVER I TRY TO EXPLAIN, I AM NOT SORRY FOR. WHEN I AGREE THAT GOD IS RIGHT, THAT IS CONFESSING. 1 Corinthians 4:1 - "Let us be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." The kingdom of heaven is planted within us as a seed and it is intended to grow and expand within us and on the earth. We are called to glory and virtue; We show others how to be neither barren nor unfruitful in the ways of God.Since we are rooted and built up in Christ Jesus we are able to teach others (saved and unsaved) of a higher life in the Lord Jesus. Affirmations:I CONFESS THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY PLACE IN GOD'S PLAN. THE ASSIGNMENT GOD HAS GIVEN ME PROBABLY WON'T BE ACHIEVED QUICKLY. IT WILL TAKE UNBELIEVABLE STRENGTH AND ENERGY TO MOVE THAT VISION FROM THE REALM OF DREAMS TO THE REALM OF REALITY. BECAUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ME, I HAVE THE STRENGTH Song of Solomon 1:10 - "Your cheeks are lovely as a turtledove's; your neck as jewels." The cheeks represent both the inner and the outer life. Here they are compared to the beauty of a turtledove. The dove marries for life. If the dove's partner dies, the dove remains single without seeking another mate. If you were ever separated from you God, you could find no pleasure in anyone or anything else. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  13. 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  14. James 4:6 - "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." If we are divided in our hearts from other churches, if we instinctively look down on other Christians or if we are at all self-promoting in attitude, we are walking in pride. As such, the Spirit that stands to resist our endeavors is not demonic -- it's God. Affirmations: I WALK IN LOVE AND HUMILITY, IM NOT TOUCHY, FRETFUL OR RESENTFUL!! WHEN I WALK, GOD WALKS. HIS HANDS ARE IN MY HANDS. I HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. GOD IS NOT A MILLION MILES AWAY. HE'S INSIDE ME RIGHT NOW. HE'S MY FATHER AND I'M HIS VERY OWN SON. I'M A JOINT HEIR WITH JESUS AND MY BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST. I AM WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN ITSELF. John 14:2 - "In My Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you." Love is the inclination, strength, and power for the soul in making its way to God -- for love unites it with God. The more degrees of love it has, the more deeply it enters into God and centers itself in Him. A stronger love is a more unitive love, and we can understand in this manner the many dwelling places Jesus declared were in His Father's house. Song of Solomon 1:5 - "I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." THE CURTAINS OF SOLOMON REPRESENT YOUR HUMANITY WHICH CONCEALS THE WORD OF GOD MADE FLESH WITHIN YOU. HE HAS CAUSED YOU TO PARTAKE OF HIS BEAUTY; HE HAS CONCEALED HIS DIVINITY IN YOUR HUMANITY - YOU ARE AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE CURTAINS OF SOLOMON BECAUSE THE CROSS MAKES YOU LIKE YOUR BELOVED (JESUS). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  15. 2 Timothy 2:8 - "Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that He was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead." You may be barren now. Some seasons that we go through are seemingly filled with desolation, but take comfort in knowing that every season has a time frame and a divine seed. God is alerting us to raise our expectancy. Our expectancy will become our spiritual currency to allow transactions with heaven. Affirmations: I REMEMBER THAT WHEN JESUS AROSE, I AROSE. WHEN HE CAME OUT OF HELL AND DEFEATED THE ENEMY, I CAME OUT OF HELL AND DEFEATED THE ENEMY. HIS VICTORY IS MY VICTORY BECAUSE I AM IN HIM. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." - Matthew 16:6 Religious spirits endeavor to interfere with the free flow of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Believers. They can be hard to discern precisely because they are religious; they are pious, even hyper-spiritual. Their influence can pervade a person's life andchurch -- like yeast pervades a lump of dough. In New Testament times, the Pharisees were the watchdogs of religious purity, chastising any Jewish person who transgressed even slightly, promoting the perfectionistic performance of their strict interpretation of the requirements of the law of Moses. They held to "a form of godliness, although they...denied its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). We need to discern and look out for FIVE TELLTALE ATTITUDES: 1) Legalism, 2) Criticism, 3) Debate, 4) Opinion, and 5) Judgment. Let's apply that measure to ourselves and take the log out of our own eyes instead of pointing out the splinters in others' eyes. (Matthew 7:4-5.) THREE EARMARKS OF THE RELIGIOUS SPIRIT: 1) Guilt, 2) Fear, and 3) Pride. A proud demeanor often masks the fearful, insecure soul of someone who is trying desperately to make the grade. Yet looking for security within oneself just perpetuates the anxiety, because self-centered security is such a poor substitute for God-centered security. In contrast, we need God's grace to shine where we are weak. That will make more of an impact for the Kingdom than perfectionism ever would, and will equip us for the deliverance of other people (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Song of Solomon 1:5 - "I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE OF THE GRACE OF GOD WOULD NOT COME FROM HIM IF IT DID NOT GIVE YOU A CLEAR VIEW OF YOUR MISERABLE STATE APART FROM HIM. AS YOU COME OUT OF THE CHAMBERS OF YOUR KING (JESUS) YOU DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE BLACK. WHAT MAKES YOU BLACK? SUDDENLY YOU SEE ALL YOUR FAULTS BY THE LIGHT OF GOD. NOW YOU SEE THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CLEANSED FROM YOURSELF. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  16. 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?" A poverty of soul must eternally torment that believer who is satisfied merely to reason about eternal life while remaining without the real possession and power of the indwelling Son of God manifest in his daily experience. If we are always reasoning, then we cannot cultivate the silence in which God speaks. Hunger for God is one of the greatest signs of life a person can have. We must press past intellectual awareness to hunger for heartfelt encounters that change and transform. OBSERVATION: RELIGIOUS FLESH IS CONVINCED THAT GROWTH IS MEASURED IN RELIGIOUS FACTS. TRUE SPIRITUALITY, HOWEVER, IS MEASURED IN THE DEPTH OF OUR HUNGER FOR GOD, WHERE OUR SOUL PANTS "FOR THE LIVING GOD" LIKE THE DEER PANTS AFTER WATER. 14 1 Timothy 5:21 - "Never be in a hurry about choosing a pastor; you may overlook his sins and it will look as if you approve of them. Be sure that you yourself stay away from all sin." Confessions: I CONFESS THAT MY CHARACTER, ATTITUDE, AND ACTIONS ARE BEING REFINED BY THE FIRE OF GOD IN MY LIFE. GOD IS CHANGING ME, TEACHING ME, AND PREPARING ME FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITY. SO, TODAY I YIELD TO THE HOLY SPIRIT SO HE CAN DELVE DEEP INTO MY SOUL AND EXTRACT THOSE TRAITS THAT WOULD KEEP ME FROM THE BLESSINGS AND POSITIONS GOD WOULD LOVE TO GIVE ME! Song of Solomon 1:4 - "We will remember Your love more than wine; the upright love You." TRUE UPRIGHTNESS LEADS YOU TO LEAVE ALL THE WINE OF THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD AND ALL THE ENJOYMENTS OF HEAVEN TO BE LOST IN GOD ALONE. HERE IS PURE AND PERFECT LOVE. FOR NONE BUT THE UPRIGHT CAN LOVE GOD AS HE DESERVES TO BE LOVED! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  17. 2 Peter 1:3 -- "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." Zechariah 9:12 - "Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you." The word of breakthrough and double portion is our inheritance. It is ours. And yet, it will not be without a fight. It will be won first by prayer and then by action. There are some promises and blessings that come into our lives that come easily. But there are others that will only manifest when we stand and say, "I'm not leaving here until You bless me." - Genesis 32:22-31 Jacob contended for a miracle because he was desperate. As he contended for that blessing he gained something more. It changed him and strengthened him. In that encounter, the Lord changed his name to Israel which means "to contend and to prevail." Where is there an area of lack in your life? It is not what He has promised you. Contend for the Promise Land. It is yours—but you have to take it. When we refuse to let go, we will see breakthrough for He is the God of breakthrough. INTO ACTION: CLEAN HOUSE -- Go before the Lord and make sure there is nothing that stands in the way of your breakthrough. Unforgiveness, offense, and sin all can hinder blessing. "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God." (Matthew 5:23-24 MSG) LISTEN -- It is important to spend time not just praying, but listening. Spend time in His presence to what He wants to share with you and write it down. We can miss a moment when we don't listen OR when we don't take the time to write down and preserve what He is saying to us (see Jeremiah 33:3). FIND YOUR PROMISE -- We have an entire Book given to us full of promises. Let the Holy Spirit illuminate His Word to you today and the promise He is breathing on in this season. Sit and read the Word until you sense the Spirit stirring something in your heart as He speaks it into you and brings it to life. As you speak it out, it will renew your faith and it will set in motion the very provision pregnant within that Word. CONTEND -- Don't stop. We don't stop until we see the blessing. Like Jacob, we wrestle and don't let go until it comes. When we start to see breakthrough, don't stop contending. It may have started to rain, but don't settle for just a trickle, pray for the overflow He has promised. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  18. 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 EVERYTHING 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  19. The End Times - According to Peter - Part One ( part 2 is here ) While I generally do not think of the post-trib rapture position as an interpretation of scripture (I think of it as a collection of events described in scripture and merely stated as an online), there are those who would and do say that it is one of many interpretations. Certainly it is one of many understandings, I just happen to believe it is likely to be a nearly correct, or mostly correct understanding among many misunderstandings. What follows, however, is an interpretation. Here, I am examining words of Peter, and drawing from them, what I believe to be reasonable assumptions, but that is all they are. Matthew 24-25 is the most thoroughly developed passage in scripture which gives a chronological accounting of end times events. There, the greatest authority we could hope to have speaks of these events in response to the question: "WHEN will these things be, and WHAT will be the sign of YOUR COMING and of the END of the AGE." My friends who are fond of advancing the pre-tribulation rapture theory, tell me that God's dealings with mankind can be broken down into different dispensations, and that this sermon by Jesus (often referred to as the Olivet Discourse) was directed to a different dispensation (not that of the Church age of Grace), and was intended for the Jews. Some tell me that the Church Age began at Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came upon the church at Pentecost, a few tell me the church age began with the church going out into the world, preaching the gospel, which is roughly the same thing. This dispensational view of things seems to have been developed by John Nelson Darby in the early 1800s, and spread largely due to the Schofield Reference Bible in the early 1900s. From there is spread into U.S. seminaries and then into the pulpits until it had become a commonly accepted idea in the churches of the west. I mention this dispensational theory, because if has an influence on how people read and understand the Bible. It is a filter, a set of colored glasses, through which many interpret the Bible, perhaps especially the book of Revelation. To be fair, most of us, whether we know it or not, or can admit it or not, probably view many of these things through some sort of preconception. We bring certain beliefs or prejudices to the text with us. Many read the Bible through Darby's dispensational lenses because that is how they were taught in their churches and books they have read etc. My own prejudice is that I read the Bible through the lens of Matthew 24 primarily, so this influences how I understand the bible also. Peter, never heard of Darby nor dispensationalism, but he was there for the lecture in Matthew 24. Since this is an examination on things Peter had to say on the end times, it seemed appropriate to bring up dispensationalism, since Peter had some things to say that might affect some of dispensationalism's notions. The context of Acts, chapter 1, is that Jesus had already been crucified, and paid for the sins of believers, and personally, I would have to say that makes a better marker for the beginning of the church. However, Acts 1 notes the following: 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” I would agree with our dispensational brethren, that the church began at least by the time the Spirit came to fill believers, if not before. In verses 6-8 we see: 6 Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” So, there Jesus told them that knowing the times and dates, was not really their business. However, Matthew 24-25, was about knowing the equence of events and the signs of His future coming. He warned them not to be deceived, and gave them signs that believers could use to avoid deception. So Jesus had already given them instruction about the order of events to come, even if He did not given the them the actual time in which they would come. Now, in Acts 1:9-11, we see something else stated: 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Take note that what is said there, is that Jesus would return the same way as He left. Now, if He left by ascending up into the sky and disappeared into a cloud, is it not reasonable to assume, that when he returns that He will be seen descending from the sky, out of the clouds? So, was Matthew 24 etc, intended for the Jews only, and not intended to be understood as concerning the church? Let's look further into some of the things which Peter said on the topic. In as much as Peter's Sermon in Acts, Chapters 1 & 2 was indisputably happening in the age of the church, regardless of whether one buys into the notion of dispensations or not, we can take what Peter says, as relevant to the church. In fact, in Acts 2:46&47, Luke says: 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Notice "those who were being saved", is that not a description of the church? Since Peter's sermon is therefore, applicable to the church, it behooves us to note some of the things Peter tells us. Now, in Acts chapter 2, just after the crowd is drawn to the curiosity of the disciples speaking in tongues, notice what Peter says about the event: 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘In the last days, God says, 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. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ So, there we just saw that Peter rightly noted that the Old Testament commented on the last days. The old testament points out that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit on people. Not only that, but Peter says that this event at Pentecost, is a fulfillment of what Joel said. This means, therefore, that Joel was speaking of the so called (among dispensationalists) Church Age. Joel himself, described this as the last days. Notice what is included in what Peter pointed out from the prophet Joel's words in verse 20 of Acts 2: "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord." If the sun is darkened and the moon turned to blood before the day of the Lord, then we can be assured that the day of the Lord, is an event that follows the signs of these celestial events. It is interesting to note therefore, what Jesus had said back in Matthew 24: 29 “Immediately after the distress (or as many translations say "tribulation) of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. We have already seen that Peter sees himself as in the last days spoken of by the prophet Joel and that this period of time would conclude with the day of the Lord. We also noted that the signs that would proceed the day of the Lord, match up with what Jesus said would happen after the tribulation, namely cosmic disturbances seen in the darkening of the Sun and the Moon (Matthew 24:29). Peter quoted Joel as saying: "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." It seems apparent then, that it was Peter's expectation, that the church should continue in it's task of evangelism, through the end of the tribulation, when the cosmic signs appear, and the day of the Lord begins. Peter, having been present at the teaching which Jesus gave on the Mount of Olives in Matt. 24, would have heard what we see recorded in Matt 24:9-14: 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. This points out the gospel was to be preached right up to the end: "and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." So, what we have here in sequence is: Jesus death on the cross His ascension into Heaven the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost the spread of the Gospel the tribulation (people being persecuted, killed and hated because of Jesus) the darkening of the Sun and the Moon evangelism continuing right up to this time Christ returning visibly in the clouds (just as we noted in Acts 1:9-11 and in Mat 24:30) His gathering of the elect to be with Him, (in Matt 24:31) the day of the Lord is ushered in It appears then, that Peter understood both Joel's prophecy, and the instructions given in Matt 24, in a very literal, chronological, and interwoven way. While nothing said in Matthew 24, nor in Peter's sermon says that the Lord would NOT return before the tribulation to rapture the church, we should note that nothing said Jesus would return before the tribulation. We do see, however, that a return of Jesus to gather the elect after the tribulation and before the day of the Lord, is spelled out in the clearest of terms, so we KNOW that is going to happen. We should decide which we think is better, to speculate about things that are never said in the Bible, or accept the things which are specifically stated. I prefer the latter, and cannot in good conscience, go with the the speculation approach. This is the end of Peter on the End Times, Part One More Parts may follow, as Peter does have more to say.
  20. 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. Luke 18:7,8 - "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" How can we position ourselves to move forward? And what does the oil of preparation represent that separates those ready to transition from those who are not (see Matthew 25:7-8)? The Lord is looking for us to engage -- Worship, rejoicing, and "dying to self. While these aren't new concepts, there's a new grace on these practices to unlock strategies, preparing us to shift into the new things of God. We can engage and move forward as we determineto: • Worship Him anew. There is fresh anointing on Isaiah 40:31. As you worship and wait on Him, you will receive new strength, encouragement, and energy. • Rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:17-19; Philippians 4:4). Our circumstances may not produce rejoicing, but we can rejoice in Him. • Ask the Lord in what areas He'd have you die to self.Fresh strategy will flow from it. • Don't rush ahead of the Lord. Be sure to inquire of the Lord concerning every door of opportunity. Remember the examples of Abraham and Sarah when they got ahead of God, and Joshua when he forgot to seek counsel from the Lord (Joshua 9:14). • Stay vigilant in the Word and in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit how you should pray when you aren't sure how to pray, and praying the Lord's Prayer is also very powerful (Jude 20; Matthew 6:9-13). 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  21. 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 (1 Samuel 1:11-16), 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  22. Ephesians 6:16,17 - "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". Some are willing to spend hours in prayer asking for a miracle instead of planting the Word of God in their hearts, which in time would produce the miracle. Prayer is what water and fertilizer are to a seed. They help the Word release its life. But if you haven't planted the seed, it doesn't matter how much water and fertilizer you apply, the soil still won't produce fruit. It's the seed that has life! Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I WEAR MY SALVATION TIGHTLY AROUND MY MIND LIKE A HELMET. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD THE DEVIL TRIES TO HACK AWAY AT MY MIND, I STILL STAND STRONG BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT JESUS' DEATH AND RESURRECTION PURCHASED FOR ME! Hebrews 4:1 = "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it." "What is rest? -- It is abandoning the need to control -- The worries whichincite you to control keep you from resting. When you try to make everything happen your way, you have no rest. The worries which make you doubt other people multiply in your imagination as you think about all the things they might do wrong. Even when you curtail your activities, you find no rest when you worry. Resting is not a matter of physical stillness; it is peace in the inmost being, which comes from trusting Him with all your circumstances. Change the way you think in life-giving ways. It won't work if you do it on a performance basis because it's a lifestyle change. Think of it as changing your style to receive life – a lifestyle. You're not at the mercy of your emotions; your emotions are subject to your righteousness. You are a righteous person. (2 Corinthians 5:21). You can do this. Learning to rest is a process. Pick one thing that you struggle with and make an effort to commit it to Him. Then, whenever you find yourself failing to do that, recommit it to Him with greater fervor. Gain one victory like that and the others will become simpler.Hebrews 4:3,11 - "For we which have believed do enter into rest...Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest...." Song of Solomon 1:2 - "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth." Observation: GOD UNITES HIMSELF WITH MY SPIRIT, AND I AM ABLE TO BEGIN TO EXPLORE THE FULLNESS OF GOD. THE JOURNEY TOWARD THIS COMPLETE UNION IS A PLACE WHERE MY SPIRIT IS COMPLETELY POSSESSED BY GOD. CONSIDER THAT JESUS IS CALLED "THE WORD." THE "KISSES OF HIS MOUTH" IS NOTHING LESS THAN THE VITAL COMMUNICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD TO ME. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  23. 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  24. 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 to Christ's finished work 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 MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  25. 2 Timothy 1:9, "God...who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." The term "holy calling" could also be interpreted "sacred DESTINY." The Lord considers it a sacred thing for us to enter into the divinely ordained function that He has destined for us. The prophet David once said, "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me when as yet there was not one of them." The same blood that purchased our salvation also secured a DESTINY for us as individuals. GRACE FOR OUR DESTINY The Bible also emphasizes that grace was set apart for us to accomplish our DESTINY. That grace was designated to us before time began. What an incredible mystery in God! Before the earth was ever fashioned, the Lord saw us as INDIVIDUALS and allotted a portion of His grace for EACH OF US to accomplish our sacred and holy DESTINY. The blood of Jesus not only purchased our souls but also our destiny and holy calling in Him. We have a responsibility and duty to be the agency by which the Lord carries out His blueprint on the earth through the empowering of His Spirit. THE WORD OF GOD BECOMING FLESH AGAIN The end-time generation has an even greater mandate placed upon it. The Bible points out that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses involving those who have gone before us and saw the prophetic destiny of this generation but were unable to live in it (Hebrews 11). It is a great honor that has been placed upon those living today, to be the generation that sees the consummation of God's Heavenly plans. Matthew 13 declares that those living at the end of the age will be the harvest generation and will work cohesively with Heaven's host. The Lord has planted wheat into the field of this world, and He is looking to harvest "sons of the Kingdom." Jesus Himself said: "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom....the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels" - Matthew 13:37-39. The "sons of the Kingdom" are merely the word of God becoming flesh once again. John 1 declares that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. That same paradigm will be pertinent for the "sons of the Kingdom" present on the earth during the end-of-days confrontation. God's word will be manifested in a body of people who do the works of the Kingdom like He did (John14:12). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
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