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  1. Matthew 9:36 - "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." COMPASSION IS A DEEP YEARNING THAT RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE. JESUS' LIFE ON EARTH WAS A PICTURE OF COMPASSION IN ACTION. HIS WHOLE MINISTRY WAS DRIVEN BY IT. IT WAS COMPASSION THAT CAUSED HIM TO MULTIPLY THE LOAVES AND FISHES, HEAL THE SICK, CAST OUT DEMONS AND RAISE THE DEAD. IT WAS COMPASSION THAT COMPELLED HIM TO GO TO THE CROSS. Observation: HE NOW LONGS TO POUR OUT THAT SAME COMPASSION THROUGH ME. HIS COMPASSION MOVES ME TO PROVIDE FOR THE HUNGRY. IT COMPELS ME TO CAST OUT DEMONS AND SET THE CAPTIVES FREE. I REACH OUT AND TOUCH A LOVE-STARVED WORLD WITH COMPASSION. Matthew 28:19-21 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." The great commission God's covenant promise "I will be with you" has always been linked to mankind's need for courage to face the impossible.provides more interesting reading for those who remember what kind of men God was giving His charge to -- greedy, prideful, angry, and self-centered. Yet Jesus called them to change the world. QUESTION TO ASK MYSELF: Do I believe that Jesus can overcome my shortcomings and still use me to do His kingdom work? "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna..." -Revelation 2:17 As we spend time resting in the presence of God there is an abiding prophetic anointing that begins to rest upon us. Hidden manna and mysteries are revealed supernaturally by the Holy Spirit when we invest in His presence and behold Him as He is, and we become one with Him and begin to understand the way He thinks and feels as well as His deepest heart yearnings. We overcome and become an expression of His very life—a reflection of His heart and feelings toward others. When we are one with Him in heart and mind, we can't help but be in tune with Him as we relate to those around us, available to speak a word in season to minister to a needy heart in the moment. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  2. 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. At Ephesians 1:20, we read that God the Father seated Christ at his own right hand in the heavenly realms, which implies that in some sense Christ was made or appointed as King at the time of his ascension, in a spiritual (not literal sense), over his deceased saints (in heaven). Notice the use of the word “rule” at verse 21, Christ was ruling as King, in some sense according to Paul at the time of his writing this book of Ephesians. Now I am not denying that as Yahweh God himself, Christ is eternally King and has eternally been so due to his innate divinity. Also, at the time of the second coming, Christ’s kingdom will then be extended from heaven, unto to this earth, with the entire universe being under his Kingdom rule, which then becomes both a universal rule (i.e. without any challenge or opposition), and also an eternal rule. So please don’t misquote me, as I am not claiming that Christ’s rule is currently physical or upon this earth, I believe that his kingly rule is currently a spiritual rule over the “souls” of his deceased saints in the intermediate state and is from (or in) heaven. However, Revelation 11:15 states that one day (possibly in the very near future), we shall hear voices in heaven proclaiming that the kingdom of this present world has become the kingdom of Christ, and that He (Christ) will then reign forever and ever, in a greatly expanded kingdom rule which will now be physical, and earthly. I would believe that this expansion from spiritual to physical rule happens at the second coming of Christ, others will disagree, and claim that it will happen one thousand years later, at the conclusion of the ‘millennium.’ However, it will happen, at some time in the future. The title “King of Kings” is used of Christ twice at Revelation 17:14 and 19:16, to convey the fact that at some time in the future, his rule shall be both universal and completely unopposed, as his enemies will be this time be defeated.
  3. Hebrews 12:3 - "Consider Jesus that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." THE SPIRIT OF WEARINESS IS TRYING TO WORK ITS WAY INTO OUR LIVES THESE DAYS THROUGH ALL THE PRESSURE AND BAD NEWS THAT SURROUNDS US. IT'S WORKING TO GET OUR EYES OFF THE WORD OF GOD BY BOMBARDING US WITH NEGATIVE FORCES. IT'S TRYING TO GET US TO LOOK DOWN AT DEFEAT INSTEAD OF UP AT JESUS. JESUS SAID IN MARK 4 THAT WHEN THE CARES OF THIS WORLD ENTER INTO YOUR HEART AND MIND, THEY'LL CHOKE THE WORD AND CAUSE IT TO BECOME UNFRUITFUL. AND SINCE YOUR FAITH IS THE PRODUCT OF THE WORD, THAT MEANS YOUR FAITH WILL WITHER. Affirmations: I CONSIDER JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH. I CONSIDER HIM INSTEAD OF THE CARES OF THIS WORLD. I GET MY EYES OFF THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND ME AND ONTO MY HEAVENLY SOURCE. GOD IS MY SOURCE, NOT THE WORLD. Ephesians 2:18,21,22 - "It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father. A holy temple in the Lord; in whom we also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." FOR WHAT PURPOSE DO WE SEEK GOD? - WE ASPIRE TO WORSHIP HIM. JESUS SAID THE FATHER IS SEEKING WORSHIPPERS. THE WORSHIP THAT SATISFIES GOD MUST ORIGINATE FROM THE HOLY PLACE, WHERE THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF MAN IS AWAKENED TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD. WORSHIP DOES NOT COME FROM ANY SYSTEM OR FORM OF SERVICE. RATHER, IT IS THE RESULT OF HAVING TRULY DISCOVERED THE ALMIGHTY ONE IN "SPIRIT AND TRUTH" (JOHN 4:23). "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 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. 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 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
  4. Acts 26:16 - "But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you." Paul knew that King Agrippa's dad (King Agrippa I) was responsible at that time for the execution of James, one of the 12 disciples. Yet Paul made sure the truth was on trial, rather that His personal safety or self-esteem. Like Paul we must resist people-pleasing. Once satan identifies this weakness in believers he uses it against them to keep them ineffective. Paul allowed "crazy love" to rise up within his heart, which freed him from insecurity and fear of man. Two of the greatest obstacles to being an effective witness are the spirit of rejection and the fear of man. "In witnessing we work against the Holy Spirit when we try to make everybody feel happy all the time." - CHARLES FINNEY "There's something strangely liberating about going crazy" - D. WASHINGTON Psalm 104:2 - "Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain." James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Affirmations: I AM THE "LIGHT" THAT GOD HAS FATHERED. I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND, AS SUCH, THE LIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE SHINES WITHIN ME. AS MY HEART IS PURIFIED BY TRUTH, THE SPLENDOR OF GOD'S GLORY EXPANDS AROUND ME; AND LIKE MY FATHER, I ALSO COVER MYSELF "WITH LIGHT AS WITH A GARMENT" (PSALMS 104:2) Ephesians 1:3,4 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as he has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." Many people who are doing something significant for God in the world are doing it "without their own resources" because God doesn't want us to depend on our own abilities. Instead, He wants us to be obedient by putting the vision on paper and then looking to Him to generate the funds and other resources that are needed to support His own work. Your provision, however, is usually hidden until you act on your vision. Whatever you were born to do attracts what you need to do it. Therefore, you first have to establish what you want to do, and begin to do it, before the need can be met. Most people work in reverse. They want to see the provisions before they start, but faith doesn't work that way. When we take action, then God manifests the provision. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  5. John 1:16 - "And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace." Most Christians believe God can do anything but experience very little. They believe that God can release His power in answer to prayer, but whether something comes to pass or not depends on their performance (ie. being holy, speaking right, studying the word. tithing, avoiding strife, etc). This view short-circuits God's power because their focus is on what they need to do instead of what Christ has already done. They think God's power is out there somewhere, and they must do things in order to obtain it! The truth is, when we were born again, God put His power, anointing, victory, joy, peace -- everything -- in us in abundance. The only reason they weren't manifest in our soul and body is our unrenewed mind. AFFIRMATION: I refuse to look to the physical realm.....instead, I look at, affirm, and meditate on the words of Christ until they dwell richly in my soul. Philemon 1:6 - "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." IN LUKE CHAPTER 6, JESUS TELLS THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED ARM TO STRETCH IT OUT. THIS MAN'S ARM WAS ATROPHIED AND JUST HANGING DOWN AT HIS SIDE. THE RIGHT ARM OF THE CHURCH - OUTREACH - IS WITHERED. THIS MAN HAD A WITHERED ARM BECAUSE OF LACK OF USE. BUT THE MOMENT HE MOVED IS ARM IN OBEDIENCE TO REACH OUT, IT BECAME FULLY FUNCTIONING! THE MIRACLE THAT HAPPENED TO THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED ARM DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL HE STRETCHED OUT HIS ARM! IT IS THE SAME WITH US. WE WON'T SEE OUR MIRACLE UNTIL WE STRETCH OUT OUR ARM - THE ARM OF OUTREACH. CHRISTIANS WHO ARE NOT ACTIVELY SHARING THE JOY OF THEIR SALVATION ARE LOSING THE JOY OF THEIR SALVATION. "To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in the world. With every soul you bring to Christ, you get a new Heaven upon earth." - C. H. Spurgeon There are those in the Body of Christ who are still in a very dry place spiritually, but beginning to move up mountains towards a fresh anointing. They have crossed the desert sands and are positioned for the spiritual ascent to the heights, far above worldliness and carnal living. Micah 4:1 - "Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it." God will continue to unfold and reveal His PURPOSE for us as we begin our ascent. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  6. 2 Timothy 1:4,6,7 - "Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.....I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you....For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just don't feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Somehow you've simply run dry. OBSERVATION: The word of God tells me how to handle those situations through a clear command: "stir up the gift inside you." Everything I need is already in me. Jesus put it there......faith is there....power is there.....Love is there. AFFIRMATION: In the name of Jesus, I stir up the gift that's within me by faith. I'm stirring up my faith. I'm not going to wait until I feel stirred up. I'm stepping out by faith and expecting my feelings to follow! I'm stirring up the love of God that's in me. I'm stirring myself up in the Spirit of the living God! Galatians 4:7 - "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." WHEN WE RECEIVED JESUS AS LORD OF OUR LIVES, WHATEVER HE RECEIVED WHEN HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD BECAME OURS. HE WAS APPOINTED HEIR, AND WE WERE APPOINTED JOINT HEIRS ......NOT SUB-HEIRS....JOINT HEIRS! JOINT MEANS JOINED. EVERYTHING THAT BELONGS TO HIM BELONGS TO US. NOW! HERE ON THIS EARTH. NOT AFTER WE DIE AND GO TO HEAVEN. GOD IS SPEAKING TO JOINT HEIRS WHEN HE SAYS "I WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO MY RICHES IN GLORY!" (PHILIPPIANS 4:19) - HEAVEN IS ALREADY OURS AND IT'S OURS HERE - WHERE WE NEED IT. "The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is woven with gold. She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colors; the virgin, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to You. With gladness and rejoicing they shall be brought; They shall enter the King's palace." - Psalm 45:13-15 God is jealous over us, over the seeds He's planted in our hearts and over the focus of our affections. He is our breakthrough; when we allow our hearts to be fully turned toward Him the doubts, fears, worries and despair fall away and the seeds of promise grow and flourish. The enemy tries to steal from us while the seed is still in the form of faith. It is in the secret place of intimacy and absolute trust that the planting of the Lord is protected and grows. We are being summoned to come to the place of His dwelling where our hearts are softened and we are made glorious by learning the ways of His Kingdom. We then share intimacy with Him and from that place our breakthrough comes, our requests are answered and our enemies are defeated by the glorious Mighty One who rides forth in victory (see Psalm 45:3-5; Revelation 19:11-16). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  7. God has already "granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" so that "you may become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible says that we "grow up into salvation" in the same way we should grow to be responsible adults (1 Peter 2:2). Therefore, our experience of the FULLNESS of all that is available in Christ should be growing as well. There are reasons why some grow into "all things" more quickly than others: First, they know that they have nothing without God (see 1 Chronicles 29:14). Second, they are assured in their hearts that "all things" have already been granted to them by God because He wants them to "become partakers of the divine nature" through Christ. Third, they have learned how to receive of His increase. TWO GREEK WORDS USED FOR "RECEIVE" "...What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" - 1 Corinthians 4:7 It is very easy to assume, based on this Scripture, a mentality that whatever God gives us we will automatically and unintentionally receive. However, we must understand what it really means to receive, Biblically. There are two Greek words used in the New Testament which are translated "receive," and yet they have very different implications. The first word is "dechomai" (dekh'-om-ahee) and the second is "lambano" (lam-bah'-no). PASSIVE vs. ACTIVE AGRESSIVE Receiving: With a little research, we find that "dechomai" speaks of receiving in a passive way.It is a passive verb which indicates receiving in the sense of welcoming and accepting. "Lambano" is a completely different way of receiving and understanding. "Lambano" is an active aggressive verb which indicates receiving INTO ACTION or taking possession through ACTION. "And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night [trying to catch fish] and took [lambano] nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.'" - Luke 5:5 "When He [Jesus] was at table with them, He took [lambano] the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them." - Luke 24:30 Fishermen do not expect fish to jump out of the water and directly in into their boat. They know they must "lambano" the fish, taking them into possession through some kind of action. In the same way, Jesus reached out to lambano the bread, receiving it unto Himself through action. DO YOU "LAMBANO"? "For everyone who asks receives [lambano], and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Luke 11:10 Perhaps you were led to believe that you should ask of God and then wait for the answer to fall on you at the right time, as if you were expecting Him to throw a glass of water at you, if He felt like it. However, this scripture says that everyone who asks must take action to receive it. Everyone who asks must "lambano" the answer from God, who is not only willing now but is also waiting for us to do so. God holds out provision to us, making it available to all who are in Christ. Then He tells us topray the prayer of faith for it, asking and expecting in agreement with what He's already demonstrated is His will through Christ. Then we must reach out and take what He is offering in order to receive it. God assures us in His Word of His unchanging desire to answer our prayers, and yet He wants us to come asking earnestly, persistently, boldly, and expectantly. Our receiving from God is not meant to be a passive act. God wants to interact with us. There must be action in both His giving and our receiving. If you received Christ as your Savior and the sacrifice for your sins, then you do understand how to "lambano". Everything you receive from God comes exactly the same way: by grace through faith – reaching out to take hold of what He is freely offering. Not a single person has ever received Christ any other way. God acts and we respond. God initiates and we cooperate. INTENTIONAL RECEIVING ...What do you have that you did not [lambano]? If then you [lambano] it, why do you boast as if you did not [lambano] it? 1 Corinthians 4:7 In other words, nothing that you've received from God was automatically and unintentionally received into your experience, so why boast as if you don't know why God apparently gave you more favor than anyone else who is in Christ? Instead of boasting, you should teach others how to "lambano"! "As each has received [lambano] a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..." - 1 Peter 4:10 This verse gives us permission, and responsibility as good stewards, to use what we lambano from God to serve one another. In doing so, it also illustrates a key on how to lambano. When it says "as," -- it means "in the same way." In the same way you take a glass of water to receive it, you intentionally take God's gifts and use them to serve each other, as good stewards would. So, in the same way, we take all things pertaining to life and godliness through intentional and cooperating action, putting them to use. In other words, do something in expectation that you have taken hold of what you reached out for. Receive it into action! "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received [lambano] it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24 This literally means, "Whatever you ask in prayer, lambano it by faith, and it will be yours." Receive it by taking it! The Biblical act of receiving looks like the intentional action of taking. No one takes hold of something all the while wondering if they really have a hold on it. They take hold of it and know that they have it as they are receiving it to themselves. They reach out, grab it, and pull it in. That's how you receive from God. GOOD STEWARDS OF GRACE "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." - 1 Corinthians 15:10 It is only by the grace of God that we have anything, and yet it is by the action of faith that we make it ours in experience. The grace of God requires our cooperation in order for it to have its full effect in our lives. The Apostle Paul spoke of this very clearly, even implying that God's grace could have been released and available for him in vain if he had not cooperated with it. In the same way you receive a gift, use it -- 1 Peter 4:10 gives you permission to "lambano" a gift from God with the intention of serving others. In fact, doing so makes you a good steward of His fully available and varied grace. When someone needs something, you have access to a warehouse full of "all things pertaining to life and godliness" – all available for the taking. A good steward uses what God has entrusted to their care and produces increase from it (seeMatthew 25:14-30). This is part of the work that God gives us to do, and by doing it, God is glorified (see John 17:4). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  8. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him." It has never entered our mind what God has prepared for us while on this earth. His intent is grand. Instead of confining ourselves by our imagination and experience, let's press on to a renewed hunger for things yet to be seen. As we pursue the Extravagant One with reckless abandon, we will discover that our greatest problem is the resistance that comes from between our ears. But faith is superior. And it's time for us to make Him unconcerned about whether or not He'll find faith on the earth. Luke 18:8 - "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." YOUR FIRST STEP IN DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD IS TO REALIZE THAT YOU KNOW GOD FIRST IN HIS WORD. TIME SPENT MEDITATING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT IS TIME SPENT WITH JESUS. MOST PEOPLE TRY TO KNOW HIM THROUGH THEIR FEELINGS AND THAT JUST WON'T WORK. LETTING THE WORD DOMINATE YOUR THINKING IS TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HAVE CONTROL OVER YOUR MIND. AS YOU DO THAT, YOUR FEELINGS WILL EVENTUALLY FALL IN LINE. Hebrews 3:13 - "But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Affirmations: I STIR UP MY FAITH AND EXPERIENCE MORE DEEPLY THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IN MY LIFE THROUGH MY EXHORTATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF OTHER BELIEVERS. I INTEND TO FIND A WAY TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE WHO NEEDS STRENGTH AND UNDERSTANDING TODAY! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  9. Luke 8:14 - "The seed among the thorns represents those who listen and believe God's words but whose faith afterward is choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life. And so they are never able to help anyone else to believe the Good News." Your enemy wants to subdue your awareness and release a slumbering spirit. In this state he can sell you on giving in to a comfortable life thereby causing a corpse-like complacency. You will always avoid the challenges of "breaking out of the box" into the maximum life that Jesus died to get you into. The phrase "out of the box" means that someone or something has broken out from its barriers. It also means that someone has outgrown their history and has gone beyond their limitations. Luke 2:48,49 - "Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them. 'How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?'" THE PHARISEES HAD NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE FATHER'S HEART. MUCH OF CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY EXISTS THAT HAS NO RELATIONSHIP TO THAT SUPREME VALUE. THE GOSPEL IS THE STORY OF THE FATHER WOOING THE HEARTS OF MANKIND THROUGH HIS LOVE. WE CAN TRAVEL THE GLOBE AND PREACH THE GOSPEL, BUT WITHOUT A PERSONAL REVELATION OF THE FATHER'S HEART WE'RE CARRYING AROUND SECONDHAND NEWS - A STORY WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP. THE FATHERS BUSINESS FLOWS FROM HIS HEART. THE CHURCH IS TO BE A MANIFESTATION OF THE FATHER'S HEART TO THE WORLD. WE ARE TO BE CARRIERS OF HIS PRESENCE - DOERS OF HIS WILL. GIVING WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED RELEASES HIM INTO SITUATIONS PREVIOUSLY HELD IN THE GRIP OF DARKNESS. Galatians 6:7,8 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Observation: He has revealed the endless crop of boredom I will harvest when I base my life on pleasure-seeking instead of sowing acts of goodness and love for a harvest of eternal life. Luke 21:31 - "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Affirmations: I ASK THE LORD TO PROPEL ME INTO THE NEXT LEVEL OF MY GROWTH AND DESTINY. I AM DETERMINED THAT I WILL COOPERATE WITH HIM. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  10. Genesis 28:12 - "And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; andbehold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." The word translated "angel" in the text is the Hebrew word "Mal'ak" (mal-awk'), which means to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, ie. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher). The point is the messengers that are to ascend and descend upon this ladder are not just angelic beings, but God's messengers, which WE ARE CALLED TO BE. 2 Timothy 3:5 - "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." ANY REVELATION FROM TODAY'S WORD THAT DOES NOT LEAD US TO AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD ONLY SERVES TO MAKE US MORE RELIGIOUS. THE CHURCH CANNOT AFFORD "FORM WITHOUT POWER" FOR IT CREATES CHRISTIANS WITHOUT PURPOSE. THOSE WHO RESTRICT THEMSELVES TO MERE WORDS LIMIT THEIR GIFT, AND MAY UNINTENTIONALLY LEAD BELIEVERS TO PRIDE BY INCREASING KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INCREASED AWARENESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE AND POWER. MOVING IN THE IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH RELYING ON GOD SHORT-CIRCUITS THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIDE. Matthew 10:7,8 - "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILDREN: 1. That they will know Christ as Savior early in life. Psalm 63:1, Timothy 3:15 2. That they will have a hatred for sin. Psalm 97:10 3. That they will be caught when guilty. Psalm 119:71 4. That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives: spiritual, emotional, physical. John 17:15 5. That they will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships. Daniel 6:3 6. That they will respect those in authority over them. Romans 13:1 7. That they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. Proverbs 1:10-11 8. That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 9. That they, as well as those they marry, will be kept pure until marriage. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 10. That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances. James 4:7 11. That they will be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2 12. That they will be hedged in so that they cannot find their way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to them. Hosea 2:6 QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: What am I willing to do to affect the spiritual destiny of my children? Am I willing to pray the above verses over my children every day? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  11. In this interview, Dr. Brown interviews Bill Johnson and gives him a chance to address questions and criticisms against him and Bethel Church such as grave sucking, addressing sin, and more.
  12. 1 John 5:4 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." THE WORD "WORLD" IS THE GREEK WORD "KOSMOS" WHICH ALWAYS REFERS TO AN ORDERED SYSTEM OF THINGS SUCH AS SOCIETY OR CULTURE. SO WHEN JOHN WRITES THAT WE HAVE A "VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD," HE IS ACTUALLY SAYING, "WE HAVE A VICTORY THAT OVERCOMES, MASTERS, AND CHAMPIONS ITSELF EVEN OVER THE ORDER OF THINGS FOUND IN THE WORLD." THE WORD "OVERCOMETH" IS THE GREEK WORD "NIKOS" WHICH TELLS US THAT WHEN WE BEGIN THE WALK OF FAITH, WE ENTER INTO A REAL-LIFE COMPETITION. OUR FAITH PUTS US IN DIRECT OPPOSITION TO THE DEVIL'S POWERS. THE APOSTLE PAUL SAID HE WAS "CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED" (2 CORINTHIANS 4:9). ONE TRANSLATION SAYS, "WE OCCASIONALLY GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT NEVER GET KNOCKED OUT!" THOSE WHO ARE BORN OF GOD HAVE THE SUPERNATURAL ABILITY TO KEEP GETTING UP AGAIN, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY FALL! JOHN USES THE WORD NIKOS TO DESCRIBE OUR SUPERIOR POSITION AS CHILDREN OF GOD OVER THE WORLD SYSTEM. WE ARE FULLY ARMED WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED TO BE SUPER-CONQUERORS IN THIS LIFE. Matthew 6:31 - "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" IN ORDER TO NOT TAKE THOUGHT ABOUT ONE THING, ONE HAS TO FILL HIS THOUGHTS WITH SOMETHING ELSE. IN VERSE 31, JESUS GAVE US THE BASIC KEY TO CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHT LIVES. HE SAID "TAKE NO THOUGHT - SAYING." BY PUTTING A THOUGHT IN OUR MOUTH AND THEN SPEAKING IT, WE TAKE THAT THOUGHT. ONCE THE THOUGHT BECOMES SPOKEN WORDS, IT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED - ESPECIALLY WHEN A BORN AGAIN BELIEVER TAKES A THOUGHT AND SAYS IT. WE ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. WE HAVE THE GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO SPEAK AND EXPECT. Revelation 3:17 - "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Affirmations: I AM A "NEW WINESKIN," CLEANSED, EMPTIED AND CAPABLE OF EXPANDING WITH THE NEW WINE. MY HEART IS A CONTAINER INTO WHICH THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS POURED. I SWELL WITH CHRIST'S INNER FULLNESS. THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE IS TO CONTAIN THE FRUIT AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I AM DESPERATE IN MY SEARCH AND HUNGER FOR GOD! Galatians 4:19 - "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  13. Isaiah 66:2 - "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." THE HEBREW WORD FOR LOOK IS "NABAT" WHICH MEANS TO REGARD, PAY ATTENTION TO, OR TO ESTEEM. THE ONE WHO GETS GOD'S FAVORABLE ATTENTION IS POOR OR HUMBLE. HUMILITY IS NOT BEING WEAK, WIMPY OR SPINELESS. IN FACT OFTEN THE TRULY HUMBLE ARE MISTAKEN FOR ACTING ARROGANT. DAVID WAS ACCUSED OF BEING ARROGANT AND FULL OF PRIDE BY HIS OLDER BROTHER, ELIAB, WHO HAD BEEN REJECTED BY GOD FOR THE VERY THING HE ACCUSED DAVID OF (1 SAMUEL 17:26,28). BUT GOD CALLED DAVID A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART. A HUMBLE PERSON IS UTTERLY DEPENDANT ON GOD. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT HIM. THUS, THEY SEEK HIS DESIRE AND WILL IN EVERYTHING. CONTRITENESS IS LIKENED TO BROKENNESS. TO BE BROKEN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WEAKNESS, BUT WITH SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY. Psalm 51:16,17 - "For you do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise." Romans 8:33 -- "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." Mark 15:3 -- "And the chief priest accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing." Why didn't Jesus defend Himself? The reason: to remain under His Father's judgment and thus His protection. When we refuse to defend ourselves we are hidden under the hand of God's grace and judgment. There is no safer place. In contrast, those who defend themselves come under the jurisdiction of their accusers and their judgment, and thus they forfeit divine intervention. The moment I justify and defend myself I yield to my accuser as judge. I forfeit my spiritual right of protection, for He (my accuser) rises above me in the realm of the spirit as I answer His criticism. His influence is elevated by my self-defense. By attempting to prove my innocence, I am at the mercy of my accuser. 1 Peter 2:23 -- "He (Jesus) did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." We start out in simple faith, trusting Him regardless of the circumstances. Then God makes a way when there is no way. We possess our promised land (seeJoshua 6:1-5) with step by step obedience. When you come up against your spiritual Jerichos, you've got to have the Word of God in your heart. Without it, marching around Jericho won't so any good. But with the Word in your heart in your mouth, you can march around impossible barriers declaring God's Word. Those walls have to come down. VICTORY DECLARATIONS: In all things, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves me. - Romans 8:37 God always promises me the victory in every circumstance. - 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thanks be to God who always causes me to triumph in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 2:14 I take possession of what belongs to me in Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  14. 1 John 4:17 - "As He is, so are we in this world." AT THE AZUSA STREET REVIVAL, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH A BLAZE, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE PEOPLE INSIDE WERE WORSHIPING JESUS. WATER COULDN'T PUT IT OUT AS IT WAS NOT A NATURAL FIRE. IF THE FATHER FILLED THE OLD TESTAMENT HOUSES WITH HIS GLORY, THOUGH THEY WERE BUILT BY HUMAN HANDS, HOW MUCH MORE WILL HE FILL THE PLACE THAT HE BUILDS WITH HIS OWN HANDS! HE IS BUILDING US INTO HIS ETERNAL DWELLING PLACE. Hebrews 4:29 - "For our God is indeed a consuming fire." Matthew 16:24 - "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." THE CROSS IS NOT SELF-APPLIED - JESUS DID NOT NAIL HIMSELF TO THE CROSS. IF THE DEVIL FINDS US UNINTERESTED IN EVIL, THEN HE'LL TRY TO GET US TO FOCUS ON OUR UNWORTHINESS AND INABILITY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE IN PRAYER MEETINGS WHERE PEOPLE TRY TO PROJECT GREAT BROKENNESS BEFORE GOD, HOPING TO EARN REVIVAL. THEY WILL OFTEN RE-CONFESS OLD SINS SEARCHING FOR REAL HUMILITY. IF I'M THE MAIN SUBJECT, TALKING INCESSANTLY ABOUT MY WEAKNESSES, I HAVE ENTERED INTO THE MOST SUBTLE FORM OF PRIDE. REPEATED PHRASES SUCH AS "I'M SO UNWORTHY," BECOME A NAUSEATING REPLACEMENT FOR THE DECLARATIONS OF THE WORTHINESS OF GOD. BY BEING SOLD ON MY OWN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, THE ENEMY HAS DISENGAGED ME FROM EFFECTIVE SERVICE. TRUE BROKENNESS CAUSES COMPLETE DEPENDENCY ON GOD, MOVING US TO RADICAL OBEDIENCE THAT RELEASES THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD AROUND US. 2 Corinthians 11:3 -- "But I fear...your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." The problem is that we mistakenly strive for information when in reality we need revelation. Ephesians 1:17,18 -- "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened....." 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 1 Corinthians 1:20 -- "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" Affirmations: AS I STUDY, AFFIRM, AND MEDITATE ON THE WORD OF GOD, I SEEK WISDOM AND REVELATION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS I ENDEAVOR TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD, I PAY ATTENTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT INSIDE OF ME -- HE HAS THE KEYS TO UNLOCK ANY SITUATION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  15. 2 Corinthians 10:4 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." A STRONGHOLD IS A SATANIC FORCE THAT STARTS AS A THOUGHT, THEN LAYS ITS FOUNDATION IN A PERSON'S MIND, BUILDS ITSELF UP AND MAKES ITS ABODE THERE. YOU CAN'T SIMPLY CAST DOWN A STRONGHOLD AS YOU WOULD CAST DOWN AN EVIL THOUGHT OR IMAGINATION. YOU NEED THE WORD OF GOD TO BECOME LIKE A HAMMER IN YOUR LIFE IN ORDER TO TEAR DOWN THAT STRONGHOLD AND GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM. HOW CAN YOU GET RID OF A STRONGHOLD? BY HAVING A STRONG TOWER! Psalm 61:3 - "For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." THE WORD OF GOD CAN BECOME THE STRONG TOWER IN MY LIFE THAT CAN DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS. THE LORD THROUGH HIS WORD CAN PUSH OUT THAT SATANIC FORCE THAT'S BEEN HOLDING ME CAPTIVE. GOD'S WORD IS STRONGER THAN ANY STRONGHOLD! Observation: I FIND THE WORD OF GOD THAT APPLIES TO MY STRONGHOLD AND SATURATE MYSELF IN IT BY AFFIRMING IT FREQUENTLY AND MEDITATING ON IT AS I GO THROUGHOUT THE DAY. I THANK GOD THAT THE STRONGHOLD HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED AS I CAST DOWN ANY WRONG THOUGHTS. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And all of us, as with unveiled face, because we continued to behold in the Word of God as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." When we come to God's Word, we will reproduce what we see. Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Affirmation: WHATEVER MY HEART IS SET UPON WHEN I COME TO THE BIBLE, WILL DETERMINE MUCH OF WHAT I SEE IN THE BIBLE. For example, if I come to God's Word with evangelism on my mind, the Bible will open up new Scriptures that I never previously considered to be evangelistic. What I carry to this watering hole will determine much of what I see and reproduce.(Genesis 30:37-39) MY DESPERATION FOR THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT IS ON MY HEART MAKES ME AVAILABLE FOR THINGS THAT OTHERS SEEM TO CONTINUALLY MISS. BY KEEPING A PURE HEART, THE JOURNEY TO GOD'S WORD IS A JOURNEY WHERE NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  16. Psalm 119:105,111 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." THE ATTITUDE OF THOSE WHO LIVE FROM THE TRIUMPH OF CHRIST IS DIFFERENT THAN THOSE WHO LIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THEIR PAST. THE ONLY PART OF THE PAST THAT WE HAVE LEGAL ACCESS TO IS THE TESTIMONY OF THE LORD. THE REST IS DEAD, BURIED, FORGOTTEN, AND COVERED UNDER THE BLOOD. THE PAST SHOULD HAVE NO NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE WAY WE LIVE, AS THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT. LIVING FROM THE VICTORY OF CHRIST IS THE PRIVILEGE FOR EVERY BELIEVER. Genesis 3:1 - "Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he (Satan) said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, 'You shall not eat from every tree of the garden"'? Observation: IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THAT MY THINKING, BELIEVING AND SPEAKING ARE RIGHT. IF I DON'T TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY, THE DEVIL IS GOING TO THINK MY THOUGHTS FOR ME. HE'LL ACTUALLY HAVE ME BELIEVING WHAT HE WANTS ME TO BELIEVE. AND HE'LL EVENTUALLY HAVE ME CONFESSING WHAT HE WANTS ME TO CONFESS, FRAMING MY WORLD WITH THE WRONG WORDS AND LETTING HIM HAVE DOMINION OVER ME. Revelation 12:17 - "So then the dragon was furious (enraged) at the woman, and he went away to wage war on the remainder of her descendants - on those who obey God's commandments and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Luke 10:21 -- 'In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."' One way we can be convinced we've heard from God is that the answer is simple. Jesus took complicated problems of blindness, leprosy, and paralysis, and simplified them into obedience -- 'Go wash.' ' Go show yourselves to the priest.' 'Take up your bed and walk.' Hearing God's voice doesn't mean we understand all the mysteries of the world. It means that God will articulate a word or command that will simplify, heal, and deliver us in our situation. 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. Affirmations: AS I STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, I SEEK WISDOM AND REVELATION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS I ENDEAVOR TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD, I PAY ATTENTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT INSIDE OF ME -- HE HAS THE KEYS TO UNLOCK ANY SITUATION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  17. Luke 1:26,28 - "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." WHEN GOD CHOSE TO BRING THE MESSIAH THROUGH THE VIRGIN MARY, HE SENT GABRIEL THE ANGEL TO BRING THE MESSAGE. WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS ABOUT TO SUFFER SHIPWRECK, AN ANGEL OF THE LORD TOLD HIM WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE ANGELS DID WHAT GOD COULD HAVE DONE EASILY HIMSELF. BUT WHY DIDN'T GOD DO THOSE THINGS HIMSELF? FOR THE SAME REASON HE DOESN'T PREACH THE GOSPEL: HE HAS CHOSEN TO LET HIS CREATION ENJOY THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVICE IN HIS KINGDOM. SERVICE WITH PURPOSE AFFIRMS IDENTITY. A GODLY SELF-ESTEEM IS DERIVED FROM DOING "AS HE PLEASES". AND TRUE SERVICE IS AN OVERFLOW OF WORSHIP. WE ALWAYS BECOME LIKE THE ONE WE WORSHIP. HOW COULD HE WANT ANYTHING MORE FOR US THAN THAT? Jeremiah 1:12 - "Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it." Affirmations: IF I HAVE MY THINKING RIGHT, MY BELIEVING RIGHT, AND MY SPEAKING RIGHT, I WILL UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S NOT WHAT I SEE THAT SHOULD DETERMINE FOR ME WHETHER THE WORD IS WORKING . THE WAY I CAN KNOW THAT MY WORLD IS BEING FRAMED BY THE WORD IS BY WHAT'S IN MY HEART AND BY WHAT I'M SAYING. SO NO MATTER HOW THINGS LOOK, IF I'M SPEAKING THE WORD OF GOD IN FAITH, - I DON'T QUIT! I STAY IN FAITH AND GOD WILL MANIFEST HIS GLORY IN MY SITUATION. 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." We must topple the "stronghold of our experiences." The only one who has a right to shape our lives is Jesus Christ. We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences, unless they are consistent with the promises of God. To the degree that our experiences do not conform to the Word of God, they subtly teach us that God is not who He says He is. In other words, even though you were not healed, you should not conclude "healing is not for today." God's provision is eternal, which means that until heaven and earth pass away, He as provided for our healing. In regard to sin, though we repeatedly stumble, we must continue to believe God for grace to overcome. We must give ourselves room to grow into new insights. We must never surrender our faith in God's Word! Experiences may seem valid, but if they have left us thinking that Jesus is not the same today as He was in the Gospels, the conclusion we have drawn is wrong. It is a stronghold that must be pulled down. Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Revelation 22:13 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Romans 3:4 - "Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  18. Hebrews 11:3 - "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Faith is the bridge between the eternal (the unseen) and the temporal (the seen). In prayer, we can cross that bridge and see as God sees. Real prayer is not just words, but intently waiting on God until we (by the Spirit) see what He is seeing. Jesus ignored what His natural eyes told Him, and He declared what His spiritual eyes saw. He saw the heart of God and the mind of God which was far more of a reality than what His physical senses told Him. OBSERVATION: I need to think, believe and speak, not according to things which are seen -- my circumstances -- but according to things which are not seen -- the word of God. As I am faithful to think, believe and speak according to that which is not seen, God will make those things tangible in my life. He will make them "seen"! Psalm 25:14 - "The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant." FEARING GOD MEANS TO HAVE RESPECT FOR HIM, TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS MAJESTY AND GREATNESS, TO HONOR HIM AS GOD - TO RESPECT HIM AS THE MYSTERIOUS, INDESCRIBABLE LORD, TO BE FAITHFUL TO HIM AND TO FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY TRUST HIM. AS I CHERISH HIS CLOSENESS HE DISCLOSES HIS SON, WHO IS THE HIGHEST SECRET OF ALL - CHRIST, THE MYSTERY OF ALL MYSTERIES. Psalm 16:7 - "I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel: yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons." Matthew 10:8,9 - "And into whatsoever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." THE REALITY OF BEING BORN OF THE SPIRIT MEANS THAT A WHOLE NEW REALM OF POSSIBILITIES, CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES NOW UNFOLDS BEFORE US. THE IDEA THAT THE ONLY RELATIONSHIP WE HAVE WITH HEAVEN IS THE ONE WE EXPERIENCE AT DEATH IS SIMPLY CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD. AFFIRMATION: I have received a spiritual gift to serve others faithfully, administering God’s grace. When I speak I speak words that seem to come from God; I help as though every order was done at God’s orders so that in everything God may receive the glory through Jesus Christ since to Him belongs all glory and power for ever and ever. (1 Peter 4:10,11) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  19. The real success of any life will be because of this knowledge, "Thou art the Christ." This knowledge is the rock foundation, "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:18,19). This knowledge of our right standing with God -- this life of faith that we have come into -- it is because of this rock foundation that we have this living faith, and that foundation cannot be overthrown. He has given us power to bind and loose. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me, and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 KJV Knowing that you are on this rock foundation (living through His faith) and able to bind and to loose; and to have 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. THE MIND AND WILL OF GOD There is only one place where we can get the mind and will of God; it is alone with God; if you look to anybody else you cannot get it. If we seek to save ourselves we shall never reach the place where we will be able to bind and loose. There is a close companionship between you and Jesus that nobody knows about, where every day you have to choose or refuse. It is in the narrow way that you get the power to bind and the power to loose. We are not going to have faith if we do not give ourselves wholly up to Him. THE ROCK FOUNDATION IN YOU Some believers are weak today because Christ the rock is not abiding in them in the manifestations of the power of God. This is not because it is a special gift -- this power to loose and to bind -- but it is whether you have the rock foundation in you. In the name of Jesus you will loose, and in the name of Jesus you will bind, and if He is in you it ought to bring forth evidences of that power. There is a Spirit that dwells within us, and this is nothing less than the life of Him who gave Himself for us, for He is the Rock life in us. The rock is within you, you have power to bind and power to loose because you consist of that Rock. What you have to do is to stand on that fact and use that power. Wherever you are you can set people free. That power is yours. God is delighted when we use the power He has given us. QUESTION TO ASK MYSELF: Will I use the power of the Rock within me, for His glory? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  20. Matthew 6:13 - "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS HIS POSSESSION, WHICH IS WHY HE ALONE CAN GIVE IT TO US. WHEN WE DECLARE THAT REALITY WE MOVE INTO DECLARATIONS OF PRAISE! THE LORD'S PRAYER HAS TWO MAIN OBJECTIVES: (1) MINISTER TO GOD OUT OF AN INTIMATE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP; AND, (2) BRING THE REALITY OF HIS RULERSHIP (THE KINGDOM) TO EARTH. Ephesians 2:6 - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." When Jesus decided to multiply the bread, He did not do it for just a few friends, He waited until He had a crowd of 5000! When He turned the water into wine He did not just make a few bottles - He made about 120 gallons! He was trying to show His disciples how to think big. There was no way that they could exhaust heaven's supply of bread or wine. All of the things that overwhelm our thinking each day would not even be able to register as a thought if we were truly seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Affirmations: MY FUTURE IS BIGGER THAN MY GREATEST THOUGHTS CAN YET COMPREHEND. JESUS CAME TO SHOW ME HOW TO START THINKING FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE IN HEAVEN. Psalm 115:8 - "They who make idols are like them; so are all who trust in and lean on them." IF OUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GOD IS NOT CHARGED WITH THE LIFE AND POWER OF GOD, MERE KNOWLEDGE BECOMES AN IDOL IN OUR MINDS. IT IS EASY FOR US TO HAVE IDEAS AND IMAGES OF GOD THAT ARE UNTRUE, WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT WOULD REMOVE IF WE WOULD LET HIM. THE POWER OF CHRIST'S LIFE IS FILTERED AND PROPORTIONALLY DIMINISHED BY THE NUMBER OF THESE WRONG IMAGES EXISTING WITHIN US. Matthew 24:4 - "Jesus answered them, 'Be careful that no one misleads you (deceiving you and leading you into error).'" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  21. Matthew 6:13 - "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." There is no temptation or sin in heaven. This prayer does not imply that God wants to tempt us. We know from James 1:13 that it is impossible for God to entice us to sin. This kind of praying is important because it requires us to face our need for grace. It helps us to align our heart with heaven -- one of absolute dependency on God. The phrase "deliver us from evil", as it is traditionally rendered, actually means, "deliver us from the evil one." A heart modeled after heaven has great success in spiritual warfare. Jesus was able to say, "satan has nothing in me." The believer is to be completely free from all satanic influence and attachments. That is the cry voiced in this prayer. James 4:7 - "So be subject to God. Resist the devil (stand firm against him), and he will flee from you." Colossians 1:12,13 - "Giving thanks unto the Father ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Many believers limit God without even realizing it by training their eyes on the limited resources of this world rather than the unlimited riches of God's Kingdom. Their faith fails when they think of the troubled economy on the earth or of the scarcity that surrounds them. The Bible says God has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." To be translated means to be taken out of one place and put into another. In other words, your citizenship is not primarily of this earth...you are first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom of God. That means this planet doesn't have any right to dictate to you whether your needs are met or not. The Bible says God will meet your needs according to His riches in glory! (Philippians 4:19) AFFIRMATIONS: I wake up to the fact that I've been translated out of a world of poverty into a kingdom of abundance. Heaven's unlimited resources are available to me! John 8:32 - "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." Some have thought being nice was of the same essence as knowing the truth. It is not. We can thank our parents that we are nice but, if we would know the truth, we must seek God and be willing to obey Him. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  22. 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
  23. Gospel is given to all What is gospel? What is the true gospel? What is the true way to accept the gospel? What is the result from Gospel? Is church need gospel or some others? Many questions are raising in new ministers and new believers in hearts People are ignoring the facts in the gospel and facts of the gospel Let us start some detailed discuss in this matter.............
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