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"In the last days, "I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, (FLAMES OF FIRE) both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the Heaven above and signs on the earth below..." (Acts 2:17-19 As we endure difficulties, challenges or trials, we consider them purpose driven fires, suitable for the Master Craftsman. James 1:2-3 challenges us to, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." TESTED IN THE FIERY FURNACE Many Christians today are being tested, stretched, and tried. It's as if our God, whose eyes are like blazing fire, is blowing His mighty wind from Heaven. He's fanning some smoldering wicks as He equips His servants to become FLAMES OF FIRE. We should not be surprised or amazed. The Apostle Paul writes that the believer's spiritual "foundation" would be tested by fire to reveal the endurance of his faith and love (I Corinthians 3:13-15). "Everyone will be salted with fire" (Mark 9:49). Everyone! And, if a baptism of fire was necessary for Jesus, it will most certainly be necessary for His followers. The baptism of fire is difficult, indeed. We must not despise the hour of testing in light of the love Jesus poured out on the cross. GOD TRANSFORMS TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH We don't just go from glory to glory. We are CHANGED from Glory to Glory. II Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not from us." When jars of clay go into the kiln, they are a brown, gooey consistency that doesn't have much strength or resistance. But after firing, a beautiful piece of pottery emerges, strong and translucent, aglow from the fire, crafted by the Master Potter's hands. We need the refining fire, beloved. Since we know our God is a CONSUMING FIRE, the Spirit of God lives and dwells in us, and we want to do only what we see the Father do, should we not be a consuming fire also? Fire is the image used throughout the Bible to describe the inner nature of God's heart. Fire heals, cleanses, purifies. The fire Jesus brings is holy fire! Fire produces passion! It's in the fire that all of our false heroes, all of our false kings die, and that's the season we will see the Lord. It's in the fire that the Son of God is manifest. Alleluia! We become more and more passionate for Him and His Kingdom because we realize we must cling to Him, walk with Him, and become one with Him, as exquisite crystal fused in a kiln. The Son of God is manifest in the fire! In the fire of our experiences, we truly realize He is all we will ever need. What really happens when water is poured on the fire in the trenches? -- it only fuels the fire! Where is the God of Elijah? He's in us. Don't let the enemy lie and use water to put out the fire. We continue affirming, confessing, and meditating on our faith in the promises of God that are revealed in scripture. WE MUST PERSEVERE Once we have endured the fire and have received the passion, we must persevere. Jesus didn't quit at Gethsemane. He went all the way to crucifixion! Once we've sustained the fiery furnace we can't give up. You must set our heart like flint, ready to go all the way with God! It's in "Gethsemane" that we say, "Father, not my will but Thine be done." When we lay hands on someone and pray for them, they don't need to experience doctrine, they need to experience the fire of God, the power of God! The world is waiting for a consuming fire, one that burns up all that is not of God: cancer cells, addictions, sickness, and disease. This is a fire that will light up the world! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 18:18,19 - "Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Walking in His authority is actually more than just a right that has been given to us, it's our responsibility. As joint heirs with Christ, we have a responsibility to walk in His authority TAKING DOMINION. He has called us to be good stewards of His Kingdom while we are here on earth, and walking in His authority goes hand in hand with being a good steward of the Kingdom. OBSERVATION: Whatever I allow, God allows. Mabe, I am allowing things in my life that are unlike God. Until I bind those things and remove them from my life, the path between me and my DESTINY will always be filled with traps and landmines. AFFIRMATIONS: I was born again -- I wasn't half re-born.I wasn't made half-righteous or a quarter-righteous -- I was made the righteousness of God in Christ!I am a joint Heir with Him. I step up to the position of authority and dominion that Jesus has given me, to take my rightful place beside Him and learn to operate the way He does. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before Me." AN IDOL IS WHAT I PUT BEFORE GOD IN MY LIFE. ANYTHING I LIKE, TRUST, LOVE, ADORE, DESIRE, WORSHIP, HOPE IN, HAVE FAITH IN, GIVE MY ATTENTION TO, AND SEEK MORE THAN THE LORD. 1 Corinthians 10:14 - "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 John 5:21 - "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Ephesians 3:20, 21 - "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." As we press into this present day empowering and equipping for the effective working of His Power in and through us on a day to day basis we need to live in a place of perpetual fresh oil-fresh anointing of His Wonderful Presence, to be a blazing lamp in the midst of the darkness of our day, that we would see the ever-increasing expansion of His Kingdom -- not just in Word but also in demonstration. The Holy Spirit’s desire is that we live every day in the fullness of the Lord, by seeing above and beyond what we can do, and that Jesus would receive glory and honor through His great power that works in us and through us. Praise the mighty name of Jesus who pours out the promise of the Holy Spirit to us (Acts 2:33)! Praise the mighty name of Jesus who said, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) The Father sent Jesus with an unlimited anointing of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:34). That same promise is for us. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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James 4:5 - "Surely, you don't think scripture is wrong when it says: the Spirit which He sent to live in us wants us for Himself alone?" Observation: The Holy Spirit within me conflicts with fleshly desire, urging me into service for Him. It still requires my submission and my action. Being led the the Holy Spirit is an ongoing God encounter. A religious spirit is a demonic presence that works to get us to substitute being led by our intellect instead of the Spirit of God. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Possessing what belongs to us requires change. Unless we choose to progressively walk beyond our own mindsets, we remain where we're at presently in life. Regardless of our position in society, mindsets are often the greatest key to breakthroughs. If we're not moving forward, it's likely that we need to do a little homework. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." - Proverbs 23:7 We may discover how we've been thinking has been hindering our own progress. We must be progressive in our understanding. We attract what we think. We must focus from God's perspective. We create the environment as co-creators with God. We take His promise and begin to make it the standard. We breathe it into our understanding and surroundings. Mindsets and focus are two things God wants to change for you. Don't focus on what you don't have or what you cannot do. Start co-creating with your Creator. He is raising up a passionate people who are focused on living according to the Kingdom of God. Those who will press into Holy Spirit for the miraculous and favor to accomplish His objective. God is sending you. Answer His sending. Pursue the things God has been speaking to you. It's no longer time to ponder. It's now time to possess. Your provision is in following throughin your next course of action. Genesis 1:2 - "And the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." THE HOLY SPIRIT IS EVER MOVING, WORKING, AND BRINGING FORTH THE PURPOSES OF GOD. THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TO BE MOVING AND GOING SOMEWHERE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1 Corinthians 2:10 - "For to us God revealed them through His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." Because the Spirit "searches all things, even the depths of God", no one who is truly led by the Spirit will be shallow in their understanding. If we are led by the Spirit, we will love the truth enough to seek it out (through affirming and meditating on the Word). We will be compelled to have a depth to our knowledge. Affirmation: THE SPIRIT ALSO WANTS TO MOVE IN ME TO SEARCH THE DEPTHS OF GOD. "Rule in the midst of your enemies" - Psalm 110:2 The Lord has provided us with powerful tools to accomplish our assignment and legislate the heavens with the ability to call forth what is not as though it were. He has given us the power of the Blood, the power of His name, the power of His Word, the power of decree, the power of the Holy Spirit to bring it to pass, and angel armies assigned to God's Kingdom purposes! He has given us everything needed to rule and reign, to take and to hold ground! Circumstances may seem to be holding you back, or life situations and finances, but obedience to take your place in God's PURPOSE for your life unlocks your DESTINY and positions you for favor. It's a favor that opens the necessary doors for you to accomplish your assignment. Open your mind and heart—your entire being—to receive His Love in full measure. Many limp through their lives starved for Love, because they haven’t learned the art of receiving. This is essentially an act of faith: believing that He loves you with boundless, everlasting Love. The art of receiving is also a discipline: training your mind to trust Him, coming close to Him with confidence. Remember that the evil one is the father of lies. Learn to recognize his deceptive intrusions into your thoughts. One of his favorite deceptions is to undermine your confidence in His unconditional Love. Fight back against these lies! Do not let them go unchallenged. Resist the devil in His Name, and he will slink away from you. Draw near to Him, and His Presence will envelop you in Love. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." - Ephesians 3:16–19 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence." - Hebrews 4:16 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." - James 4:7–8 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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REACHING THE REAL LIFE OF THE INNER SPIRIT
Albert Finch posted a blog entry in Albert Finch Ministry
The deadness and feebleness of the saints today is largely due to their receiving and following the truth with their minds. This is nothing but the law. In spite of the exactness of the letter, it is absolutely not of the Holy Spirit. Our understanding deals with conceptions and images of divine things, but it cannot reach the real life of the inner spirit. He fills only the pursuing hungry and thirsty soul with spiritual impartation. All things come into being through the Word. It is the Word made alive in our hearts (through repeated affirmation and meditation), germinated by our faith, that strengthens the real life of the believer's spirit. STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT THROUGH HIS SPIRIT "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.....that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:16,19 The Holy Spirit now lives in your inner man to strengthen you and help you to do what you could not do without Him. God's kingdom authority, dominion, and majesty should be reigning in every believer's inner man. Paul urges us to be so deeply rooted, so in union with Christ, that the impossible becomes possible, and the invisible becomes visible. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." - Ephesians 6:10 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY -
Ephesians 5:14 - "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." OBSERVATION: If I truly want Christ to "shine upon me, I must arise from the distractions that entomb me in lethargy and spiritual darkness. By praying the scriptures in the epistles of Paul that pertain to our inheritance in Christ we come to know who we are in Christ, the power that is flowing through us, and our authority over sickness, distractions, or other issues of life. Genesis 1:2 - "And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." THOSE WHO ARE BORN OF THE SPIRIT WILL ALSO BE MOVING, FLOWING, AND GOING SOMEWHERE. THIS IS THE NATURE OF THOSE WHO ARE BORN OF THE SPIRIT. John 3:8 - "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Mark 11:13 - "And seeing in the distance a fig tree covered with leaves. He went to see if He could find any fruit on it. But when He came up to it, He found nothing but leaves for the fig season had not yet come. And He said to it, 'No one ever again shall eat fruit from you."' There is a message for us in the cursed fig tree. Jesus cursed it for not bearing fruit OUT OF SEASON. It died immediately. Was He unreasonable? Did He lose His temper? Or was He showing us something about His expectations for our lives that we'd just as soon ignore? He has the right to expect the fruit of the impossible from those He has created for the impossible. Affirmations: THE SPIRIT OF THE RESURRECTED CHRIST LIVING IN ME HAS DISQUALIFIED ME FROM THE MUNDANE AND ORDINARY. I AM QUALIFIED FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE, BECAUSE I'M A BELIEVING BELIEVER. FAITH QUALIFIES ME FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Since the moment we first came to Christ, there has been an updraft of the Holy Spirit, a constant drawing from God lifting us upward toward the fullness of His Presence. Let's surrender to this wind of God and allow Him to carry us into our holy future (our DESTINY). The disciples did not just pray and sit around waiting for God to enter the "playing field" to convert the world on His own. They went out into the world so that the Holy Spirit might go into the World. "The Lord worked with them." - Mark 16:20 God plants His purpose in our lives in the epicenter of our heart and it will fuel new exploits in our lives. The first step to getting out of the box is to fellowship with the God of the breakthrough.The Holy Spirit will charge you with fresh vision and boldness. Breakthrough is found in our private devotion and personal pursuit of God when no one is watching. If you are in need of breakthrough, make it a point to "return to the stronghold" and watch what the God of the Breakthrough does for you. When He breaks open, we break out. "Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you" (Zechariah 9:12). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. What are you O great mountain...you shall become a plain......amid shouts of 'Grace, grace to it." - Zechariah 4:6,7 The ministry of the Christian is the ministry of the Spirit. Other men have intellectuality, but the Christian is supposed to be the possessor of the Spirit. As simple as breathing is in the physical life, so will praying be in the life led by the Holy Spirit. ACCESSING THE MIRACULOUS Are you hungry? Do you want to be a sign, a wonder, and a miracle for the glory of the Lord and for a harvest of souls such as the world has never before seen? You're not overcome because Jesus overcame! Why waste time focused on what the giants are doing? Why not focus on who God is and what God is doing and what God can do through you by the effectual workings of His power. To be effective we must minister according to His energy, or His power in our lives. 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 us and reveals it to us. "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God - 1 Corinthians 2:10 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 6:55,56,60 -- "For my flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.' Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, 'this is a hard saying; who can understand it?'" John 6:63 -- "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life." OBSERVATION: If I don't feed myself on stuff that is Holy Spirit food -- if I only feed myself on stuff that I understand then I have stunted my own spiritual growth. When I only say amen to things that I comprehend then I have just decided to live a very dwarfed spiritual life. What I have done is fashioned a god that looks much like me because he is the one that I can comprehend. Galatians 5:25 -- "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." John 16:13 -- "However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth." 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. 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. AFFIRMATIONS: The Word says I can hear God's voice and I believe it - I do hear the voice of God! Nothing's wrong with God, nothing's wrong with the Word and nothing's wrong with me! I am going to receive my miracle! Extravagant worship is my lifestyle. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As the glory of God comes, there’s also power. In Acts 1:8 it says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;...." As you TURN UP YOUR EXPECTANCY that this will be one of the most powerful times of increase that will come from the glory and the power of the Lord in your life. This increase will come as a result of God’s Glory and God’s Power that you encounter fresh every day. Go into this season with a HIGHER LEVEL OF EXPECTATION than your previous season -- the Lord is going to strengthen you, anoint you, empower you, and favor you to even greater increase in this new season of time.see There are things that He has purposed for you; there are things the Lord wants to strengthen you to believe for again. In His glory and power there is no limitation. Because of His unlimited supply, we can see limits lifted off. We can see great and mighty things take place because of the unlimited realm of God. Lift your vision higher. Set your expectation on the Lord WORKING THROUGH YOU. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
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HOLY SPIRIT: Is He a PERSON or an ACTIVE FORCE? II Cor 3:17 Watchtower Teaching: The WT claims that the HS is neither a person nor God, but an impersonal ‘active force’ to achieve God’s will, like electricity or radio waves. Bible Teaching: The Holy Spirit is fully God and has personality as He can be blasphemed. The Holy Spirit has the three attributes of personality, those being: mind, emotions and will. An ‘active force’ does not have personal attributes. The WT’s claim of the Holy Spirit being an active force is disproven if the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit has mind,emotions & will. 1. The Holy Spirit has a mind. (1) ‘He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit’. (Romans 8:27). The word ‘mind’ means ‘way of thinking’, something which is only true of a person. (2) ‘The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.’ (I Corinthians 2:11). QUESTION: How can the Holy Spirit know the things of God if the Spirit does not have a mind? A force does not know things. To know requires a mind. (3) The Spirit searcheth all things’ (I Corinthians 2:10). The Greek word for ‘search’ means to thoroughly investigate a matter, something only a mind can do. 2) The Holy Spirit has emotions (4) The Holy Spirit loves: ‘I beseech you..through the love of the Spirit’.(Rom 15:30 NWT). (5) ‘Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God’. (Ephesians 4:30) The Holy Spirit is grieved (made sad) when believers sin. Grief is an emotion that one feels. A force can’t be grieved. 3) The Holy Spirit has a will. He performs personal acts. (6) The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts ‘to every man severally as he will.’(I Cor.12:11) The phrase ‘he wills’ in Greek means ‘a decision of the will after previous deliberation’. The Holy Spirit chooses which gifts each believer receives. A force has no such will, nor ability to make decisions. (7) The Holy Spirit commands: ‘The Spirit bade me go with them’ (Acts 11:12) (8) The Holy Spirit forbids:‘forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia’.Acts 16:6 (9) The Holy Spirit speaks: ‘The Spirit said to Philip, Go near.’ (Acts 8:29) ‘The Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabus and Saul’. (Acts 13:2) ‘The Spirit speaketh expressly’. (I Timothy 4:1). QUESTION: How do you explain the WT view of the Holy Spirit being an impersonal force, with the Bible’s teaching that the Holy Spirit has a mind that can know, emotions that can feel love and grief, and a will to make decisions? (10) The Holy Spirit testifies: ‘He shall testify of me’. (John 15:26). The same Greek word for testify (or bear witness) used here, is also used of: a) The disciples testifying about Christ in John 15:27. b) John the Baptist bearing witness to the truth in John 5:33. c) God the Father bore witness to Cornelius’ (and Gentiles’) conversion by giving them the Holy Spirit. (Acts 15:8) Just as the disciples, John and God the Father (who are all persons) testified or bore witness, so the Holy Spirit bears witness about Christ. A force cannot bear witness, only a person can. (The Holy Spirit bears witness in heaven and on earth - I John 5:7,8) (11) The Holy Spirit intercedes or prays for believers.‘The Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings’. (Romans 8:26). Just as Jesus Christ (a person) intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), so the Holy Spirit (as a person) intercedes (same Greek word) for believers. A force cannot pray for another; only a person can pray. (12) The Holy Spirit teaches believers. (‘he shall teach you all things’. John 14:26) (13) The Holy Spirit hears. ‘Whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak.’ (John 16:13) (14) The Holy Spirit shows us things. ‘he....shall show it unto you’. (John 16:15) (15) The Holy Spirit restrains sin. ‘My Spirit shall not always strive with man’(Genesis 6:3) (16) The Holy Spirit can be blasphemed.‘he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost’.Mk3:29 People cannot be blasphemed. We can only be slandered. Only God can be blasphemed. By Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit being blasphemed means we’ve proved the Trinity. (a) God the Father can be blasphemed. (Revelation 13:6; 16:9) (b) God the Son can be blasphemed. (Luke 22:65) ‘And many other things blasphemously they spake against him’. (c) God the Holy Spirit can be blasphemed. (Matthew 12:31) ‘Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men.’ (17) The Holy Spirit can be lied to (Acts 5:3). Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit. QUESTION: Have you ever lied to electricity and asked electricity to forgive you? (18) The Holy Spirit cries in our hearts, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6) (19) The Holy Spirit approves some decisions: ‘It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us’. (Acts 15:28) (20) The Holy Spirit invites people to be saved:‘The Spirit & the bride say Come’Rev 22:17 (21) The Holy Spirit fills us (Ephesians 5:18) just as God may fill us (Ephesians 3:19). (22) The Holy Spirit uses personal pronouns to describe Himself: John 15:26; 16:13;(he): ‘The Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabus. . .’ (Acts 13:2). The Holy Spirit considers Himself a person, not a personification. Watchtower Objection: The main reason the JWs say that the Holy Spirit is an ‘active force’ is because the Greek word for ‘spirit’ (pneuma) is neuter. Answer: This is faulty reasoning, because 1)the gender of a word relates to the grammatical form of the word, not to its sex or physical gender. Because a word is grammatically neuter does not mean that the object is an ‘it’ or of neuter sex. (Source: Elements of NT Greek, J W Wenham, 1979, p.8). For example, in Greek, ‘children’ is a neuter word, ‘desert’ is a feminine word, etc.and 2) In John 15:26 and 16:13, the neuter noun ‘pneuma’ is referred to by the masculine pronoun ‘ekeinos’ (1565=that one, masculine) recognising the Holy Spirit’s masculine personality. ‘He (ekeinos) shall testify of me’ (15:26); ‘when he (ekeinos), the Spirit of truth shall come’ (16:13). Note: ‘ekeine’ is feminine ‘that one’, and ‘ekeino’ is neuter). (23) The Holy Spirit comforts (Gk: parakletos) believers. John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7. This same Greek word ‘parakletos’ (3875) is used of Christ who has personality in John 14:16 and I John 2:1. ‘Another Comforter’ (Gk: allos parakletos, John 14:16) means ‘another of the same kind’ as Christ, in contrast to ‘heteros’ (2087) meaning ‘another of a different kind’. As Christ has Deity and Personality, so does the Holy Spirit. To comfort requires empathy, understanding, love, compassion and concern for another’s well-being, all being attributes of personality. Conclusion: Hence,the Holy Spirit is a person because 1) He has mind, emotions,& will. 2) Personal pronouns are used of Him. 3) He performs personal acts.4) He associates with the Father and Son in the Baptism formula, Apostolic benediction and as Church Administrator (I Cor. 12:4-6). 5) He can be personally mistreated (tempted, lied to, grieved, resisted, insulted and blasphemed). The New Testament clearly shows the Holy Spirit to have a personality and to be God. (‘Jehovah is the Spirit’ II Cor. 3:17 NWT). reprinted with permission from Pastor Keith Piper. https://www.libertybaptistchurch.org.au/
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Colossians 3:3 - "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." When Christ died, we died. When Christ rose, we rose with Him. Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and us with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). All the work is finished. When we hideaway with God we become absorbed into His very life. With our hearts yielded to the Holy Spirit, we become conduits of His presence into the earth. God will use us in power because we are simply vessels. It is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Just as Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me," his life was absorbed into Christ. We move from the position of visibility into a position of being hidden with Christ in God. TRUE FAITH WILL NOT BE DISCOURAGED Have you been impoverishing the ministry of Jesus so that He cannot do anything? "How can you give me "living water?" - John 4:11 True faith walks and believes in what Jesus has already accomplished and will not be discouraged by the appearances of the temporary realm. It is very possible that your first message from Jesus will not be words but an urgency you feel. You are starting to care about something beyond your own life. You are being influenced by the yearnings of God. He is depositing in you His grief and His love so you can respond to a specific need. PRAYER: Flow out of me, Oh, well, with living water from the river of God. AMEN ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Authority Vs. Power - Walking in Jesus Christ 2 Timothy 1:7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Acts 1:8: 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.” Philippians 4:13: I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Luke 10:19: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 1 Corinthians 6:14: By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Ephesians 3:20: Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Luke 4:32: They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. Revelation 20:4-6: I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended) Ephesians 1:21: 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. John 10:18: No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” 1 Corinthians 15:24: Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. Luke 20:2: “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” Luke 12:5: But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him. Matthew 9:6: But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” Matthew 28:18: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Acts 10:38: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him. 2 Peter 1:3: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 68:35: You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
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God Heals at the Gas Station! (Testimony) God loves to work with His children everywhere! Here is a testimony of just that; God working through His faithful servant to heal a man who was clearly in great pain at a GAS STATION of all places! How cool is that?! God is awesome! God bless you all, in Jesus' mighty name!
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The battle I would not like to win is the battle against the Holy Spirit. This is the only battle we must not fight.Are YOU still struggling with the Holy Spirit? May you receive the GRACE to surrender yourself completely to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT in Jesus name.
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Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Revelation is so essential in our lives that The word vision refers to the spirit of revelation coming upon you, giving you a vision of things that are unseen. Proverbs 29:18 says similarly, "Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint." A more correct and complete translation is: "Without a prophetic revelation, the people go unrestrained, walking in circles, having no certain destiny." Without it we perish. This is what we live by. Without unfolding prophetic revelation that expands your capacity to see life from God's perspective, you will perish. Without seeing your present circumstances through God's eyes, you will spiritually die. Revelation is critical to the normal Christian life. Ephesians 1:17 - "For I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation (of insight into mysteries and secrets) in the deep and intimate knowledge of Him. " Affirmations: I HUNGER FOR AND VIGOROUSLY PURSUE REVELATION. I CRY OUT DAY AND NIGHT FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL TO ME THE MYSTERIES THAT ARE LOCKED IN SCRIPTURE. Ezekiel 22:30 - "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none." We are called to intercession because God does not do anything in the earth without the cooperation of a man. He intends for us to work together with Him to accomplish His will. What price can be put on this glory realm? The entrance to the door of this Realm is your "overcoming spirit." It's time for your DESTINY to be set in motion. Nothing will stop you now! Wanting at times to give up but not giving into that -- you will ride the wave of an overcoming spirit. You overcame in the corridor of transition! He has hidden manna for you (Revelation 2:17) , that will sustain you and nourish you in ways you have not known. He has given you big dreams to dream and walk out and greatness of heart and bounty of spirit. There is a readiness -- you will go forth NOW and overcome. You will conquer, and as you go and as you pursue, you will increase and you will overtake, for He is with you and His Word is in you No more backing up and no more backing down. IT'S TIME! It's your Deuteronomy 1:11 'kairos time" that says -- "....He will bless you just as He has promised you." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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A collection of some of the Proofs of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible ? ? ✝️ ? ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *******Please go to YouTube and search for "Proofs of God, Christ, and the Bible Playlist" to find a playlist of 78 videos and growing of proofs of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible!******* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy the written articles, here! Scientific The scientific evidence against spanking, timeouts, and sleep training http://qz.com/310622/the-scientific-evidence-against-spanking-timeouts-and-sleep-training/ Young Earth Science http://creation.com/age-of-the-earth#20110326 101 evidences for a young age of the Earth and the universe http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/101_evidences_for_a_young_age_of_the_Earth_and_the_universe Ten Reasons Why Sex Should Wait Until Marriage http://www.unification.net/tfv/tenreasons.html Archaeological Biblical Archaeology: Factual Evidence to Support the Historicity of the Bible http://www.equip.org/article/biblical-archaeology-factual-evidence-to-support-the-historicity-of-the-bible/ Ten Top Biblical Archaeology Discoveries http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/free-ebooks/ten-top-biblical-archaeology-discoveries/ Archaeology and the Bible http://www.christiananswers.net/archaeology/home.html Does Archaeology Support the Bible? https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/does-archaeology-support-the-bible/ Archaeology and the Bible http://www.alwaysbeready.com/archaeological-evidence-for-the-bible Archeological Evidence http://www.bibleevidences.com/archeology.htm 50 People in the Bible Confirmed Archaeologically! http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/50-people-in-the-bible-confirmed-archaeologically/ Archaeological proof of the Exodus from Egypt (Not an affiliate) http://www.patternsofevidence.com/ History Institute Creation Research “The Bible has proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the minutest scientific textual analysis possible to humanity and has been proven to be authentic in every way.” http://www.icr.org/biblical-record History Of The Bible http://www.allaboutthejourney.org/history-of-the-bible.htm Health Health Benefits of Fasting! (Cleansing not recommended) http://www.santosaphuket.com/fasting-water-vs-dry/ These Identical Twins Prove That Smoking Ages You http://guff.com/these-identical-twins-prove-that-smoking-ages-you/501 Nature / The Universe The Fibonacci Sequence Represented in the Universe, Plants, Animals, the Human Body, and more! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100518867557259&type=1&l=4e3a6843cd Beauty in every grain: For the first time remarkable photographs reveal hidden charms of ordinary SAND http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2011471/Pictures-sand-Close-photographs-reveal-incredible-beauty.html 26 Pictures Will Make You Re-Evaluate Your Entire Existence http://zumfeed.com/space/1222-26-pictures-will-make-you-re-evaluate-your-entire-existence.html Medical Science Proof We Can Think With Our <3 Hearts <3 Like the Bible has Made Clear! http://www.naturalnews.com/028537_organ_transplants_memories.html The Most Powerful Natural Antibiotic Ever – Kills Any Infections in The Body http://www.getholistichealth.com/41297/the-most-powerful-natural-antibiotic-ever-kills-any-infections-in-the-body/ Lemon is allegedly 10,000 stronger than chemotherapy in killing cancer cells! http://www.getholistichealth.com/42611/heres-why-you-should-always-freeze-your-lemons/ New Study Links GMOs To Cancer, Liver/Kidney Damage & Severe Hormonal Disruption http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/07/15/new-study-links-gmos-to-cancer-liverkidney-damage-severe-hormonal-disruption/ How Negative Thoughts and Emotions Harm Your Body http://steptohealth.com/negative-thoughts-emotions-harm-body/ The Dangers of Synthetic Foods http://3harmfulfoods.com/?v15=1&rc=1 Astronomy New Astronomical Proofs for the Existence of God http://www.reasons.org/articles/new-astronomical-proofs-for-the-existence-of-god The Bible and Astronomy http://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/is-the-bible-true/the-bible-and-astronomy -
John 15:7 - "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you." TO ABIDE IN HIM IS TO LIVE IN CEASELESS FUSION WITH HIS PASSIONS. IT IS HIS LIFE, HIS VIRTUE, HIS WISDOM AND HIS SPIRIT WHICH SUSTAIN US. WE BECOME PERFECTLY WEAK, UNABLE TO RESIST HIM. LIKE THE SON'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SO WE DO NOTHING FROM OUR OWN INITIATIVE UNLESS IT IS SOMETHING WE SEE HIM DO. Affirmations: I AM CONSTRAINED AND GUIDED BY HIS VOICE. I AM SURRENDERED AND IMPRISONED IN HIS LOVE. HIS PRESENCE IS NOT MERELY MY REFUGE, IT IS A PERMANENT ADDRESS. Song of Solomon 2:14 - "O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway, let me see your form, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your form is lovely." Colossians 3:15 - "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts to which as members of Christs one body you were also called to live. And be thankful, giving praise to God always." IF WE ARE IRRITATED AND UPSET ABOUT THINGS IN OUR LIFE IT IS VERY HARD TO RECEIVE QUIET GUIDANCE FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. SOMETIMES A CERTAIN ACTION IS IN QUESTION; SO WE LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST BE OUR GUIDE. THROUGH THE SUBTLE INWARD WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HE GUIDES US TO THE ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE. Affirmations: SINCE I MAINTAIN A THANKFUL, GRATEFUL HEART, I FIND IT EASIER TO HEAR THE "UMPIRE OF PEACE" WHEN HE MAKES A CALL. I DON'T STAY BUSY WITH THE THINGS OF THE WORLD ALL THE TIME - I GIVE TIME AND ATTENTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. I AM THANKFUL AND GIVE PRAISE TO GOD ALWAYS. "After many days, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth. So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria." - 1 Kings 18:1-2 In 1 Kings Chapter 18 Elijah knew in his spirit that something was on the horizon. He sent his servant six times to the sea, but he saw nothing. Although on the seventh time he saw a small cloud on the horizon (see verses 41-44). This cloud is coming our way! It's the new Reign from Heaven to fill us with faith, courage, and whatever we need. Whatever you are facing or dealing with, and no matter how hard the situation may be, God has sent the Fire of the Holy Spirit. He equips you to do the work needed. God had hidden many prophets in caves, but TODAY what God is looking for are the aggressive spiritual warriors carrying the Christ truth that cannot be stopped! Everywhere we go we will overcome injustice with His sword of the Holy Spirit (the Word of God). The cloud is on the horizon, and REIGN is on the way to devour and quench darkness. We will see the greatest advancement of God's Kingdom the world has ever seen. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 3:7 - "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, 'O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'" WHAT THE PHARISEES MOST FEARED WAS THAT JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS NOT PROCLAIMING ANY VALUE IN THEIR ROLES; IN ESSENCE, JOHN'S MESSAGE DETHRONED ANY REAL AUTHORITY TO BE HAD IN RELIGIOUS IDENTITIES. JESUS TOOK IT ONE STEP FURTHER. BUILDING ON JOHN'S FOUNDATION, HE SAID THINGS LIKE: "IF YOUR ARE TO BE GREAT IN THE KINGDOM, YOU WILL BY LIKE THE LEAST OF THESE." HE ESTABLISHED A NEW GOAL THAT WOULD LIBERATE HUMANITY FROM CHERISHED STATUS AND RESTORE THE HEAVENLY POSSIBILITY OF UNION WITH GOD. Affirmations: I DO NOT ESTEEM THE SAME VALUES AS THE WORLD DOES. I DO NOT NEED ANYTHING ELSE TO COMPLETE ME. I AM SUSTAINED IN GOD'S LOVE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. Luke 20:46 - "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts". Joshua 1:9 - "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." COURAGE COMES FROM TRUSTING GOD'S WORD. IT CAN'T BE MENTALLY DRUMMED UP. IT COMES FROM BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES LOOK LIKE. DISCOURAGEMENT COMES FROM FEAR THAT GOD IS NOT GOING TO PERFORM HIS WORD ON YOUR BEHALF. FEAR IS THE DARKROOM WHERE NEGATIVES ARE DEVELOPED. FEAR COMES FROM NOT BELIEVING (DOUBT & UNBELIEF) GOD'S WORD. Affirmations: I REALIZE WHO I AM IN CHRIST AND WHAT I'VE BEEN GIVEN BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS. I STOP LISTENING TO SATAN'S LIES. I STOP RECEIVING EVIL REPORTS. WHENEVER SOMEONE TELLS ME THAT GOD IS NOT GOING TO DELIVER ME, I JUST TELL THEM "HE'S ALREADY DELIVERED ME IN THE NAME OF JESUS." I AFFIRM AND MEDITATE ON THE PROMISES OF GOD IN HIS WORD DAY AND NIGHT. "I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" Isaiah 43:19 Often, the hardest thing about receiving something new FOR US is that it almost always requires something new OF US. Those new breaker waves we pray and believe for rarely flow through our familiar comfort zone. They don't stay within our boundaries or control, rather, they are the move of His Spirit calling us to jump outside our self-imposed box and ride the wave of a lifetime. Will we know the new thing God is doing in, through and around us? Will we recognize His fresh move, beyond our insecurities, critiques or judgments? Will we be able to embrace the very thing we've been praying for when it passes by just outside familiar waters? If we will, it will take courage. You have a Messenger of Courage within you, a Helper, the Spirit of Truth, and He is calling to you like He did Gideon and Mary, already addressing you as beloved and a victor, not just hopeful of such. He wants to visit you, meet you, and call to the courage He already sees within you. He wants you to see yourself as He does, and He is imparting to you the courage necessary to leap out and seize the moment that is only just beyond your reach to STEP INTO THE APPOINTED TIME OF YOUR DESTINY. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Luke 4:18,19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me; He has sent me to announce good news to the poor, to proclaim release for prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to let the broken victims go free, to proclaim the year of the lord's favor." Jesus' concern for mankind was applauded. His Humility was revered, but it was the anointing that released the supernatural. And it was the supernatural invasion of God Himself that was rejected by the religious leaders. This anointing is actually the person of the Holy Spirit upon someone to equip them for supernatural endeavors. To fulfill His mission, Jesus needed the Holy Spirit; and that mission, with all its objectives, was to finish the Father's work. If the Son of God was that reliant upon the anointing, His behavior should clarify our need for the Holy Spirit's presence upon us to do what the Father has assigned. Hebrews 12:2 - ".......who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross......." JESUS VISUALIZED HIMSELF IN VICTORY. HIS MIND WAS PICTURING VICTORY. WHEN JESUS WALKED TO CALVARY, HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE CROSS; HE WAS LOOKING AT THE RESURRECTION. Mark 5:28 - "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole." THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD VISUALIZED. IT HAPPENED IN HER MIND BEFORE IT HAPPENED IN HER BODY. Affirmations: I SEE MYSELF WITH VICTORY. I VISUALIZE WHERE GOD WANTS ME TO BE. THEN, I ACT AS IF I AM ALREADY THERE. "And Goliath cursed David by his gods. The Philistine also said to David, 'Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.'" - 1 Samuel 18:43,44 Goliath first used fiery darts against David (his words of negativity), believing that the negativity alone would cause David to cower down! Yes, Goliath's negative words were meant to be a "first-blow" against David to weaken him so that Goliath could move in quickly for the kill! For us today, a Philistine spirit might sound like this: • You're too young (old) to be used of God. • You're unqualified to lay hands on the sick and see them healed. • You're not a good speaker. • Your family was poor. How can you ever consider yourself blessed of God? • You are not attractive, you're fat (skinny), or too short (tall). • You are weak. Just take a good look at yourself. Is there anything about you of which you can really be proud? • You failed. You sinned. God will never use you. God has abandoned you. Notice that this spirit targets our significance. In other words, it targets our identity as a Christian: a blood-bought Believer, a child of the King, a son, and daughter of God. This is exactly what Goliath attempted to do with David...infiltrate his belief system concerning his identity and his relationship with God! We are already victorious because of the Cross. Still, we must possess our Promised Land through AFFIRMING and MEDITATING the scriptures that have to do with our identity as born-again believers. Jesus paid the price for it – let's believe it and enter into it! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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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, I'M 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 MINISTRY
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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. 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 MINISTRY
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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
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Acts 1:4,8 - "He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." This power came through an encounter with God. Some because of their fear of error, have said it's improper to seek for an experience with God. For decades the church has been guilty of creating doctrine to justify their lack of power, instead of crying out to God until He changed them. The lie they came to believe has given rise to an entire branch of theology that has infected the Body of Christ with a fear of the Holy Spirit. It deceives under the guise of staying undeceived. The word must go forth with power. Power is the realm of the Spirit. Will you bury your gifts and tell the master when He comes that you were afraid of being wrong? Matthew 25: 25,26,30 - "So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is your own. But the master answered him, 'You wicked and lazy and idle servant! And throw the good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."' Jude 24: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." John 15:7 - "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." JESUS WALKED IN UNION WITH HIS FATHER. WE TOO MUST DO THE SAME WITH HIM. WE ONLY HAVE TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY TO THE DEGREE THAT WE ARE ABIDING IN HIM. THE ANGELS DO NOT RESPECT US AND THE DEMONS DO NOT OBEY US BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT BECAUSE OF WHO IS IN US. Luke 18:5,6 - "The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she got on his nerves. 'I fear neither God nor man,' he said to himself, 'but this widow is so great a nuisance that I will see her righted before she wears me out with her persistence.' Then the Lord said, 'if even an evil judge can be worn down like that, don't you think that God will surely give justice to his people who plead with Him day and night?" The parable concerns a widow who desperately implores a judge to give her legal protection from an adversary, but she receives NO IMMEDIATE HELP. She refuses to be DISCOURAGEDfrom her quest: she persists until she gains her BREAKTHROUGH. The goal of Christ's teaching was to immunize His followers against DISCOURAGEMENT. Jesus assures us that God will hear us as we turn to him in PERSISTENT prayer. Affirmations: I BELIEVE THAT WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED HE IS ALSO ABLE TO PERFORM. GOD IS GREAT, GOD IS ABLE, GOD IS GOOD, AND GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD. SINCE CHRIST IS IN ME I AM UPHELD BY THE "SPIRIT OF GOD" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Romans 15:13 - "May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing -- through the experience of your faith--that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." HOPE IS A DIVINE DREAM. IT'S AN INNER IMAGE THAT'S BIGGER THAN YOU ARE BECAUSE IT'S BUILT ON THE PROMISES OF GOD. Example: IF THE DOCTOR TOLD YOU THAT YOU WILL NEVER WALK, THEN YOU SEE YOURSELF CLIMBING MOUNTAINS AND BRINGING THE WORD OF GOD TO HURTING PEOPLE. YOU FIND IN SCRIPTURE (ISAIAH 40:31) WHERE IT SAYS THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD SHALL RUN AND WALK AND NOT FAINT OR BE WEARY. YOU LOOK AT IT UNTIL YOU SEE NOTHING ELSE. PICTURE YOURSELF WALKING FOR MILES AND RUNNING FROM ONE PLACE TO THE NEXT, TELLING EVERYONE - JESUS HAS RAISED YOU UP AND MADE YOU WHOLE. Affirmation: I TAKE THE WORD OF GOD AND BUILD VISION .......NOW! Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." Matthew 13:3,8 - “Behold, the sower went out to sow; And others fell on the good soil and *yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty." It takes spiritual eyes and sensitivity to discern the movements of God in our everyday lives. Sometimes His words come as a whisper and His movements like a gentle breeze moving through the branches of our lives, but as we seek first the King and His Kingdom by confessing and meditating on His word we will discern His voice and His faithfulness through each day. We must trust God with the seeds that He plants in us. His words over us are wrapped in His faithful promises and never-ending love. They require the softness of our heart to grow deep roots and break through the ground of faith so that they will manifest in the earthly realm. We cannot demand how God grows the seed or when it will move from the soil of faith to the visible realm. We must allow the roots to go deep so that when trouble comes, our seed will not be plucked up while still in its tender beginnings. Matthew 24:45 - "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household?" The word tells us that God shows Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are "perfect" toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). "Perfect" doesn't mean that we have to do everything just right and live without making a mistake. It means "devoted" -- a heart consecrated, dedicated, loyal and faithful to God. Who is faithful? The one who spends his time doing what God as called him to do -- or as Jesus put it, the one who takes up his cross and follows him. The one who denies his fleshly desires and spends his life on the things God desires him to do. Affirmations: I am a faithful and wise servant. I find out what is stealing my time from the Lord. I take up Jesus' thoughts today. I take up His purposes and plans. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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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
