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  1. 1 John 3:16 - "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." Observation: WHEN I WANT GOD ABOVE ALL, I AM WILLING - AS CHRIST WAS WILLING - TO FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT, EVEN IN THE MOST DRY AND DARK AND PAINFUL TIMES. WHEN I SEE WITH THE EYES OF FAITH THAT THIS IS THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE CROSS, I WILL KNOW HOW TO IMITATE CHRIST AND DO WHAT HE DID. Matthew 15:29 - "And He said, 'Come.' And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus". In the purest sense Peter did not rest His weight upon the water; He stood upon Christ's Word: "COME!" Peter trusted that if Jesus told him to do the impossible -- even to walk on the water -- the power to obey woud be inherent within the command. Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." OBSERVATION: Because I constantly observe and contemplate others to know how to encourage and provoke them to love and to good works and as I reach out to assist them with words of strength -- they are becoming better, stronger, and bolder in the Lord. Affirmations: I AM EXTREMELY CONSCIOUS OF THE WORKINGS OF CHRIST AND OF GOD'S ENERGY AT WORK IN ME. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. (Matthew 5:14) I AM A LAMP, NOT HIDDEN ANYMORE, BECAUSE GOD IS FILLING ME WITH THE EFFECTUAL WORKINGS OF CHRIST--THE EFFECTUAL WORD IN ME AS A BEACON TO ALL WHO ARE IN THE WORLD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  2. Genesis 21:10 - "Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." Freedom cannot abide in a slaves heart dominated by worldly desires and honors. Royal freedom of spirit attained in devine union has nothing to do with slavery. There are certain foundational attributes of servanthood and sacrifice that create a seedbed for the fragrance of Christ in our lives. Luke 22:26 - "Not so with you: on the contrary, the highest among you must bear himself like the youngest, the chief of you like a servant." Psalm 9:1,2 - "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." Affirmation: I ACTIVATE THE POWER OF GOD IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE BY SPEAKING THE WORD IN FAITH AND PRAISING GOD THAT HIS MARVELOUS WORKS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED IN MY BEHALF. Romans 5:5 - "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." The proof of love is the willingness to change Observation: I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE SAME LOVE THAT COMPELLED JESUS TO GO TO THE CROSS. IT IS THE LOVE THAT COMPELS ME TO INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS. I PRAY FOR OTHERS TO RELEASE THEM FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE ENEMY. I PRAY FOR THEM SO THEY CAN COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  3. Romans 5:5 - "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." Observation: ACTING IN LOVE WHEN OTHERS ARE NOT ACTING IN LOVE TOWARD ME - THIS IS THE HIGHEST VALUE TO MY SOUL. LOVE IS THE PATH ON WHICH I WALK AS CLOSELY AS IS POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY LIVING IN THE LIFE ETERNAL. THE MORE I FOLLOW LOVE THE MORE MY OLD SELF IS CONSUMED AND DIES. Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Affirmation: I SPEAK GOD'S WORDS CONTINUALLY, AND THEN WATCH THE HOLY SPIRIT BLAST THE MOUNTAINS OF OBSTACLES OUT OF MY WAY. Psalm 77:12 - "I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings." What I think about the most will grow the strongest in me. Joshua 1:8 - "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night." "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20 Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why He has instructed us to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Him thanks (regardless of your feelings), and He gives you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience—at times, blind obedience. Thankfulness opens your heart to His Presence and your mind to His thoughts, enabling you to see from His perspective. It is this Light of His Presence that removes the sting from adversity. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1 "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord." - Psalm 89:15 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  4. John 1:12 - "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." And so the power to become sons of God does not come from trying with our human will to act in a godly manner. Our new birth comes as we are changed by the inward actions of grace. Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction". Observation: TO FEAR GOD IS TO LOVE HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE! IT IS THE WILLINGNESS TO OBEY GOD EVEN WHEN IT APPEARS MORE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR ME TO COMPROMISE OR NOT OBEY HIS WORD. Psalm 85:9 - "Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land." Matthew 14:28,29 - "And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water'. And He said 'Come.' And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Sometimes in our own minds we justify waiting in the boat, not realizing it is just our natural mind wanting to know every detail. Thinking to ourselves, "Well, maybe I ought to just sit in the boat a little bit longer – after all, we want to have wisdom." Do you think Peter did that? No. He got out of the boat of his comfort zone before his natural feelings could jump in to dictate the next step. Observation: BREAKING THE POWER OF NATURAL LAW IN MY LIFE HAPPENS WHEN THE WORD OF GOD UNITES WITH MY MEASURE OF FAITH. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  5. Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Satan wanats you to become the termperature of the culture that surrounds you, a believer bound by a stone cold heart. By exposure to hardness and darkness in the times that we live in, our love and passion wil begin to cool by degrees. When you see churches and individuals who do not have the energy to reach-out, it's an indication that their love has grown cold. In Numbers 16:37, the Lord told moses to "scatter the burning coals abroad."This is precisely what the great commission is al about -- spreading the Word with a fiery heart. Affirmations: I REFUSE TO STAY IN A NORMAL MODE; I'M NOT GOING TO LET THE WORLDS CULTURAL WISDOM SQUEEZE ME INTO ITS MOLD. THE WORLD'S POLITICALLY CORRECT AGENDA CAN'T DICTATE TO ME ANYMORE. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. What am I doing to stoke the fire of my love and passion for advancing the Great Commission? 2. What is my passion? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  6. As the Lord taught in the Parable of the Sower, many will depart when testing comes. Many depart from Church, and many are now even departing from pursuing their CALLING in Christ when the tests come. You can never pass a test by quitting. 1 Peter 1:7 AMP - "So that the genuinenes of your faith may be tested, your faith which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire....." OUR CONNECTION TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER The Cross is a vertical post that represents our connection to God and a horizontal one that represents our connection to one another. One thing that taking up our cross means is that we must have both of these in our lives. Of course, our connection to God eclipses the importance of our connection to one another and must always be kept first. But if we have this and keep it first, we will also have the other. As John also wrote, we cannot love God who we do not see if we do not love our brother who we can see (see I John 4:20-21). John 20:21 -- "Just as the Father has sent me forth so I am sending you." This is certainly a command of Jesus for the Body of Christ to meet the needs (both temporal and spiritual) of new believers so they may indeed advance in the faith. The humbling service of DISCIPLING a new believer into: WHO HE IS IN CHRIST, HIS RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD, AND WALKING IN THE SPIRIT is the most valuable Christian service someone can minister to someone who has just had the "born again" experience. OLD THOUGHT PROCESSES In order for the church to advance into her destiny there are old thought processes that need to be dismantled: 1. The idea that higher spiritual advancement and development is reserved for the clergy. 2. The idea that spiritual training and discipling is the sole responsibility of the pastor and/or elders. 3. The idea that it takes years in the faith to be able to DISCIPLE other believers. 4. The idea that the only thing the laity is to be involved in is Church programs and listening to sermons. Submitting to DISCIPLESHIP training develops a "personal ministry to others consciousness" in the believer as well as promotes unity and brotherly love in the fellowship of the Body of Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  7. Any guys up for a Love Your Wife Better Challenge in October? I'm thinking our daily goal would be to PREEP: 1) Pray for {your wife and marriage} 2) Read {the Bible} 3) Engage {your spouse} 4) Connect {with other men} 5) Pray with {your spouse} “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” ― John Eldredge, Wild at Heart John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Here are the daily engagement challenges I’m thinking of... Day 1. Ask her: How can I help you today (or this week)? Day 2. Go a whole day without correcting your spouse. Speak Life! Day 3. Hug your spouse 3-5 times today. Day 4. Kiss your spouse the first time you see them in the morning. Tell her she is beautiful and that you love her. Day 5. Give 3 reasons you appreciate your spouse. Say: “I appreciate you because __________________, _______________________, and _____________________ . Day 6. Write your spouse a hand-written or typed up letter. It can be as long or short as you’d like. Mail it off today so they get it hopefully no later than next week. Day 7. Determine what your spouse’s primary love languages are today: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, or Acts of Service. This is how your spouse likes to receive love. Day 8. Since yesterday you determined what your spouses’ primary love language(s) are, use this information to do something for them today. Day 9. Plan a surprise date with your wife for later on this month. Doesn’t have to be expensive. If money is tight free dates or inexpensive dates are good too. If you want to go even further plan a romantic getaway this year or early next year. Day 10. Turn off all electronics and spend at least 30 minutes to one hour talking on the couch/bed. Try to really listen to your spouse and ask engaging questions. Day 11. Watch your spouse’s favorite movie, sport, or TV show today without interrupting. No mocking or negative comments. Note: This is HER favorite not yours. Day 12. Today focus on being patient with your spouse. Day 13. Three times today say: “I love you because ___________________ “ Describe something about her character, intellect, actions, physical beauty, or personhood in Christ. Day 14. Leave your spouse a note before work. Day 15. Today focus on being kind to your spouse. Day 16. Thank your spouse today for 3 specific things: ____________, _____________, and ____________ . Day 17. Build your spouse up today by complimenting your spouse in front of your children, relatives, or friends. Feel free to compliment her more than once! Day 18. Ask your spouse’s opinion on a subject that interests him or her. Turn off all electronics, remove all distractions, sit on the couch/bed, and engage her for 30 minutes to an hour. Day 19. Bring your spouse some flowers, a token gift, or their favorite dessert. Day 20. Spend some extra time praying together. It can be an extra 5-10 minutes. Or it could be more if you are so led. Day 21. Choose one: Do the dishes, do the laundry, gather the trash, or do some other chore for your spouse today without complaining and without them asking. See a need and fill a need. Day 22. Spend 10-30 minutes reading the Bible together. Or it could be more if you are so led. Day 23. Today determine to speak softly and avoid getting angry with your spouse. Day 24. Give your spouse a massage. Day 25. Today get out your wedding album to look through pictures, watch your wedding on video, or take time to think back to your wedding day with your spouse. What were your wedding vows? Day 26. Ask your spouse what are 2-3 of their goals or dreams for this year and/or next year. Day 27. Ask your spouse: “Where do you see us 10 years from now?” Day 28. Go on a date this weekend that you planned earlier this month. It can be at home or out some place. It can be free or it can cost a pretty penny. Put some thought into it based on the preferences of your wife. Day 29. Talk to your spouse about their favorite things. Think for example heroes, authors, books, or activities. Day 30. Talk about finances with your spouse. Ask her to review your budget together, make a few changes, and revisit your giving together. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation maybe 5-20 minutes. Day 31. Talk to your spouse about a place they would like to visit someday. Since October has 31 days I added another one. Feel free to provide feedback or to suggest days to be switched around or challenges to be replaced. What are your thoughts? God bless, GE
  8. Is anything really possible with faith
  9. Colossians 1:18,20 - "And He is the head of the body, the church....to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." The work of the Cross of Christ made it possible for Believers in Him to receive right standing with the Father. Jesus' righteousness became theirs. They could now enter into fellowship and favor with God. Satan had been deprived of his one great weapon. The people who put their trust in Jesus could be forgiven for their rebellion against God (see John 1:12). In one master stroke, Jesus accomplished three things: 1) He defeated satan (see Heb. 2:14). 2). He took away satan's legal authority to rule over the human race. 3) He restored the blessings that satan had stolen from the human race. THE DIVINE EXCHANGE Jesus' followers can see how the Cross had become the intersection of Heaven and earth. The supernatural traffic between Heaven and earth could flow freely through this intersection, and every individual who assented to Jesus—not just the super-special priests and prophets—could experience supernatural life. It is available to us: 1) Exchanging Punishment for Peace - Isa. 53:5 2) Exchanging Sickness for Healing - Isa. 53:4-5 3) Exchanging Sin for Righteousness - Isa. 53:10, 2 Cor. 5:21 4) Exchanging Curse for Blessing - Deut. 28:15-68 for Deut. 28:1-14 5) Exchanging Poverty for Wealth - 2 Cor. 8:9 6) Exchanging Threefold Death for Threefold Life - Heb. 2:9 He tasted death in three successive phases: (1) He was cut off from union and fellowship with the Father; (2) He was cut off from physical life; and (3) He was banished from God's presence like a scapegoat, carrying sin away. He was crucified and buried; He descended into Hades and rose again so that our redemption could be complete. In exchange, the gift of life to every Believer is also a threefold one: (1) union and fellowship with God; (2) physical resurrection life in our mortal bodies; and (3) resurrection and eternal life in God's glorious presence. 7) Exchanging the Old Man for the New - Rom. 6:6; 8:10; Col. 2:11; Gal. 5:17-24 What an exchange! This is not just a dream of something in the future—it is a present tense reality! THE SUPERNATURAL LIFE -- OUR BIRTHRIGHT It is our honor to be ambassadors of Christ in the world. It is our joy to let His light shine through our lives. It is our privilege to manifest the signs of the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Jesus said, "These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well" (Mark 16:17-18). Those signs are supernatural. They are part of your birthright. The supernatural God who never changes has restored them to you. Hold out your hands to receive all that He wants to give you as a born-again, Spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ. Let's Enforce the Victory of Calvary! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  10. "And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." (Revelation 4:5) "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord." (Isaiah 11:2) The Lord desires us to enter into a deeper level of pressing into Him, or what is called "pursuit after Him." It is a stirring of the Holy Spirit deep within that literally awakens your inner man, so that YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW there is something more that He wants to share with you. This is called HOLY HUNGER. ONLY COMMUNION CAN SATISFY Only communion with Him is going to satisfy the deep ache within. This wonderful hunger is stirred up by the Holy Spirit like as described in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know". As we begin to cry out from this deep engaging of the Spirit of the living God within our spirits, we experience the communion of the Holy Spirit, which is a place of deep to deep fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches out the deep counsel of God for you and reveals it to you. WE CALL OUT TO HIM "But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."(1 Corinthians 2:10) Deuteronomy 29:29declares that, "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever!" As the Holy Spirit initiates this hunger, we begin to say "yes" to the Lord in agreement with the stirring of the Holy Spirit. We begin to call out to Him. As we begin to call to Him, He answers us by showing us great and mighty things that we did not know. The word "mighty" here in the Hebrews means inaccessible. He wants to release to us something that was once inaccessible to us that we did not know. He wants to reveal to us by the Revealer the deep counsel of God. It is a precious privilege to know the mysteries and the secrets of the kingdom. But when the Revealer reveals them to us, they are now for us and our children's children. A GREATER INVITATION FROM JESUS In Revelation 3:20 there is a greater invitation from the Lord to the church: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." In this verse, Jesus essentially says, "If you hear me knock and you open your heart (door) to me I will come and dine with you, or banquet with you." This refers to visitation or communion of a greater degree. As you say "yes" to the Lord, something wonderful and glorious takes place next. Just a few verses later in Revelation 4:1, we see now an invitation to go through the door that is opened by the Lord: "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.'" He is the Door or Gate to "come up here" and meet with Him. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  11. 1 Corinthians 4:20 - "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power." OBSERVATION: When the Lord calls me to do a task, I must resist looking to my resources for the ability to carry it out, but rather to God's resources. 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 withou the cooperation of a man. He intends for us to work together with Him to accomplish His will. Proverbs 4:20-23 - "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Affirmations: I AM DILIGENT TO KEEP MEDITATING AND CONFESSING THE PROMISES IN THE WORD UNTIL THEY OVERTAKE MY LIFE. I KNOW THAT EVERYTHING THAT I RECEIVE FROM GOD STARTS WITH THE WORD IN MY HEART. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  12. James 4:6 - "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Humility is not unworthiness. Humility is being aware of who others are in God's sight and being aware of who I am in Christ and acting on it. Matthew 12:37 - "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Affirmation: I LET MY WORDS CREATE THE CURRENT THAT SWEEPS ME INTO THE HEART OF GOD. Luke 9:23 - "And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” When Jesus called His disciples, it was for total commitment. They had to be willing to leave everything to follow Him, and so do we. If He is not the Lord of all, then He is not our Lord at all. All Christians are called to be "soldiers of the Cross". All soldiers know that they can be called upon to pay the ultimate price for their cause. For this reason, the soldiers of the Cross are called to take up their crosses and commit to die daily to their own interests in order to serve the interests of Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  13. 1 Peter 2:9 -- "For you have been chosen by God Himself -- you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God's very own -- all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light." We know we are a priesthood, chosen by God, possessed by God, holy like God and royal to God. We have immediate access to Him and we don't need a human priest as a mediator because our Heavenly Father provided one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. We have direct access to God, through God. CALLED TO MINISTER Now we're certainly not chosen, possessed, and holy to do nothing and to live mediocre lives. Of course not! We're called to minister in the presence of God, to live an active role in His presence. Our lives are a priestly service through: 1. Holy intercession, and 2. DISCIPLING new believers into their inheritance in Christ. WE ARE LIFE GIVING PRIESTS Romans 12:1 -- "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." As priests we are to serve God no matter what our vocation. Not because we have to, but because we want to! And, there is not one vocation that is more "sacred" than another because Christ is Lord over all. His Word applies to all. The Word does not say that ministry is "sacred" and other vocations are "secular." Life itself is sacred. God is life and all Believers are life giving priests. Because we are royal priests we are called into royal service, to be a wonderful message to the world! We have been commissioned to display His nature, His kindness, His goodness, and HIS MINISTRY to a world that needs to know Him. We can bear the burdens of others and we are the go-between for them before God. We identify with the weak, helpless, fear-filled, unborn, sick, poverty stricken, homeless, hungry, depressed, and spiritually destitute. We ask on their behalf, in faith, believing. Then, as the Father gives direction, we GO and minister to them and His power becomes available to set them free. EQUIPPED FOR DISCIPLESHIP As soon as we're saved we are to be discipled so we can be disciples doing what Jesus did. Then, we GO and equip more disciples (Matthew 28). We move out of the church building into the works of the Kingdom! AFFIRMATIONS; I am not designed to drift -- I am designed for destiny. I seek God for my destiny, and don't lose sight of the heavenly vision. I carry within me the resurrection power of Christ -- I have the power to BECOME. I am ready to expand my reality and become the destiny for which I have been predestined. "Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect." - Romans 12:2 NCV Sometimes the events of life seem to distance us from the awareness of His presence an we feel cast into a wilderness. In the wilderness, we tend to tune into the bitter past of life rather than the sweetness. However, it is in the wilderness that God speaks most clearly and opens the portals of heavenly revelation. "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 that you may know what is the hope of His CALLING...." - Ephesians 1: 17,18 We can position our hearts to become an open portal to Heaven -- where God infuses us with His presence and revelation abounds -- flowing to us and through us. Like Moses' encounter with the burning bush, new direction often becomes clearer in the wilderness and DESTINY unfolds through the oddest signs along the trail. As we move into the sweetness of His presence, we exit the wilderness of circumstance. REACHING THE CENTRAL PLACE OF OUR INWARD WALK By not speaking, desiring, nor reasoning, we reach the central place of the inward walk -- that place where God speaks to our inward man. It is there that God communicates Himself to our spirit. "For God alone my soul waits in silence." - Psalm 62:1 We recall that Jacob wrestled with the Lord all night, until daybreak? THEN it was when the Lord blessed him. We persevere against any and all difficulties which confront us in our seeking the Lord's presence in our spirit. We are steadfast until the Lord gives our spirit His blessing. Job 26:14 - "And these are but the out fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" A revelation of the thunder of His power catapults us out of our wildernesses, shatters the realms of darkness and releases the awe of God through signs and wonders -- through us as we walk in His authority. As our heart becomes an open portal of His love -- the awe of His power thunders around us and we find ourselves walking IN THE FULLNESS of Him, not just alongside of Him; carrying this authority to release the realm of Heaven on earth. AFFIRMATION: My heart is a portal for His love. PRAYER: Father, I abandon myself to You. You love in me Your only begotten Son. You see Him in me. You embrace Him in me, because He has willed to identify Himself completely with me by that love which brought Him to death, for me, on the Cross. Amen ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  14. Ephesians 6:12 -- "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The reality is that we're in battle. We're being prevailed against. Some of us are "losing" in the fight against sin and sickness, disease and death. Some of us are losing the battle for our kids to know Jesus. Some of us are battling for our marriages. Some of us are battling against poverty, and the very things that hinder the fulfillment of the prophetic word in our lives. War wages for the fulfillment of our very divine DESTINIES. LACK OF KNOWLEDGE Hosea 4:6 -- "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou has forgotton the law of God, I will also forget thy children." This infers that if God's people had knowledge of who they really are in Christ, of who God is, and of the rights and priveleges of their DOMINION -- they wouldn't be destroyed. As soon as we become blood-bought believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we're thrust behind enemy lines, though assured of God's protection. However, we're also reminded that we operate in an environment of spiritual terrorism. ".....We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY 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. The Bible says that the birds of the air come to snatch away the Word of God (Luke 8:5-15). The birds of the air are the demons that snatch away the Word from a man's heart, but only because a man leaves it out there unprotected. The devil cannot take away the word from our hearts if we hold it close and protect it through: Affirming It Out Loud Meditating on It, And visualizing it coming to pass in our lives. THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY Psalm 78:9-11 -- "The sons of Ephraim were archers equipped with bows, yet they turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God and refused to walk in His law; they forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them." The apostle John wrote, "They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Rev. 12:11). The elements of victory are recounted to us in this passage. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb: This means we no longer are fighting FOR victory but we fight FROM victory. Triumph is assured when we enter the battle. ACTING VIOLENTLY ON THE WORD Matthew 11:12 -- "Violent men take the Kingdom by force." It is to be understood that our battles are to be the manifestations of His victory. The ultimate challenge is not the battle itself but the decision to participate. Notice that the "armor of God"in Ephesians Chapter 6 has no protection for your back. We are ill-equipped for retreat. The shield of faith is our truth and our buckler. It's the truth of the Word of God, and it's given to every believer to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph. 6:6). But it has to be used. We are to be doers of God's Word. When we act, the shield moves when we do, even if we don't feel it. 1. We don't have the Sword of the Spirit until the Word has been made real to our spirit. 2. We don't have the Shield of Faith until we walk in that faith of who God says we are in Christ. 3. We don't have the Shoes of Peace until we get into the presence of God. 4. We don't have the Helmet of Salvation until we have a revelation of Christ's finished work on the cross. 5. We don't have the Breastplate of Righteousness until we start thinking like God thinks. 6. We don't have the Belt of Truth until the Holy Spirit leads us into the truth of the fullness of the reality of God. WE ARE HIS AUTHORITY Matthew 6:10 -- "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. God's world collides with the world of darkness, and His world always wins. Our battle is always a battle for DOMINION -- a conflict of kingdoms. God has chosen to work through us. WE ARE HIS DELEGATED AUTHORITY on planet earth, and prayer is the vehicle that gives occasion for His invasion. Those who don't pray allow darkness to continue ruling. The enemy's greatest efforts at deceiving the Church are centered on diluting the purpose and effect of prayer. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  15. 1 Samuel 3:1 -- "In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions." If Eli could not hear from God, the people would not receive messages from Him. The only words that we receive that are of help to people are words from God. If we don't spend time LISTENING to Him, then we will not receive words by which we will bless and encourage His people. 1 Samuel 3:7 -- "Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." He'd never heard God speak, but he still enjoyed His presence. We need to hear from God; we need to hear the word of the Lord. We can only hear from God if we spend time with Him. We can only hear from Him if we have a relationship with Him. Our relationship to God is the most important thing in our lives, therefore we need to give it the utmost care. Psalm 91:1 -- "He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High God, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." EXPERIENCING EVIDENCE OF HIS PRESENCE There is a secret place inside us where God dwells, where we abide with Him in the Spirit. In that secret place, we will experience the evidence of His presence with us. We have the greatest calling to fulfill in the universe: to live out our DESTINY in Christ with God's power living and working through us. The secret place is not a physical place like it was in Samuel's day. Our secret place is in our own hearts. We can go anywhere and still focus on Him in our spirit and be in the secret place of the Most High. We might be at work, yet we can enter into the presence of the Lord by simply going to the quiet place in our spirit and find Him there waiting for us. It is in this place where the Lord speaks and we listen. In the secret place is where we will find God's earthly purpose (DESTINY) for our life. Samuel had never heard God until he spent time in His presence. They developed a relationship with each other. Samuel became one with God; they became friends. As we develop friendship with God, then He can show us how to love others. As we are first filled with the power to truly love others by loving Him and by receiving His love for us we will come to realize our need to DISCIPLE other believers. This only comes through our communion with Christ. We need to hear the voice of the Lord! We need to hear His voice now more distinctly than ever before, because we need a personal revelation of our CALLING in Christ. SEEKING "OUT OF THE BOX" Eli had gotten used to residing in his "usual place" in the house of God. We, too, can get too used to our relationship with God the way it is. But God wants us to come out away from our "usual place" and seek Him afresh and anew -- to turn from all else and seek only Him. He wants to infuse us with His love in a new way. AFFIRMATIONS: I resolve to get to know Him in a fresh way and experience new aspects of His character -- to experience new facets of His love. As I abide in the secret place in silence I lift up my heart to Him in love and experience the communion of His presence. As I receive His love in my heart my capacity to love others is enlarged. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  16. Proverbs 20:27 - "The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord." Luke 17:20,21 - "The kingdom of God comes not with observation. For behold, the kingdom of God is within you." If we wait quietly before God and learn to turn the eyes of our soul to the inward parts of our being -- our spirits -- we will encounter Him in the deep levels, as that is where His Spirit dwells. Matthew 25:30 - "And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Affirmation: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVING ME WISDOM AND COURAGE TO STEP OUT AND BEGIN TO FULFILL THE DREAM HE AS BIRTHED SO DEEPLY INSIDE ME. Jude 22 - "And of some have compassion, making a difference." Affirmation: MY HEART RELEASES THE COMPASSION OF JESUS CHRIST TO HELP DELIVER PEOPLE CAUGHT IN THE DECEPTION OF SIN AND DARKNESS AND SET THEM FREE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  17. Read Matthew Chap. 3 and Luke Chap. 4 Have the class (or individual) read aloud each of the ascribed scriptures. Then dictate the indicated summary. The student is to recite the summary of each of the scriptures 5 times per day until the next class. John 5:18-22; Jesus has the authority to raise the dead. All judgment is committed to Jesus. John 8:12; Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus will free the believer of any system of false beliefs. Matthew 28:18; All power is given to Jesus in heaven and earth! Matthew 8:13; It Is God’s will to heal. Matt 9:18-19, 23-25; Jesus has the power to raise from the dead. John 6:8-13; Jesus can overcome lack. John 4:9-10, 14; Living water is available to the believer. John 6:39-40; The believer has the promise of resurrection. Matt 5:20; Being a good person and doing good works will not get you into the kingdom of heaven. HOMEWORK: Matthew - Chapter 3 - Quiz: 1. What did Isaiah prophecy about John the Baptist in Isaiah 40:3 ? Answer: The voice of him that __________________ in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the________a highway for our God. 2. What did John the Baptist say was present? Answer:________________is at hand. 3. What did John the Baptist instruct the religious leaders as well as the people to do? Answer: ___________for the________is at hand. 4. What is going to be cut down and cast into the fire? Answer: ___________which bringeth not forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. 5. Who will baptise with the holy ghost and with fire? Answer:_______________. 6. What power did Jesus receive at Baptism? Answer: The power of The_________________. 7. What realm was penetrated at the Baptism of Jesus? Answer: The_______________. Luke - Chapter 4 - Quiz: 1. How did Jesus answer satan? Answer: With the_______________of God. 2. What power was Jesus operating under? Answer: And Jesus returned in the power of the _________________. 3. What was Jesus anointed to do? Answer: ______________the gospel to the poor, ______________the brokenhearted, ______________deliverance to the captives ______________to the blind, ______________them that are bruised. 4. Of the ones that came to Him, how many people did Jesus Heal? Answer: And he laid his hands on_______________ of them and healed them. 5. What did God send Jesus to preach? Answer: I must preach____________to other cities also: for therefore I am sent. Quiz Answers: Matthew - Chapter 3 1. Crieth, desert 2. The Kingdom of God 3. Repent, Kingdom of God 4. Every tree 5. Jesus 6. Holy Spirit 7. The heavens Luke - Chapter 4 1. Word 2. Spirit 3. Preach, heal, preach deliverance, recovering of sight, set at liberty 4. All 5. The Kingdom of God ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  18. James 1:4 - "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." The Greek word patience can be translated endurance, constancy, or being constant regardless of circumstances. Faith is dependent on patience. Patience won't let faith quit. Patience is dependent on the decision to stay on the word regardless of what gets thrown against our lives. Affirmation: VICTORY IS ALREADY MINE 1 John 4:16,17 - "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as he is, so are we in this world." God is love, and because we are one with Him, we too are love. 2 Chronicles 12:14 - And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. When satan throws temptation your way, if you are not already prepared, it's too late. You'll probable lose the fight. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  19. 1 John 5:3,4 - “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” AFFIRMATION: The Word is born of God. The Word of God will overcome the world. World-overcoming faith is in my spirit right now. John 15:10 - “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Jesus’ loving me has nothing to do with me. It has to do with Him obeying the Father’s command. Mat 22:37,39 - “Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’” Romans 14:17 - “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” AFFIRMATION: Christianity is not about what I put into my life. But what God has already put in my life. The new covenant is: 1. I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus. 2. I am filled with the love and Spirit of God. 3. And All God has for me is already inside of me the moment I was born again. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  20. When I'm lonely I always go to God! But as a human we need other humans to interact with. I come from a background where I was shut off from the real word! Now I'm trying to become a better person but I find it a little bit displeasing! Why do I say that? Because I feel like I have no "friends" and I especially have no one to talk to! Right now the only person I can talk to is in jail(my boyfriend). And I just feel like I'm becoming worse everyday! When I get angry (which is everyday ) I use the tongue of the devil! I just want to overcome this and know where and how to start ! Any and every advice is welcomed, I really appreciate it.
  21. Stand firm and do not be moved! As believers, we are rooted and grounded in His magnificent love (see Eph. 3:17). Truly, the Lord will be strong on our behalf! This knowledge enables a courage deep within and causes us to be so anchored in His love that our hearts and minds are steadfast. Thus, we will reach a place of focus that comes from being led by the Lord. This creates in us perseverance through our faith as we hear and are led by Him. Holy perseverance is God-empowered boldness or courage that enables usdeep withinto persevere. One way we can define perseverance is simply to stay the course. This is a powerful blessing from the Lord that enables us to believe the impossible is possible. It is a work of the Holy Spirit within that enables us to have strength to stay the course, regardless of present circumstances or situations. This is what the prophet Isaiah wrote about: "Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice." - Isaiah 41:10 AMP ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  22. Exodus 14:11,12 - "They said to Moses, 'Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!'" There was something comforting about the past that the Israelites preferred at this point to the unknown dilemma of future freedom. It would seem they were so afraid of the unknown that they might even have been willing to settle for second best and remain in an oppressed lifestyle rather than face the trial of exodus. SURRENDER SELF-PITY TO GOD 1. One of the most effective ways to destroy the habit of feeling sorry for one's self, is first of all to focus on God and start affirming the promises of God promised to you in scripture (your inheritance in Christ). Then, purpose to think about other people. 2. Ask God to give you someone that you can help with their spiritual needs -- and go minister to them -- tell them about Jesus -- look after them and take an interest in their spiritual development. 3. Let go of the past and move into new opportunities to discover our CALLING andDESTINY in Christ. Even though our enemy will use fear of the unknown to overwhelm us and cause us to lose courage, we must endeavour to maintain a bold faith in the face of adversity. 4. STANDING AND STILLNESS IN WARFARE IS STRATEGY Exodus14:13,14 - "And Moses said unto the people, 'Fear Ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more forever.'" Ephesians 6: 10,14 - "Finally, my bretheren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness." When we stand firm, God enables us to overcome our enemy in His truth. We quickly discover in spiritual skirmishes that God's authority is truly indisputable and the enemy must bow the knee to the King of kings. God said that the people would never have to face the enemy they faced that day again. In other words, the battles we win today remain future victories. By faith we can maintain ground taken without having to fight the same battle twice. Furthermore, we do not need to revisit old wounds: what God has healed, He has healed. Ongoing introspection has no place in a people whose focus is the Lord. 5. REACH OUT "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.'" Exodus 14:15-16 There is a time to stand and a time to move. If we don't discern a new season with God's instruction to "move on," our past has then the potential to be used as a "crutch" - meaning it remains a familiar comfort zone and a possible stumbling block to the new things God has for us. Our authority in Christ raises itself as a banner of victory over our circumstances, situations and any and all intimidation and enemy assault. We must do our part, like Moses, in learning to exercise our God-given authority over our circumstances. Moses raised his staff, commanding what stood before God's people in the natural environment to be aligned with Heaven. He then stretched the staff out as a gesture of faith in ACTION. Similarly, we have to do our bit to engage by faith and believe that Jesus' finished work on the cross will deliver every area of our lives into total freedom. In this way we will experience Kingdom transformation and acceleration of DESTINY! QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. Am I happy in my confort zone or do I really want to change -- that is, reach for the earthly DESTINY God has for me. 2. How many people am I presently discipling? Am I equipping these people to disciple others so they can advance the "Great Commision"? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  23. Stand firm and do not be moved! As believers, we are rooted and grounded in His magnificent love. Because we are established in His love, we can have a peace that passes all natural understanding. And we have COURAGE, the depth of which is confidence in the Lord. "And that Christ will make His home in your hearts, through faith. I pray that you wil have your roots and foundations in love so that.....you will have the power to understand how broad and long and deep is Christ's love. " - Ephesians 3:17 This place of trust is beyond the natural ability of a person. It comes only through a relationship with the Lord, who will lead us and bring to pass all He has purposed for us (our CALLING in Christ). As we are directed by Him, we can also be assured that He is making every path straight. As believers, we declare that we, "Trust in the LORD with all [our] heart, and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct [our] paths." - Proverbs 3:56 GOD-EMPOWERED BOLDNESS This creates in us PERSEVERANCE THROUGH OUR FAITH as we hear and are led by Him. Holy perseverance is God-empowered boldness or courage that enables us deep within to persevere. One way we can define perseverance is simply to stay the course. This is a powerful blessing from the Lord that enables us to believe the impossible is possible. It is a work of the Holy Spirit within that enables us to have strength to stay the course, regardless of present circumstances or situations. This is what the prophet Isaiah wrote about: "Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice." - Isaiah 41:10 AMP HERE IS THE INCREDIBLE PROMISE: You can stay the course because of the enabling of the strength of the Lord for you and in you! Believe that the Holy Spirit will release an even greater strengthening deep within so that you will stand firm for the promises of the Lord for your life and your family. As you lean into the Lord, you will go from strength to strength with deep courage to believe for the impossible to be possible. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  24. Colossians 3:15 - 'Let the peace of God rule in your heart...' A very fundamental way God speaks to individual believers is through His peace. Too often we take the peace of God for granted. God's peace is that eternal tranquilizer that governs our being. Romans 5:1 -- 'Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Ephesians 2:13,14 -- 'But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.' There is a difference between having: 1. The peace of God and, 2. Having peace with God Any born-again believer who loves God and desires to serve Him has peace WITH God. This is simply part of the blood covenant. His peace is part of the package. But a common way God speaks to the believer is through the "peace OF God", or lack thereof, concerning specific situations: Colossians 3:15 (Amp) -- 'And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as an umpire continually) in your hearts -- deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds -- (in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's one body you were called (to live). And be thankful -- appreciative, giving praise to God always.' THE HOLY SPIRIT DECLARES PEACE TO OUR SPIRIT The Holy Spirit within is that Heavenly Umpire who continaully declares peace -- or lack of peace. When a Christian may express concerning a decision, 'I just don't have peace about it.' He is not saying he does not have peace WITH God, but that he lacks the peace OF God concerning the specific decision he is trying to make. At other times, when a decision has to be made, the Holy Spirit within may give a tremendous inundation of peace that gives assurance to the believer. This overwhelming peace is indicatation that the decision is in the will of God. THE ABSENCE OF PEACE IS THE ABSENCE OF CONFIRMATION When we walk with God and begin to turn the wrong way, we may immediately sence something lacking. We know His presence is mysteriously missing. We should be sensitive to that lack of peace. As we walk in the Spirit, we should take note when His Presence is missing and turn around. Then ask why. He will reveal the reason. The peace OF God, or the absence of His peace is the voice of the Lord. It is clearly one way He communicates to every child of God. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  25. From The Voice Of The Martyrs.... In Muslim nations today, speaking on a religious subject considered to be contrary to Islam can mean death. Ironically, Muslim worshipers face a death penalty themselves. The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is spiritual death. Apart from Christ, everyone faces eternal death. Thankfully, however, Christ has paid the death penalty for all who believe, even Muslims. Jesus Christ took our place at the hand of the executioner by being crucified on a cross. His death enables us to have eternal life with God in heaven. Thank God today that your death sentence has been commuted and that you have been pardoned. And pray for those in Muslim nations who may kill Christians on earth, but without Christ, face their own eternal death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (New International Version) Any (Kind) Thoughts? “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (New Living Translation) ~ Love, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27 (King James Bible) Your Brother Joe
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