Search the Community

Isaiah 9:7 - "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end......" How important is increase to God? Jesus once cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season (Mark 11:13-14)! A man in one of His parables was cast into outer darkness for burying his money and not obtaining an increase for his master (Matthew 25:24-30). When the main goal of our faith is keeping us safe from the devil, our faith becomes inferior to what God expects. Jesus had in mind more for us than survival. We are destined to overcome. Every conversion plunders hell. Every miracle destroys the works of the devil. Every God encounter is an Invasion of the Almighty into our desperate condition. This is our joy. Affirmations: I FORGET THE PAST AND REACH FOR THOSE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS CALLED ME. I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 3:7,8 - "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Paul considered everything prized by his culture worthless compared with the awesome experience of knowing Jesus. Affirmations: MY TREASURE IS IN JESUS. I LOVE JESUS ABOVE ALL ELSE. JESUS CALLS ME TO A HIGHER LOVE, TO EMBRACE THE BURNING AND PASSIONATE HEART OF GOD. 2 Corinthians 5:14 says, "Christ's love compels us! We are convinced that One died for all, therefore all have died." Healing doesn't compel us, crusades don't compel us, and offerings don't compel us. In the Kingdom, it's Christ's love that compels us! Why? Because His love causes us to realize that everybody has received an invitation into this hidden world, this redeemed world. This realm is liberation from sin, liberation from demonic bondage, liberation from religious bondage—and it begins to spark something in people and awaken them to a fullness in Christ that they never knew! Romans 8:19 says, "That the whole world is waiting..." for what? For us to manifest Christ so that Christ can be made manifest in them. Their spirit is longing for Christ, the hope of glory—whether they know it or not! In Matthew 10:7 it says, "And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'" We need to be INTENTIONAL about releasing the Kingdom in the overflow of our union with Jesus through His Blood! If God is pleased to give us everything, how can we not heal the sick and cast out demons? As a Kingdom Dweller, it's inevitable. Let His Kingdom come! It is finished. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

I am 21. I never had a boyfriend before. My parents have always overprotected me by not letting me have any contact with the opposite sex. I spent so long without guys contact that I spent 4 years in depression thinking that I was lesbian because I had feelings for some girls in high school and never fell for a guy before. My family wasn't here for me and I tried to kill myself several times. But now that I am in college, I met some guys and I started to have crushes and realized that its a different feeling and that I am not actually gay. During this moment that I started to talk to guys, my mom started to become closer and ask a lot of questions about my guy friends. But I realized that whenever I liked someone and wanted to give them a chance, she always found a reason why and told me that I like guys too much, I am promiscuous and all. 5 months ago I met this christian african guy who really likes me. He's too years younger than me. 19 and I am 21. I would like to give him a chance and when I told my mom she started to srceam at me with anger all the time, she came to the point of beating me up over that and told me that If I accept to be his girlfriend that he won't be welcomed at home. But this guy is like my bestfriend, I got mad after this last fight which happens a couple days ago, than I said yes to the guy. My mom says that she doesn't like him because he's african and he's lazy (because he likes to play and go out all the time and take few classes with not that good grades) ) and he doesn't have a job yet. I like him because he's a christians with good manners, he's willing to wait for marriage to have sex, is playful, don't smoke or drink, makes me happy, really likes me plus he said that he will look for a job and applied for more classes. At my college we need to work in other to gain practice hours before we able to graduate. So I am 2 years in advanced because I work at school better and faster. Even though he started only 1 semester after me. My dad was killed last year so my mom would like to remarry and live her life, so she told me that she won't be able to keep me here for too long and I have to get married fast with 3-4 years and have kids and that this christian guy won't be able to marry me that soon so I should find someone else. My mom makes my life impossible since and keeps on treating to kick me out of the house. WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE!? WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT WOULD BE A CHRISTIAN WAY OF SOLVING THIS ISSUE? SHOULD I MOVE OUT AND GET A STUDIO SINCE I JUST GOT A JOB AND STAY WITH HIM? OR SHOULD I LIVE HIM AFTER A WEEK RELATIONSHIP AND LIVE WITH MY MOM? PLEASE HELP ANYONE! I am feeling so depressed from this situation.

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

We Are Fighting Demons More Than Democrats Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. Proverbs 10:12 (New American Standard Bible) ........ What I’m calling for is simple and clear. It is for followers of Jesus to seek God’s face in prayer with a deep sense of urgency, asking Him to have mercy on our nation. It is for us to humble ourselves before Him in deep repentance for our own sins and failings. It is for us to renew our commitment to the Great Commission and to focus once again on winning the lost and making disciples. It is for us to shine like lights in dark places, confronting evil and injustice, helping the poor and the hurting, making a tangible difference for good wherever God has placed us. It is for us to live in the light of eternity, recognizing that what we do (or don’t do) in our time on earth will have implications in both this world and the world to come. In short, it is for us to take the Bible seriously, and that means submitting to God, resisting the devil, and pushing back the forces of darkness by the power of the gospel. Not only can it be done, with God’s gracious help, it must be done. Are you with me? https://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2017/03/30/we-are-fighting-demons-more-than-democrats-n2306510

God has already "granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" so that "you may become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible says that we "grow up into salvation" in the same way we should grow to be responsible adults (1 Peter 2:2). Therefore, our experience of the FULLNESS of all that is available in Christ should be growing as well. There are reasons why some grow into "all things" more quickly than others: First, they know that they have nothing without God (see 1 Chronicles 29:14). Second, they are assured in their hearts that "all things" have already been granted to them by God because He wants them to "become partakers of the divine nature" through Christ. Third, they have learned how to receive of His increase. TWO GREEK WORDS USED FOR "RECEIVE" "...What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" - 1 Corinthians 4:7 It is very easy to assume, based on this Scripture, a mentality that whatever God gives us we will automatically and unintentionally receive. However, we must understand what it really means to receive, Biblically. There are two Greek words used in the New Testament which are translated "receive," and yet they have very different implications. The first word is "dechomai" (dekh'-om-ahee) and the second is "lambano" (lam-bah'-no). PASSIVE vs. ACTIVE AGRESSIVE Receiving: With a little research, we find that "dechomai" speaks of receiving in a passive way.It is a passive verb which indicates receiving in the sense of welcoming and accepting. "Lambano" is a completely different way of receiving and understanding. "Lambano" is an active aggressive verb which indicates receiving INTO ACTION or taking possession through ACTION. "And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night [trying to catch fish] and took [lambano] nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.'" - Luke 5:5 "When He [Jesus] was at table with them, He took [lambano] the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them." - Luke 24:30 Fishermen do not expect fish to jump out of the water and directly in into their boat. They know they must "lambano" the fish, taking them into possession through some kind of action. In the same way, Jesus reached out to lambano the bread, receiving it unto Himself through action. DO YOU "LAMBANO"? "For everyone who asks receives [lambano], and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Luke 11:10 Perhaps you were led to believe that you should ask of God and then wait for the answer to fall on you at the right time, as if you were expecting Him to throw a glass of water at you, if He felt like it. However, this scripture says that everyone who asks must take action to receive it. Everyone who asks must "lambano" the answer from God, who is not only willing now but is also waiting for us to do so. God holds out provision to us, making it available to all who are in Christ. Then He tells us topray the prayer of faith for it, asking and expecting in agreement with what He's already demonstrated is His will through Christ. Then we must reach out and take what He is offering in order to receive it. God assures us in His Word of His unchanging desire to answer our prayers, and yet He wants us to come asking earnestly, persistently, boldly, and expectantly. Our receiving from God is not meant to be a passive act. God wants to interact with us. There must be action in both His giving and our receiving. If you received Christ as your Savior and the sacrifice for your sins, then you do understand how to "lambano". Everything you receive from God comes exactly the same way: by grace through faith – reaching out to take hold of what He is freely offering. Not a single person has ever received Christ any other way. God acts and we respond. God initiates and we cooperate. INTENTIONAL RECEIVING ...What do you have that you did not [lambano]? If then you [lambano] it, why do you boast as if you did not [lambano] it? 1 Corinthians 4:7 In other words, nothing that you've received from God was automatically and unintentionally received into your experience, so why boast as if you don't know why God apparently gave you more favor than anyone else who is in Christ? Instead of boasting, you should teach others how to "lambano"! "As each has received [lambano] a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..." - 1 Peter 4:10 This verse gives us permission, and responsibility as good stewards, to use what we lambano from God to serve one another. In doing so, it also illustrates a key on how to lambano. When it says "as," -- it means "in the same way." In the same way you take a glass of water to receive it, you intentionally take God's gifts and use them to serve each other, as good stewards would. So, in the same way, we take all things pertaining to life and godliness through intentional and cooperating action, putting them to use. In other words, do something in expectation that you have taken hold of what you reached out for. Receive it into action! "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received [lambano] it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24 This literally means, "Whatever you ask in prayer, lambano it by faith, and it will be yours." Receive it by taking it! The Biblical act of receiving looks like the intentional action of taking. No one takes hold of something all the while wondering if they really have a hold on it. They take hold of it and know that they have it as they are receiving it to themselves. They reach out, grab it, and pull it in. That's how you receive from God. GOOD STEWARDS OF GRACE "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." - 1 Corinthians 15:10 It is only by the grace of God that we have anything, and yet it is by the action of faith that we make it ours in experience. The grace of God requires our cooperation in order for it to have its full effect in our lives. The Apostle Paul spoke of this very clearly, even implying that God's grace could have been released and available for him in vain if he had not cooperated with it. In the same way you receive a gift, use it -- 1 Peter 4:10 gives you permission to "lambano" a gift from God with the intention of serving others. In fact, doing so makes you a good steward of His fully available and varied grace. When someone needs something, you have access to a warehouse full of "all things pertaining to life and godliness" – all available for the taking. A good steward uses what God has entrusted to their care and produces increase from it (seeMatthew 25:14-30). This is part of the work that God gives us to do, and by doing it, God is glorified (see John 17:4). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

"But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are.' And they spread among the Israelites an evil report about the land they had explored. They said, 'The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes and we looked the same to them.'" - Numbers 13:31-33 OBSERVATION: God will often asks us to do something that is bigger than we are. Just because God promises you something, that doesn't mean you won't have adversaries. If God asks you to do something that appears to be difficult, He is also giving you an anointing to overcome it. The Children of Israel, through their unbelief, determined how long they were in the wilderness. God never intended them to stay in the desert for 40 years. Colossians 1:12,13 - "Giving thanks unto the Father ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Many believers limit God without even realizing it by training their eyes on the limited resources of this world rather than the unlimited riches of God's Kingdom. Their faith fails when they think of the troubled economy on the earth or of the scarcity that surrounds them. The Bible says God has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." To be translated means to be taken out of one place and put into another. In other words, your citizenship is not primarily of this earth...you are first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom of God. That means this planet doesn't have any right to dictate to you whether your needs are met or not. The Bible says God will meet your needs according to His riches in glory! (Philippians 4:19) AFFIRMATIONS: I wake up to the fact that I've been translated out of a world of poverty into a kingdom of abundance. Heaven's unlimited resources are available to me! 1 Corinthians 13:13 - "So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." The power of love is the greatest power in the universe. It's beyond defeat. It never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). When you release love into a situation, you have released God into it. When you release love into a situation, Jesus becomes responsible for its success. AFFIRMATION: I release love every moment into every situation, every prayer and every thought until it totally consumes my life. Love strengthens me and casts out every fear that has robbed me of God's greater blessings. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 3:7,8 - "Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious." THE GOAL OF REDEMPTION IS TO RESTORE MAN TO HIS ORIGINAL CONDITION BEFORE THE FALL, WHICH IS WALKING WITH GOD, OBEYING HIM, AND FULFILLING HIS MANDATE TO RULE OVER THE EARTH. GOD ALSO ESTABLISHED THAT HE WOULD NOT ONLY RESTORE MAN TO THE CONDITION FROM WHICH HE HAD FALLEN, BUT RAISE HIM UP AS A GLORIOUS "NEW CREATION," WHICH WAS TO BE MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLY RESTORED TO THE CONDITION OF THE FIRST ADAM - THE NEW CREATION MAN ACTUALLY HAS GOD LIVING IN HIM! GOD HAS MADE MAN HIS TEMPLE AND GOD DWELLS IN MAN. THE ULTIMATE QUEST OF EVERY CHRISTIAN LIFE IS THEREFORE TO BE THE INTIMATE FRIEND OF THE LORD. IF THERE IS ANY WAY WE CAN MEASURE TRUE CHRISTIAN MATURITY, IT WILL BE BY HOW CLOSE WE ARE TO GOD. OUR MATURITY WILL BE REFLECTED BY HOW MUCH OF HIS GLORY IS MANIFESTED THROUGH OUR LIVES. IS OUR RELIGION ABOUT SATISFYING OUR NEEDS AND DESIRES? 2 Corinthians 5:15 - "And He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." Romans 14:7,8 - "For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lords." Our salvation has freed us from ourselves so that we can live for God. We died to the law but we also died to all the claims and aspirations we had staked out as citizens of this world. We no longer live unto, or for ourselves, because we are no long our own. The whole meaning our individual lives and faith consists of serving His purposes. We will only discover and fulfill God's high CALLING (our DESTINY in Christ) when we allow ourselves to be fully subjected to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 - "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not you own? For you have been bought with a price." Philippians 3:10 - "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." FOR HIS SAKE, WE CANNOT CONTENT OURSELVES MERELY WITH GOOD WORKS. ULTIMATELY, WE WILL DISCOVER THAT STUDY AND CHURCH ATTENDANCE ARE BUT FORMS THAT HAVE NO SATISFACTION IN AND OF THEMSELVES. OUR PLEASURE WILL BE FOUND NOT IN THE MECHANICS OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES, BUT THAT THESE DISCIPLINES BRING US CLOSER TO THE ALMIGHTY. WE HAVE SATISFIED OURSELVES WITH A SYSTEM OF HISTORIC FACTS ABOUT GOD WITHOUT PRESSING INTO THE REALITY OF GOD. OUR GOAL IS TO SEEK EARNESTLY FOR GOD UNTIL WE FIND HIM. Affirmations: TO TRULY KNOW GOD I MUST SEEK HIM UNTIL I PASS THROUGH MY KNOWLEDGE INTO AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ALMIGHTY. HAVING FOUND HIM I ALLOW HIS PRESENCE TO FILL MY SPIRIT WITH HIS PEACE. THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD DRAWS ME INTO THE PLACE OF SURRENDER, WHERE I YIELD MY BEING INTO HIS HANDS. AS I LISTEN TO HIM, I ASCEND HIGHER TO THE DWELLING PLACE OF LOVE. I PRESS-IN TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." CONFESSION WITHOUT ANY FAITH IN THE HEART IS POWERLESS; IT'S USELESS. Observation: WHAT IF I DON'T BELIEVE IN MY HEART? SHOULD I STILL CONFESS THE WORD OF GOD? YES, BECAUSE WITH MY LIPS, I CAN MAKE CONFESSIONS UNTO FAITH. IN OTHER WORDS, AS I SAY GOD'S WORD OVER AND OVER AGAIN, FAITH CAN BE BUILT IN MY HEART WHERE BEFORE THERE WASN'T ANY FAITH. I CAN SPEAK GOD'S WORD SO MUCH THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY AFFECT MY HEART, AND I WILL BEGIN BELIEVING IT. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the Word of God." Matthew 15:32 - And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the multitude, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat." People saw in Jesus meekness, unlimited power, and perfect love. Observation: If I would win souls, people must see in me this same Jesus. If I would draw men to Christ in heaven, they must be eyewitnesses of Christ in me. But, if I have flagrant sin or self-righteousness, my witness in non-effective. Romans 1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God." The New Creation separates us from the old life. As the Word is built into us, we are separated unto Christ. First, there is a separation from the world; now there is a separation unto the Master. Jesus becomes the Lord of our lives. His Word dominates us. In our walk then, as we are separated unto Christ, we come to believe that God has a PURPOSE for our life (our DESTINY). We ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7:7,8) until we understand what that purpose is. As we receive revelation of that purpose through the Holy Spirit we separate ourselves from those things which are not sinful in themselves but unnecessary. This separation continues year after year as we pursue our DESTINY in Christ, walking in the fulness of His fellowship. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Am I completely sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ? How much time per day do I spend meditating on Jesus and His PURPOSE for my life vs. participating and thinking about society (it's demands, requirements, and pleasures)? What is my plan to increase my Christ consciousness? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Titus 3:15 - "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." THE REASON CHRISTIANS DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY THEY SHOULD HAVE IS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE ABIDING WORD INSIDE OF THEM. THEY HAVE A WRITTEN WORD; THEY HAVE WHAT THEY HEARD SOMEONE ELSE SAY; THEY EVEN HAVE A LOT OF FAVORITE SCRIPTURES THAT THEY LIKE TO QUOTE. BUT THEY HAVEN'T MADE THOSE SCRIPTURES THEIRS PERSONALLY. THOSE CHRISTIANS ARE STILL ECHOING, JUST REPEATING THE WORD. Affirmations: I'M GOING TO WRESTLE WITH THAT WORD AND MEDITATE ON IT UNTIL IT BECOMES A WORD FOR ME! WHEN I COME OUT OF MEDITATION TIME, I WILL COME OUT WITH A SWORD OF THE SPIRIT! John 15:7 - "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you." 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 - "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful." When I release love into a situation, I have released God into it -- Jesus becomes responsible for its success. AFFIRMATION: I release love every moment into every situation, every prayer, and every thought until it totally consumes my life. It will strengthen me and cast out every fear that has robbed me of God's greater blessings. It will drive the devil out of my affairs and set me free from every torment of darkness. Luke 23:44-46 - "By now it was about midday and a darkness fell over the whole land, which lasted until three in the afternoon; the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus gave a loud cry and said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit'; and with these words he died." When the veil of self cloaks our hearts, our perceptions are stained by the basic selfish orientation of our nature. But when one dedicates themselves to the Lord, the veil of the self-life, like the veil in the temple, is torn in two. This is not the cutting of some thin cloth but the tearing of the heart, the splitting in two of the tightly woven fabric of self-righteousness and self-consciousness. It is a violent rending, a putting to death, of the unregenerated self-nature. 2 Corinthians 3:16 - "But whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 10:4 - "The gate keeper admits him, and the sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. When he as brought them all out, he goes ahead and the sheep follow, because they know his voice." JESUS DID NOT SAY, "MY SHEEP WILL KNOW MY BOOK." IT IS HIS VOICE THAT WE ARE TO KNOW. WHY THE DISTINCTION? BECAUSE ANYONE CAN KNOW THE BIBLE AS A BOOK - THE DEVIL HIMSELF KNOWS AND QUOTES THE SCRIPTURES. BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE. Observation: I MUST DILIGENTLY STUDY THE SCRIPTURES, REMEMBERING THAT IT IS IN KNOWING HIM THAT THE GREATEST TRUTHS OF SCRIPTURE WILL BE UNDERSTOOD. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." ' How is gratitude a weapon? Gratitude means being grateful not only for what God has already done but for what He is about to do. Combining faith with gratitude multiplies the power of this spiritual weapon. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He uses fear to capture hearts. He uses lies to capture land. Gratitude prevents him. Gratitude actually takes territory from the enemy. Thus, gratitude is a weapon in spiritual warfare. Gratitude creates an atmosphere forincrease. Look at all of the traps gratitude helps you avoid: self-pity, entitlement, resentment, greed, lust, and anger are a few. See what a great strategy gratitude is? Gratitude helps you avoid disappointment and indignation. As an active strategy for wellness, it promotes healing. It leaves little room for fear. Gratitude and contentment enhance godliness as you set your affection on things above and not things below. That is great gain. You will not win the world with your logic, you will win the world with love. There is no logic that can explain His love. So let His love flow through your heart, peace dictate your thoughts, and compassion craft your words. Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Observation: I ESTABLISH MYSELF THROUGH PRAYER SAYING, "LORD, I REFUSE TO BE AFRAID OF THIS WEAPON THE DEVIL HAS BROUGHT AGAINST ME BECAUSE I KNOW THAT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, IT CANNOT PROSPER. I TRUST YOU TO PROTECT ME, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROTECTION NOW. IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN." Affirmations: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER. NO SICKNESS, NO CIRCUMSTANCE, NO PROBLEM THAT RISES AGAINST ME CAN SUCCESSFULLY BRING ME DOWN. I DON'T LET THE POWERHOUSE OF GOD'S PROTECTION GO TO WASTE. I PUT IT TO WORK IN MY LIFE. IT IS MY RIGHTFUL HERITAGE AS A SERVANT OF THE LORD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Marriage of the Israelites was very different from our western marriage of today. Although there is a great amount no known know about Israelite marriage, it customs and bindings, the biblical references that speak on this essential topic us that many Israelite marriage customs were very different than those our modern western societies. Number one,it is known that Israelite girls were expected to have maintained their virginity when they got married—and according to Deuteronomy Chap 22:1 could even be put to death if they were found not to be—men were allowed to marry multiple women. It is hard to know how common polygamy, unacceptable as it is now, which entailed a husband the right of being married to more than one woman, really was in ancient Israel. Also, certain evidence tells us that compared to wifes, the husband had more control over whom they married. For example, Samson chooses his own wife in Judges 14, even though his parents disapprove of the match speaks of a somewhat strong, somewhat independent degree of independence for men for selecting a mate. Most likely, young girls of age were married around puberty whereas young men were somewhat older than who they were marrying. Though unions were generally based more on economic or social considerations than romantic ones, some texts, including the Song of Songs, show us that ideas of passion and romantic love were also not only present but strong in ancient Israel. Number two In order to marry woman, a man would give her father a gift called the Mohar that would officaily seal and begin the betrothal between betrothed. Betrothal was, and today still is, a much firmer commitment than today’s engagement. Though one might think of the betrothal Mohar as a purchase price, this is inaccurate. Anthropologists call this gift “bridewealth.” It is found in many societies throughout the world and is not considered human sale by the people of those cultures—Israelite wives were never thought of as slaves in biblical times, though Israelite men sometimes did their marry slave women or servants. Some length of time after the betrothal, wedding festivities, often involving several or even weeks of feasting, would occur. The relationship between husbands and wives was not as equal in the ancient Near East as in modern Western Society, including Israel. Ba‘al, one of the Hebrew words for “husband,” also meant “lord” or “master,” and many Israelite men had life-and-death power over women in the case of adultery, which in ancient Israel involved a woman having sex outside of her marriage or a man having sex with another man’s wife. Men, though, could have multiple wives and concubines and were allowed to go to prostitutes, thus monogamy was a one-way street in this culture.And is the main reason prompting Jesus to to say the rules for divorce in the Gospel of Matthew... Matthew 19:9 "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." Finally, i say in a firm, final summarization , not all biblical texts are in agreement on every issue regarding marriage perhaps it changed with the constant struggle between conservatism and liberality in different tribes climates and Eras, More suggesting that different Israelite communities and authors had diverse and sometimes colliding viewpoints on more male dominant or gender equal marriage and that Israelite viewpoints evolved over time. Many biblical customs would be unfamiliar or even objectionable to many people living in our present- day Sex obsessed western societies today. Still, when we read the impassioned romantic poetry of the Song of Songs, we realize that some things, don't, never can, and never will change with love and marriage, Thank you.

LIVING in FAITH fulfills the law. You must obey the Son, do his commandments, which might I add, includes exclusion of certain fields of thought. By not doing something we deny ourselves because of His Word, and therefore fulfill the law. By obeying His commands to Do and NOT do certain things we are living in the Faith of His Word. Oh Ye of little faith, will He find any faith once He returns, You see even Jesus, knowing the future, saw that in the end times we would need to know we weren't crazy for wondering about our faith or lack thereof. He tells us plenty of times about the state of mankind on this planet, that includes you, because before we are saved, we are of this world and corrupted by it, meaning you will most likely be the kind of person described as living at the end times, not good right? Well its Truth. You may know what you were like, you may not know, meaning you have never truly examined yourself, stepped back and really looked your behaviors over. I will say this now, the level of faith found in all people is at historic lows. WHY? Because as light grows dim, the darkness grows. Soo yes we are the most faithless world in this Time, Take heed knowing its EVERYONE. Do You really know thyself? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I will give you a word of warning, starting today you will find less and less faith in the world. A spiritual darkness is rising on the horizon. But hold steady to the path you have chosen, do not lose hope because evil rises around you. Pray, Fast, that you may be spared, in spirit, from the coming evil one. Your Faith shall be tested, for without Fire there is no Temper. The people of today do not know trials, they are tested in weakness, but their weakness is great. Behold I tell you something new today, The time has arrived that the faith of the many will be tested, and therefore I say unto you, take hold your neighbors hand, and pray earnestly that you may be saved. Amen.

Ephesians 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God." THERE IS A PLACE GREATER THAN KNOWLEDGE WHERE WE ABIDE IN CHRIST'S LOVE. THIS IS, INDEED, THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD. IT IS A PLACE WHERE OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS FULFILLED WITH THE SUBSTANCE OF GOD. WE CANNOT TRULY KNOW GOD WITHOUT, IN SOME WAY, ALSO EXPERIENCING HIS PERSON. WE MUST SEEK HIM UNTIL WE PASS THROUGH OUR KNOWLEDGE INTO AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE ALMIGHTY. WE MUST LEARN HOW TO LISTEN TO HIM; AS WE HEAR, OUR CALL IS TO THEN ASCEND HIGHER TO THE DWELLING PLACE OF LOVE THAT FLOODS OUR BEING WITH HIMSELF. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Observation: WHEN THE WORD OF GOD IS ABIDING IN ME AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IT WORKS ON ME FIRST BEFORE IT WORKS ON MY CIRCUMSTANCES, "SEPARATING" MY SPIRIT, MY SOUL (MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS), AND MY BODY AND GETTING MY SPIRIT INTO A POSITION WHERE I CAN HEAR GOD WITHOUT THE INFLUENCE OF MY SOUL OR BODY. Ephesians 1:17,19,20 - "That He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep and intimate knowledge of Him. And so that you can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength. Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places." The Holy Spirit within the believer ministers truth by revelation. In other words, it is revealed, not figured out. God does not talk to our brains! He speaks to the spirit of man. Jesus never said that water would flow out of your head, but that, "Out of your innermost being would flow rivers of living water." John 7:36 This is the ultimate Christianity -- communication and communion with the Holy Spirit, knowing more and more about Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Affirmation: I KNOW THE MIRACLE OF RESURRECTION FOR ME IS -- JESUS IS THE POWER AND THE POWER IS ALWAYS PRESENT -- THAT SAME POWER THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, ENABLES ME TO RISE OUT OF MY ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES AND STEP INTO THE PURPOSES OF GOD FOR MY LIFE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." How is gratitude a weapon? ASPECTS OF GRATITUDE: Gratitude means being grateful not only for what God has already done but for what He is about to do. Combining faith with gratitude multiplies the power of this spiritual weapon. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He uses fear to capture hearts. He uses lies to capture land. Gratitude prevents him. Gratitude actually takes territory from the enemy. Thus, gratitude is a weapon in spiritual warfare. Gratitude creates an atmosphere for increase. Look at all of the traps gratitude helps you avoid: self-pity, entitlement, resentment, greed, lust, and anger are a few. See what a great strategy gratitude is? Gratitude helps you avoid disappointment and indignation. As an active strategy for wellness, it promotes healing. It leaves little room for fear. Gratitude and contentment enhance godliness as you set your affection on things above and not things below. That is great gain. ALLOWING HIS LOVE TO INFUSE YOUR HEART AND WORDS The weapons we use are either from God or from the enemy. When we use the enemy's weapons of fear, hatred, criticism, complaining, judging and taking offense, we let him steal our identity, kill our hope and destroy our future. We can't let temporal facts cloud our understanding of eternal truth. Jesus said, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28). By imagining worst case scenarios, you make things worse than they are. You will not win the world with your logic, you will win the world with love. There is no logic that can explain His love. So let His love flow through your heart, peace dictate your thoughts, and compassion craft your words. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold." Love is a passion for oneness. There is no such thing as love without commitment. People withdraw from being committed, never realizing that their love is growing cold! They still go to church, read the bible, tithe, sing and look like Christians -- but inside they have become distant and aloof from other people. They have withdrawn from the love of God. Matthew 21:18,19,21 - On his way back to the city, early next morning, Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to the tree, "You will never again bear fruit!" At once the fig tree dried up. "Remember this!" Jesus answered. "If you believe, and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I have done to this fig tree." He is taking you into a new faith realm where miracles happen and mountains move and dreams and words are fulfilled in this time. This realm is His Kingdom in you; this is dominion, your CALLING in Christ, your place in His Kingdom. So step in, step out of the boat and walk on the water in this New Faith Realm—ONLY BELIEVE and you will receive. Observation: THERE MAY BE SOME THINGS IN MY LIFE THAT I NEED TO CURSE, BECAUSE THOSE THINGS ARE HINDERING ME FROM BEARING FRUIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Rom 1:17 - "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" Affirmations: I SPEAK GODS PROMISES INTO MY HEART EVERY DAY. I PLANT FAITH AS A SEED BY RELEASING IT IN WORDS. I SPEAK ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT I WANT TO GROW IN MY LIFE. Song of Solomon 4:3 - "Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your speech is sweet. your cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate, besides that which is hidden within." "YOUR SPEECH," HE ADDS, "IS SWEET." THE HEART HAS A LANGUAGE THAT NO ONE BUT GOD CAN UNDERSTAND. SOMETHING WITHIN YOU SPEAKS ONLY TO HIM. THERE ARE SECRETS SHARED ONLY BETWEEN THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) AND HIS BRIDE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Acts 16:26 - "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." We are challenged in the New Testament to see God at work in the midst of our trials so that incredible positive outcomes are secured. Isn't this what Paul and Silas "saw" in the darkest hour with bleeding backs and bound in the prison stocks? The Holy Spirit is promising us that in these days we are going to begin to "see" the invisible God at work in ways that we have not recognized before. This spiritual insight is what distinguishes this "Holy Spirit optimism" from the mere "power of positive thinking". Observation: I HAVE BEEN "DOING TIME" (IN THE PRISON OF MY MIND), BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN DECEIVED BY THE DEVIL. HE HAS TRICKED ME INTO BELIEVING THAT I CAN'T BE FORGIVEN AND THAT GOD DOESN'T LOVE ME ANY MORE. Isaiah 55:7 - "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." John 1:1,9 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world." No one can stop the language of God because God's words are creative. They are full of power. Affirmations: WHEN I SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF GOD FROM MY HEART, I AM AGREEING WITH GOD, AND NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO ME. I AM FULL OF LIFE AND POWER TOO WHEN I LET THOSE WORDS ABIDE IN ME. Song of Solomon 4:1 - "How beautiful you are, my love; how beautiful you are! You have doves' eyes, besides what is hid within." YOUR EYES, IN FAITHFULNESS AND SIMPLICITY, ARE LIKE THOSE OF DOVES. SIMPLICITY CAUSES YOU TO ACT ONLY WITH GOD'S GOOD PLEASURE IN VIEW, HAVING FORGOTTEN YOUR OWN SELFISH INTENTIONS, MOTIVES, OR SCHEMES. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

So this is a very long story but I am going to make it as short as I possibly can. I must also apologize I am new, this is my first post, and I am unaware of the political/religious beliefs/boundaries you all have. I'm also not sure if this was the correct place to post something like this. In June I was diagnosed with an incurable disease and it has basically devastated every part of my life. I have put my life on pause for now as I am on a spiritual journey. My past consists of a very spirit filled family but much tragedy. My family used to consist of a pretty good number of people but because of disease many people died far too early. All of these tragedies happened before I was born but all of the miraculous events also happened before I was born. So the faith I have always had was more like "belief." Which consisted of the basics. Fast forward 25 years, I myself am a chemical engineer, so when I found out I was sick I intially turned to my mind and exhausted every possible option that mankind has to offer which left me back at square 1. I figured I was like the story of the guy who gets lost at sea and prays to God to save him, while a boat and a kayak come up to pull the guy out of the water, he says no no God will save me, he drowns, asks God why he didn't save him and God says, I tried. So I turned to God in September which was in the midst of what can only be described as the worst depression that you can imagine. I lost 30 pounds in a mater of a couple weeks, wasnt eating, was so anxious I couldnt sleep for days, I would pace like a lion at home, constant racing thoughts and I was so suicidal I thought of myself as too worthless to even kill myself, all I would be is a further burden. Fast forward a bit, saw a counselor which helped and started to meet with multiple religious figures and spiritual learders weekly. So I went further into it (faith). My prayer life started to increase and things, coincidences, which I hear don't exist with people of faith, started to happen regularly. Thankfully my family has ties to many still living spiritual people, one in particular, prayed for me and in the middle busted out in tongues which I had never experienced or heard before and he was the only person I had a physical manifestation from after his prayer, 5 or 6 surges, kind of like goosbumps, but very quickly all in a row. I had further medical testing done which could not pick up the previously detected disease, however still left room for error. I took to scripture as I did science, reading and researching, studying all I could. After enough preparation I performed a self-deliverance which rid me of all the voices and constant thoughts in my head. Which I was told sounds like a successful deliverance. I prayed, almost constantly, almost every waking moment of the day I was praying or studying scripture. "Things" really started to happen (which if anyone cares to know I'll post as a response I have a directive for right now). I had joined a bible study group and they had been pushing me to be baptized for weeks and weeks. I was resistant, I was still somewhat suicidal, and when I make a commitment to something as big as baptism I don't quit, and my battle wasnt that I could quit on God, but quit on life. I also wanted it to be genuine, I didn't want to feel like I was using God to get something, which I really was all in all, but I didnt want it to feel thag way. I eventually was baptized in late Oct/early Nov. I started to research about the gifts of the holy spirit, a hot topic I soon learned, not something openly talked about. I wanted these gifts, I coveted them. Not because I wanted more from God but because, - Im not acquainted with any of you but if you have ever had something happen to you that no one can do anything about, where divine intervantion is your only option, and don't say your grandma or even your kid was sick yadda yadda, I know these things are sad, but rhere js something different when it happens to you, something innately different. This caused me to change, my whole perspective on life, you appreciate anything and everything, I havent driven in my car with the music on in 6 months, so I can look outside, feel and smell the air, your desires, aspirations, goals, and dreams all change - but because I wanted to help people. My family had two miracles happen, both to people who sadly died of other things not too long after, but both were miraculously healed of things with no medical expliantion. I not only wanted to be healed but I wanted to spread the love and the possibilities and the power that is God. Just before thanksgiving I began speaking in tongues, so for all you doubters, its real, its not fake, and I have even recorded and looked up some phrases that I noticed I kept repeating, and they turned out to be real words in other languages. These languages changed, from Italian all the way to Japanese. Mind you all I speak is a little bit if German, and fluent English and pig latin....ha. I was practicing this daily, yes you can voluntarily do it, its some not power that takes over your body, I would do it and shortly after I would be exhausted no matter what time it was and I would have vivid dreams if I spoke in tongues before I fell asleep. For me to remember my dreams was highly unusual. Then I started to do it less and almost not at all last week. Then last Friday I decided to do it right before I went to sleep, I didnt do it for very long, just something quick and I ended up having the most intense dream I have ever had. A dream within a dream, which I have never had before, and it had the D....the devil in it. (A pretty detailed summary of that I also have if you're interested and I would be interested especially if someone on here has the ability to interpret dreams). So now what I wrote all of this for, I am looking for a legitimate, credible, person with the gift of healing. Not exactly found in the yellow pages. Don't direct me to any of these televangelists, Binny Hinn, and all his wannabees. These people are frauds, Matthew 10:8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." Jesus was humble, he didn't broadcast his abilities, his apostles did, the believers did, and he didn't turn anyone away. I have found some in my couple months of searching. These are people you won't find on TV or on the news or in a legal investigation. These are humble quiet people in regular houses with no microphones, no radio stations, and lead the average life. The man who prayed over me believes he has the gift of healing. I found an elderly woman who has documented healings near me. I also found out about a lutheran pastor on the East coast after pulling my own pastor's teeth if he knew someone, apparently he knows another but this guy's job could be injeopardy if it got out. Apparently much of the modern church is against people being relieved of suffering at the hand of those blessed with spreading the work of God. I live in the Chicago suburbs, so in that general area would be nice, but this isnt just finding a good pizza place, this is to ascertain a miracle, I'll go anywhere. If you would need to contact me perosnally we can figure that out, not sure how lol, but I don't intend on having anyone's name blasted out who prefers privacy. Thank you for your time, this platform, and your help. God bless.

2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight." "Sense knowledge" is the attitude that says, "if I cannot see it, then it is not real. I'll believe it when I see it." This means that faith and sense knowledge are not compatible. Faith is the substance and evidence of things that your sense knowledge cannot see. Luke 8:47 is the story of the woman who had an issue of blood who desperately pressed through the crowd to lay hold of the hem of Jesus' garment. Most of the time when Jesus was healing the crowds of people He was doing that which He saw the Father doing. But in this instance it wasn't Jesus that "SET THE TIME" for this woman's miracle, but rather the woman "SET THE TIME" through her faith, desperation and determination. Many times when we are believing for a miracle we may feel we have positioned ourselves and we are waiting on God, when in fact, God is waiting on us to activate our faith to "set the time" for the release of the supernatural turnaround. Pull your future miracle into the NOW by activating your faith and pressing into His presence as never before. Remember, every day is Jubilee when you are in Christ! 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 - "Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offence." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM NEVER GOING TO STOP UNTIL I HAVE ATTAINED THE HIGH LEVEL OF LOVE JESUS WANTS ME TO HAVE IN MY LIFE! AS I SPEND TIME WITH JESUS, I AM BEING CHANGED INTO HIS IMAGE - AND I DEMONSTRATE HIS LIFE AND HIS NATURE TO OTHER PEOPLE! Song of Solomon 2:16 - "My beloved is mine and I am his: he feeds among the lilies." THERE IS UNIMAGINABLE HAPPINESS FOR YOU AS YOU WHOLLY AND UNRESERVEDLY DEVOTE YOURSELF TO YOUR LORD. YOU KNOW THAT YOU BELONG TO YOUR BELOVED (JESUS): HE MAY DO WITH YOU WHAT PLEASES HIM. HE LIVES UPON INNOCENCE AND PURITY, NOURISHING YOU WITH THE SAME FOOD. HE INVITES YOU TO EAT WITH HIM THE FOOD WHICH HE LIKES BEST. Isaiah 55:2 - "Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1 Corinthians 15:24 - "Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and hand over the Kingdom to God the Father." THIS IS THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST -- WHAT HE CONQUERS, HE THEN SURRENDERS. IN HUMILITY ABRAHAM TAKES ISAAC, AND OFFERS HIM BACK TO GOD. DAVID CONQUERS JERUSALEM, THEN DEDICATES IT TO THE LORD, CALLING IT THE "CITY OF GOD". WHAT WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THROUGH FAITH WE NOW OFFER BACK TO GOD. John 16:13 - "However, when He comes who is the Spirit of truth, he will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but will tell only what He hears; and He will make known to you the things that are coming." The deep things of God are known only to Him, but are revealed to us through His Spirit. That is the promise of 1 Corinthians 2. Indisputably, our great desire is to soar in the Spirit and obtain revelations of God's nature, power, strategy, and insight. However, to best accommodate this great privilege, we must be firmly "rooted and grounded" in Him. We must "Go deep in order to go high!" WE MUST BE: 1. Rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). 2. Rooted and grounded in faith (Understanding Christ's finished work, who we are in Christ and our inheritance in Christ.) 3. Rooted and grounded in truth (Understanding God's Purpose for our life - our CALLING in Christ.) The more firmly we are grounded, the more capable we become to penetrate Heaven by the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation and embrace insight with understanding. AFFIRMATIONS: I confess that I am led by the Spirit of God! Because I cooperate with Him, I don't waste valuable time, energy, or money, and I don't shed a lot of unnecessary tears. He leads me past every attack: He helps me avoid each strategy of the devil; and He safely guides me to the place where God wants me to be! Song of Solomon 2:11 - "For lo! the winter is past, the rain is over and gone." YOU COULD HAVE FROZEN FROM THE EXCESSIVE COLD OR BEEN OVERWHELMED BY THE SNOWS AND STORMS OF SINS. INSTEAD, YOU BECOME STRONG DURING THE TIME WHEN YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THE LORD WITHIN WHILE THE STORMS WERE RAGING WITHOUT. THE COLD HAS DESTROYED ALL THE INSECTS - THAT IS, THINGS THAT WERE FORMERLY ACTIVE IN YOU AND WOULD HAVE DESTROYED YOU. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

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

John 15:4 - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." WE WORK OURSELVES SEEKING TO SERVE GOD. IF WE WOULD SPEND OUR TIME WITH HIM - WAITING BEFORE HIM, WE WOULD FIND HIS SUPERNATURAL ACCOMPANIMENT WORKING MIGHTILY IN OUR EFFORTS TO SERVE HIM. WE WOULD BECOME PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE OF HIS WILL, A VEHICLE IN WHICH HE HIMSELF IS BOTH CAPTAIN AND NAVIGATOR. Psalm 62:5 - "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Mark 10:44,45 - "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." There is an important link between acts of serving others and gaining spiritual understanding and revelation that we must lay hold of in this generation. When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, the Bible points out.... "When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but THE SERVANTS KNEW who had drawn the water) the master of the feast called the bridegroom." (John 2:9) The ones who were serving actually had more understanding and insight into this notable miracle and the One who performed it, than those who were "masters" over the wedding. We discover a distinct connection between receiving revelation from God and being a servant. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT MY LIFE SHOWS FORTH AN EXCELLENT IMAGE OF WHO JESUS IS AND WHAT HE STANDS FOR IN THIS WORLD. I AM HIS REPRESENTATIVE, AND THEREFORE I DO EVERYTHING WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE! Song of Solomon 2:4 - "He brought me into the wine-cellars and set love in order within me." YOU COME FROM YOUR DELIGHTFUL FELLOWSHIP WITH THE KING (JESUS) INTOXICATED WITH LOVE FOR YOU HAVE TASTED OF THE FINEST WINE. THE KING HAS BROUGHT YOU INTO HIS WINE-CELLARS WHERE YOU WILL DRINK DEEPLY OF HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Psalm 51:6 - "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." As we cry out from a deep engaging of the Spirit of the living God within our spirit, we experience communion, which is a place of deep-to-deep fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches out the deep counsel of God for you and reveals it to you. Observation: DOCTRINAL TRUTH HAS AN ILLUSION ABOUT ITSELF: THE ILLUSION IS THAT KNOWLEDGE IS THE SAME THING AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. ON THE OTHER HAND, TRUTH THAT COMES BY REVELATION ALWAYS PRODUCES CHANGE; IT ALWAYS LEAVES US LESS SURE OF OURSELVES, MORE DEPENDENT UPON GOD, AND MOVE LOVING TOWARD OTHERS. 2 Timothy 2:11,12 - "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He shall also deny us." We yelid ourselves in the death to self, to the will of God; having faith in Jesus on the throne, as our Head and life, that He has brought us in and will make it true in our experience -- we trust Jesus, by being a partaker of His nature and life, to work all in us that the Father has PURPOSED for our individual life -- and we shall know how blessed it is to enter the rest of God. Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I AM FOLLOWING THE VOICE OF JESUS. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SPIRITUAL POWER, SPIRITUAL WEAPONS, AND THE WONDERFUL WORD OF GOD. SINCE I AM EQUIPT WITH EVERYTHING I NEED TO WIN, I MAINTAIN THE ATTITUDE THAT NEVER GIVES IN, NEVER GIVES UP, AND NEVER SURRENDERS TO DEFEAT. Song of Solomon 1:3 - "Draw me, we will run after you to the fragrance of your perfume." THE YOUNG MAIDEN (THE CHURCH) ASKS TO BE DRAWN TO HER BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) FROM DEEP WITH HER SPIRIT. THE BRIDE ALREADY UNDERSTANDS THAT THERE IS AN ENJOYMENT OF HER BRIDEGROOM DEEPER AND MORE LASTING THAN WHAT SHE NOW KNOWS. THIS CAUSES HER TO MAKE A NEW REQUEST: "DRAW ME", SHE SAYS "INTO THE MOST INWARD PARTS OF MY SPIRIT, SO THAT I MIGHT COMPLETELY RUN TO YOU." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 6:63 - "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are life." WHEN WE HALT OUR SPIRITUAL ASCENT TOWARD GOD AT THE PLATEAU OF DOCTRINAL KNOWLEDGE, WE BECOME PEOPLE WHO NEVER REALLY CHANGE. INSTEAD, OUR OLD NATURE SIMPLY PRETENDS TO BE NEW. THE LONGER WE SETTLE FOR JUST HEAD KNOWLEDGE, THE MORE OUR CHRISTIANITY BEGINS TO DEGENERATE INTO A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT. Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." There are times when we are called by God to pray strong prayers and help to birth the will of God into an area. These strong desires mirror the strength of God's feelings. We, like Hannah, need to be in-tune with what God is ready to bring forth in that given hour. That can only be done through intimacy with God and through a willingness to allow Him to use us. Affirmation: I CONFESS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PARTNER! HE ENLIGHTENS MY EYES; HE SHOWS ME WHAT I CANNOT SEE BY MYSELF, AND HE GIVES ME THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY WHEN I PRAY. WITH HIM AS MY HELPER I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER IN PRAYER EVERY DAY! Song of Solomon 1:2,3 - "For your love is better than wine and your ointments more fragrant than the choicest perfumes; your name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the maidens love you." THE NAME OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) IS SO LOVELY THAT YOU FIND YOURSELF WHOLLY OVERCOME BY HIS POWER AND SWEETNESS. LOVE TAKES PLACE WITHOUT ANY FORCE. YOUR SPIRIT IS SO FULL OF LOVE AND YOU FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR BELOVED SO PLEASURABLE, THAT YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE CARRIED AWAY BY THE CHARMS OF LOVE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Matthew 7:14 - "The way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it." Observation: I HEED CAREFULLY THE WARNING OF JESUS SINCE I REALIZE THAT THE VOICE OF THE MAJORITY, BEING AFRAID OF BOTH THE BATTLE AND THE COST, WILL BE A VOICE OF DISCOURAGEMENT TO ME SINCE I AM SERIOUS ABOUT FULFILLING THE PROMISES OF GOD. Ephesians 6:16,17 - "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". Some are willing to spend hours in prayer asking for a miracle instead of planting the Word of God in their hearts, which in time would produce the miracle. Prayer is what water and fertilizer are to a seed. They help the Word release its life. But if you haven't planted the seed, it doesn't matter how much water and fertilizer you apply, the soil still won't produce fruit. It's the seed that has life! Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT I WEAR MY SALVATION TIGHTLY AROUND MY MIND LIKE A HELMET. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD THE DEVIL TRIES TO HACK AWAY AT MY MIND, I STILL STAND STRONG BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT JESUS' DEATH AND RESURRECTION PURCHASED FOR ME! Song of Solomon 1:1 - "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth." Observation: GOD UNITES HIMSELF WITH MY SPIRIT, AND I AM ABLE TO BEGIN TO EXPLORE THE FULLNESS OF GOD. THE JOURNEY TOWARD THIS COMPLETE UNION IS A PLACE WHERE MY SPIRIT IS COMPLETELY POSSESSED BY GOD. CONSIDER THAT JESUS IS CALLED "THE WORD." THE "KISSES OF HIS MOUTH" IS NOTHING LESS THAN THE VITAL COMMUNICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD TO ME. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1 Corinthians 13:13 -- "So faith, hope love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." The power of love is the greatest power in the universe. It's beyond defeat. It never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). When you release love into a situation, you have released God into it. When you release love into a situation, Jesus becomes responsible for it's success. Mark 12:30,31 -- "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." AFFIRMATION: I release love every moment into every situation, every prayer and ever thought until it totally consumes my life. Love strengthens me and casts out every fear that has robbed me of God's greater blessings. INTO ACTION: Name 2 ways your are releasing love in your everyday living. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY