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Luke 8:14 - "The seed among the thorns represents those who listen and believe God's words but whose faith afterward is choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life. And so they are never able to help anyone else to believe the Good News." Your enemy wants to subdue your awareness and release a slumbering spirit. In this state he can sell you on giving in to a comfortable life thereby causing a corpse-like complacency. You will always avoid the challenges of "breaking out of the box" into the maximum life that Jesus died to get you into. The phrase "out of the box" means that someone or something has broken out from its barriers. It also means that someone has outgrown their history and has gone beyond their limitations. Luke 2:48,49 - "Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them. 'How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?'" THE PHARISEES HAD NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE FATHER'S HEART. MUCH OF CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY EXISTS THAT HAS NO RELATIONSHIP TO THAT SUPREME VALUE. THE GOSPEL IS THE STORY OF THE FATHER WOOING THE HEARTS OF MANKIND THROUGH HIS LOVE. WE CAN TRAVEL THE GLOBE AND PREACH THE GOSPEL, BUT WITHOUT A PERSONAL REVELATION OF THE FATHER'S HEART WE'RE CARRYING AROUND SECONDHAND NEWS - A STORY WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP. THE FATHERS BUSINESS FLOWS FROM HIS HEART. THE CHURCH IS TO BE A MANIFESTATION OF THE FATHER'S HEART TO THE WORLD. WE ARE TO BE CARRIERS OF HIS PRESENCE - DOERS OF HIS WILL. GIVING WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED RELEASES HIM INTO SITUATIONS PREVIOUSLY HELD IN THE GRIP OF DARKNESS. Galatians 6:7,8 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Observation: He has revealed the endless crop of boredom I will harvest when I base my life on pleasure-seeking instead of sowing acts of goodness and love for a harvest of eternal life. Luke 21:31 - "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Affirmations: I ASK THE LORD TO PROPEL ME INTO THE NEXT LEVEL OF MY GROWTH AND DESTINY. I AM DETERMINED THAT I WILL COOPERATE WITH HIM. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Proverbs 13:12 - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy." WITHOUT GOD HOPE IS REDUCED TO THE POWERLESS LEVEL OF FATE. WHILE LIFE CAN TAKE PEOPLE FROM HOPE TO DISAPPOINTMENT THE GOD OF HOPE LEADS PEOPLE IN THE OTHER DIRECTION. NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES LOOK LIKE FOR YOU, THE HEART OF GOD IS THAT YOUR DREAMS WILL COME TRUE. Affirmations: WHEN DISCOURAGEMENT STARTS TO SET IN I FOCUS ON GOD AND THE INTEGRITY OF WHAT HIS WORD PROMISES BELIEVERS. I SPEAK WORDS THAT BRING HOPE AND LIFE TO OTHERS. I LIVE MY LIFE WITH FORWARD EXPECTATION AND SEE ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE IN HIM. Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." The Holy Spirit was sent to convict us of sin, and He will point out our sin. The remedy is to repent. Repentance is not just turning away from the sin, but it is turning to the Lord. If we only take a half step of turning from the sin, we will fall again. We must turn to the Lord, fleeing to the power of His cross, beholding His glory and nature. Then we will be changed. He increases in us as we behold His glory, not our own shortcomings. God wants to charge our faith today. He wants us to see it is not obtained by struggling and working and pining. "...the Father himself loveth you..." (John 16:27) "..Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses" (Matthew 8:17). "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:18). May we lay hold of this living faith today -- the Blood has never lost its power -- as we get nearer and nearer to Jesus wonderful things will take place. The baptism of Jesus must bring us to have a single eye to the glory of God; everything else is wasted time and wasted energy. The Holy Spirit wants us for the purpose of manifesting Jesus through us. The Holy Spirit moving upon us will make us to be like Him, and we will truly say, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hebrews 4:12 - "For the Word of God is living and powerful.........." For one who has faith in the Word of God, there is nothing impossible. There are no impossibilities when there is faith..........and there are no exceptions....... Our faith in God's word is not just an abiding faith; it is active -- it is aggressive by nature. It has focus and purpose. Faith grabs hold of the reality of the kingdom and forcefully and violently brings it into a collision with this natural one. An inferior kingdom cannot stand. Matthew 11:12 - "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Romans 10:17 - "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing, by the Word of God. Philippians 1:28 - "Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win because it is God who gives you the victory." PEACE IS SPIRIT POWER. YOUR PEACE, YOUR IMMOVABLE STAND UPON THE WORD OF GOD IS A SIGN THAT YOU ARE POSITIONED CORRECTLY IN PERFECT SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD. THE VERY FACT THAT YOU ARE NOT FRIGHTENED BY YOUR ADVERSARY IS A SIGN THAT YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER HIM. Isaiah 54:2 -- "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes." To walk in our DESTINY we must learn new ways and walk out of the old ways and comfort zones of the past. Now is the time to enlarge, stretch, lengthen, strengthen, spread abroad, resettle, inherit and inhabit the new places. It is time to let go of the old and reach for the new, embracing the high calling of God in our lives, to win souls and DISCIPLE new believers. The Holy Spirit has a divine plan. He will lead and guide us into the new by teaching us how to walk in resurrection power. Like Esther, we were created for such a time as this. AFFIRMATION: I ask largely so that my joy may be full. John 16:23,24 -- "In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Romans 10:18 -- "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their SOUND went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." The Helper, the Holy Spirit, is also ready to give us the double portion of His sound or voice. For those who welcome the Holy Spirit, He will give a new clear sound. People will be drawn to the sound right and left. Divine increase will abound right and left. Curses will be broken and blessings of God will be released. Now, as always, is the time to make ready our hearts for the Holy Spirit. God is ready to pour out gifts and freshness of HisPresence, and awaken our eyes to His goodness, giving us the double of His glory and the overflow and outpour of His blessings. Romans 12:12 - "Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation: be constant in prayer." WE'RE TO LIVE IN HOPE. WE'RE TO REJOICE. SO, WHEN SATAN COMES TO STEAL MY VICTORY AND TELL ME THAT GOD IS NOT GOING TO HELP ME THIS TIME: Strategies: I THINK ON THE WORD AND START REJOICING, I REJOICE THAT I AM IN HIM, I REJOICE THAT HEAVEN IS MY HOME, I REJOICE THAT GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. Tribulation means being under pressure. When pressure comes: I DON'T CAVE IN, I DON'T FAINT INSTEAD, I GO TO THE THRONE OF GRACE - I GO BOLDLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND GET THE HELP I NEED. I STAY "CONSTANT IN PRAYER" (I DOUBLE UP ON THE WORD) SO THAT I AM UNMOVABLE. 1 Corinthians 2:16 - "For who has known or understood the mind( the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ, the Messiah, and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart." First Corinthians 6:17 says that when we were joined to the Lord we became one spirit with Him. He came into union with us so that He can talk to us heart to heart -- His thoughts become our actions. He wants us to walk so closely with Him that we never lack power to overcome the evil of this world, and feel His heart of compassion toward those that are hurting or bowed down with sickness and pain. He wants to be one with us so He can reach out through our hands and fulfill his purposes in the earth. AFFIRMATIONS: I make a fresh commitment to walk in union with God. I give my attention to His Spirit in my inner man. I determine to yield to His voice and not the voices of the world or the flesh (senses)! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Luke 11:8 - "I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs." WE NEED TO STAY BEFORE THE FATHER, PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT SAVED TO RECEIVE THE BREAD OF SALVATION --- LIKE THE MAN IN LUKE 11:8 DID FOR HIS FRIEND. WHY DO WE NEED TO PERSEVERE WITH GOD IN PRAYER CONCERNING THE SALVATION OF OTHERS? IT'S CERTAINLY NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE TO CHANGE GOD'S MIND. HE NEVER CHANGES. HIS MIND IS MADE UP. HE WANTS ALL MEN SAVED. THE REASON WE HAVE TO PERSEVERE IN INTERCESSION IS TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE DEMONIC FORCES THAT ARE TRYING TO KEEP GOD'S WILL FROM BEING ACCOMPLISHED. THOSE FORCES MUST BE BROKEN DOWN THROUGH PRAYER SO THAT STRONGHOLDS ARE DESTROYED AND SPIRITUAL BLINDERS ARE REMOVED FROM THE SPIRITUAL EYES OF THE PEOPLE WE ARE PRAYING FOR. WHILE GOD WILL NOT GO AGAINST THE WILL OF PEOPLE, HE WILL MOVE THROUGH OUR INTERCESSION TO REVEAL HIMSELF. THROUGH PERSISTENT PRAYERS GOD WILL BRING THEM TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR NEED FOR HIM. THEN THEY WILL REACH OUT FOR HIM AND SPIRITUAL REBIRTH CAN TAKE PLACE! Psalm 42:1 - "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." WE NEGLECT TO PAY THE PRICE FOR THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND WIND UP WANDERING AROUND IN A WILDERNESS OF OUR OWN MAKING, BEING PURSUED BY SATAN. EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH TOTAL ABANDONMENT, TOTAL SURRENDER AND TOTAL HUNGER FOR THE LIVING CHRIST - NOT THE THINGS HE GIVES OR IMPARTS, BUT CHRIST AND CHRIST ALONE. Psalm 63:1 - "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. " Jeremiah 29:13,14 - "And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you says the Lord." Psalm 115:16 - "The heavens are the heavens of the Lord; but the earth He has given to the sons of men." The Lord requires the cooperation of men to move on the earth. This is why, even though the Lord knows what we need before we ask Him, He requires that we ask before He moves on the earth. When He demonstrates His kingdom and the powers of heaven to the earth, He does it through men. The Lord could have parted the Red Sea without Moses, but not without violating His own principles of authority. He could have brought down fire on the prophets of Baal without Elijah, but that is not the way He does things on the earth. He gave authority over the earth to men, which is why even the Son of God, Jesus, continually referred to Himself as the Son of Man. He had to come as a man to retake the authority over the earth that had been lost by man's transgression and subsequent subservience to Satan. God ordained that man should rule over the earth and the coming of His kingdom will, therefore, restore man's authority over the earth, to those who worship and obey Him. Affirmations: SINCE I AM IN CHRIST I AM IN ANOTHER REALITY AND ANOTHER LIFE ALTOGETHER. I EXPERIENCE HEAVEN NOW, AND LIVE A LIFE THAT DEMONSTRATES THE REALITY OF HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH. I AM CALLED TO WALK THE EARTH, DO GOOD ON THE EARTH, AND TO DO IT WITH POWER THAT IS NOT OF THIS EARTH. John 14:12 - "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 4:25,5:1,2 - "And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto him: and He opened His mouth and taught them." THESE LOCAL COMMUNITIES LEFT ALL WHEN THEY HEARD JESUS WAS NEAR. WITHOUT FORETHOUGHT, WITHOUT PACKING A DONKEY, WITHOUT SO MUCH AS TAKING EXTRA FOOD OR TELLING THOSE WHO REMAINED AT HOME WHEN TO EXPECT THEM, THOUSANDS OF MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN SPONTANEOUSLY FOLLOWED CHRIST TO A DESOLATE PLACE. BUT WE READ OF NO ONE COMPLAINING THAT THE "SERVICE WAS TOO LONG," OR "THE WEATHER TOO HOT," OR "THE MESSAGE WAS BORING." WHATEVER THEY LACKED IN COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE WASOVERSHADOWED BY THE GLORY OF BEING WITH JESUS! PEOPLE SAW IN JESUS MEEKNESS, BOUNDLESS POWER AND PERFECT LOVE. IF WE WOULD WIN SOULS, PEOPLE MUST SEE IN US THIS SAME JESUS. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." EVERYTHING, EVEN OUR INTELLIGENCE, AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ARE NOW SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. OLD FAILURES, PREJUDICES, AND ATTITUDES ARE DESTINED TO GO. NEW FAITH AND HOPE SHOULD BE GROWING WITHIN US DAILY. Observation: HOW DO I ATTAIN SUCH A WONDERFUL NEW BEGINNING? I RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST INTO MY HEART TO EMPOWER ME AND I AFFIRM AND MEDITATE ON THE WORDS OF CHRIST TO DIRECT ME. WHATEVER I FIND IN ME THAT IS NOT LIKE JESUS, - I CRUCIFY. The key that opens the door to the kingdom, is found in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." If you have decided to live based on where the best job is, or career opportunity, or even the best schools for your children, and you are having a hard time finding a local church that you fit into, it is likely because you are not in the will of God for your life. If you truly live seeking first the kingdom, you will make every major decision based on where you are CALLED to be for His PURPOSE for your life. Then the jobs, schools, and everything else will be added to us. They may not be the jobs we want, or even the schools, but they are the ones we need, and our Father knows best! QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Where does God want me to be? What does God want me to do? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Psalm 119:105,111 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." THE ATTITUDE OF THOSE WHO LIVE FROM THE TRIUMPH OF CHRIST IS DIFFERENT THAN THOSE WHO LIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THEIR PAST. THE ONLY PART OF THE PAST THAT WE HAVE LEGAL ACCESS TO IS THE TESTIMONY OF THE LORD. THE REST IS DEAD, BURIED, FORGOTTEN, AND COVERED UNDER THE BLOOD. THE PAST SHOULD HAVE NO NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE WAY WE LIVE, AS THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT. LIVING FROM THE VICTORY OF CHRIST IS THE PRIVILEGE FOR EVERY BELIEVER. Genesis 3:1 - "Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he (Satan) said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, 'You shall not eat from every tree of the garden"'? Observation: IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THAT MY THINKING, BELIEVING AND SPEAKING ARE RIGHT. IF I DON'T TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY, THE DEVIL IS GOING TO THINK MY THOUGHTS FOR ME. HE'LL ACTUALLY HAVE ME BELIEVING WHAT HE WANTS ME TO BELIEVE. AND HE'LL EVENTUALLY HAVE ME CONFESSING WHAT HE WANTS ME TO CONFESS, FRAMING MY WORLD WITH THE WRONG WORDS AND LETTING HIM HAVE DOMINION OVER ME. Revelation 12:17 - "So then the dragon was furious (enraged) at the woman, and he went away to wage war on the remainder of her descendants - on those who obey God's commandments and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Luke 10:21 -- 'In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."' One way we can be convinced we've heard from God is that the answer is simple. Jesus took complicated problems of blindness, leprosy, and paralysis, and simplified them into obedience -- 'Go wash.' ' Go show yourselves to the priest.' 'Take up your bed and walk.' Hearing God's voice doesn't mean we understand all the mysteries of the world. It means that God will articulate a word or command that will simplify, heal, and deliver us in our situation. This is the ultimate Christianity -- communication and communion with the Holy Spirit, knowing more and more about Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Affirmations: AS I STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, I SEEK WISDOM AND REVELATION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS I ENDEAVOR TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD, I PAY ATTENTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT INSIDE OF ME -- HE HAS THE KEYS TO UNLOCK ANY SITUATION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 9:14,16 - "And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the sabbath day." MOST OF THE PHARISEES SPENT THEIR LIVES SERVING GOD WITHOUT EVER DISCOVERING THE FATHER'S HEART! WHILE THE PHARISEES THOUGHT GOD WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SABBATH, JESUS WORKED TO HELP THE ONES THE SABBATH WAS CREATED FOR. THESE LEADERS WERE ACCUSTOMED TO THE MIRACLES OF THE SCRIPTURES REMAINING IN THE PAST. BUT JESUS BROKE INTO THEIR COMFORT ZONES BY USHERING THE SUPERNATURAL INTO THEIR CITIES. 1 Samuel 17:46 - "This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." DAVID FRAMED HIS WORLD. BEFORE HE EVER FOUGHT GOLIATH, HE CALLED OUT WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE. HE CALLED THINGS THAT BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE (ROMANS 4:17). BY FAITH, DAVID SAID, "THE LORD IS GOING TO GIVE YOU INTO MY HANDS TODAY, GOLIATH, AND I'M GOING TO CUT OFF YOUR HEAD!" GOD WANTS US TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR PRAYING AND IN OUR SAYING. IF HE DIDN'T WANT US TO SUCCEED, HE WOULDN'T HAVE GIVEN US A PATTERN BY WHICH WE COULD FRAME OUR WORLD. Exodus 19:14 - "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself." In facing their threshold or brink, marching through the "GATES" out of captivity in Egypt, Israel has to make a leap of faith. If they took the leap of faith, would God come and bear them up on eagle's wings? Bold action is always motivated by faith of some kind. Faith-filled people of God take bold action, which opens a "GATE" and releases spiritual power. Paul opened up a "GATE" in Ephesus when he boldly preached the gospel in the city. Not only were people changed but the socioeconomic system of the city was transformed as well. The city transformed (see Acts 19). Bold action opens up a "GATE" of spiritual power and blessing from God. The heavens over an area are opened in a new way. It is at the "GATES" as someone steps onto the threshold that faith and perseverance are tested. It is at the threshold where either spiritual abortion or spiritual birthing occurs. Affirmations: GOD HAS A GREAT DEAL FOR ME TO POSSESS. MY TAKING POSSESSION WILL REQUIRE GREAT FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE. GOD IS CONTINUALLY PUTTING NEW CHALLENGES BEFORE ME TO DEVELOP MY FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE AT A DEEPER LEVEL. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Philippians 3:7-9 -- "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 and be found in Him." OBSERVATION: At some point I have to cease being a spiritual encyclopedia (That is, collecting more facts, opinions, illustrations and interpretations, and then presenting them as my faith). I make a quality decision today to turn myself over to God, submit to His training and breaking so that He can discard all that hinders me from seeing Christ as He is.....In God's eyes. My only hope for salvation from lesser things is Christ.....a greater Christ than the one I have been content with until now. Hebrews 1:2,3 -- "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom He made the worlds. Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." 1 Corinthians 4:20 - "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power." We are called to be forerunners and messengers of the coming kingdom. The power of our message will be directly related to the power of the life that is in us. Our goal is to live and reveal the power of the life that is in Christ Jesus. Our life and character should be so different and powerful in Christlikeness, that we stand out because of them. Not only are we a priesthood, we are a "royal" priesthood. Christians are the true royalty on earth. Affirmations: THE POWER THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO TESTIFY OF THE COMING KINGDOM IS THE POWER OF LIFE. THIS LIFE IS INFINITELY MORE PRECIOUS THAN ANYTHING I COULD EVER POSSESS ON THIS EARTH. MY IDENTITY IS TRULY IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND MY PRIESTLY CALLING TO MINISTER AND INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS ON A DAILY BASIS. Psalm 115:8 - "Those who make them (idols) will become like them, everyone who trusts in them." THE ONLY REASON WE TOLERATE DEAD IDOLS IS BECAUSE, WHILE THEY CANNOT HELP US, NEITHER CAN THEY HARM US NOR CONVICT US OF SIN. THE CONSEQUENCES OF HARBORING IDOLS IS THAT WE BECOME LIKE THEM. SIN CAN BECOME AN IDOL -- A FALSE GOD THAT DEMANDS OUR OBEDIENCE. SIDE BY SIDE WITH SIN IS THE IDOL OF FALSE KNOWLEDGE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Today we set our hearts and focus on the presence of the Lord and His NOW word that brings divine impartation that will enable us to flourish into a season of great fruitfulness for the glory of the Lord. John 15:8 - "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." Basking in His presence and power, love takes hold more deeply, joy springs forth like a river, peace is established by the Prince of Peace, and we are empowered to live above our natural ability. Galatians 5:25 - "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." NLT We are enabled to live in the Spirit and by the Spirit—cultivating, nurturing, and developing His nature and attributes from glory to glory. In His presence, His gifts and the fruit of His Spirit are continually increasing and flowing with rivers of His goodness that provide all we need for life and godliness. His presence is also a place of genuine hunger for the Word of God, hunger for fresh bread from the Word every day. There the Word comes alive and mysteries are revealed as the Word becomes like fire in the bones. Within us arises a holy boldness to decree the Word of God to shift the unseen realm and break down every barrier of the enemy with the power of the Word. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - "for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction;" QUESTION TO ASK OURSELVES: Are we are about to see increase—increase of His ability that releases us to be all we are to be and to accomplish all He purposes for us to accomplish? Ephesians 3:16 - "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;" Your future comes from God’s possibilities and from His potential, not the world’s, not your own. His potential and all of His promises of possibility flow through the Holy Spirit into you, and He will strengthen you with His might to accomplish those things, to be who you are called to be, to do what you are called to do (God'sPURPOSE for your life), and to have what you are promised to have. The Holy Spirit desires us to live every day in the fullness of the Lord, by seeing above and beyond what we can do, and He desires for Jesus to receive glory and honor through His great power that works in us and through us. This is the essence of what Paul writes about inEphesians 3:20–21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds (a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy), yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." WE LIVE IN TIME AND SPACE, BUT TIME AND SPACE ARE CONNECTED TO ETERNITY, AND GOD HAS PUT SOMETHING INTO YOUR HEART THAT CALLS THE UNSEEN INTO THE SEEN --THE VISION GOD HAS PUT IN YOUR HEART TO DELIVER IN TIME AND SPACE --THAT IS, ON THE EARTH DURING YOUR LIFETIME SO THAT OTHERS ON EARTH WILL BE ABLE TO SEE A PIECE OF ETERNITY THAT IS IN HIM. John 11:44 - "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said unto them, 'Loose him, and let him go."' IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO WITNESS SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION TO LOOSE THOSE WHO GET SAVED BY THE POWER OF GOD SO THAT THEY CAN GO. GOD WANTS US TO FLY LIKE EAGLES BUT WE CAN'T DO IT IF WE'RE STILL BOUND BY THE GRAVE CLOTHES OF OUR OLD LIFE. Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life." OBSERVATION: If God truly rules in my heart, if Jesus is Lord of my life and I do what He says, then the Kingdom of God (His dominion, presence, power, glory, love, and anointing) will continually flow out of me and take authority over the things coming against me. What, then, is our responsibility during times of difficulty? Our job is not to muster up the victory ourselves but to believe and declare God's goodness (through affirming and meditating on His word that applies to your problem) and then wait with expectancy to see how He intervenes. AFFIRMATIONS: I live with expectation, I pray with expectation, I listen with expectation -- I hear HIS VOICE. I take time to listen to the Lord to hear strategies for myself, my family, and the needs of the Kingdom. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 6:10 - "Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." IF IT IS NOT FREE TO EXIST IN HEAVEN, IT MUST BE BOUND HERE - THROUGH PRAYER WE ARE TO EXERCISE THE AUTHORITY GIVEN TO US. EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS HERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SHADOW OF HEAVEN. IN TURN, EVERY REVELATION THAT GOD GIVES US OF HEAVEN IS TO EQUIP US WITH A PRAYER FOCUS. Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. (NAS)" THE PHRASE "SHALL HAVE BEEN" IMPLIES THAT WE CAN ONLY BIND OR LOOSE HERE WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BOUND OR LOOSED THERE - HEAVEN IS OUR MODEL. "Seeing that it will not be impossible with God to fulfill His every declaration." - Luke 1:37 To translate this verse even more literally: No Rhema from God shall be void ofdunamis. In other words, when God speaks, His Word carries supernatural power. When we AFFIRM OUT LOUD AND MEDITATE ON THE WORD concerning our authority (Mark 11:23), the Holy Spirit writes His laws on the tablets of our hearts. As we endure as good soldiers, we hold fast to the Word until it is manifested in the seen realm. The Words of Jesus, which were given to Him by His Father, upholds all things. "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power." - Hebrews 1:3 Affirmations: I HAVE AN UNRELENTING HUNGER TO WATCH THE KINGDOM BREAK INTO THIS REALM. I BECOME A CONNECTING POINT AND GATEWAY FOR GOD'S POWER. I AM A C0-LABORER WITH JESUS IN THE GREAT COMMISSION. 2 Corinthians 11:2 - "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him." THE BIBLE IS A BOOK OF REVERSALS. OLD THINGS BECOME NEW, THE DEAD COME TO LIFE, THE LOST ARE FOUND. EVEN THOSE WHO WERE THE VILEST OF SINNERS ARE NOW EMPOWERED BY GRACE TO BECOME THE VIRGIN BRIDE OF JESUS CHRIST. Ephesians 5:31,32 - "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick (or living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." THE REASON THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT POWERFUL IN MANY PEOPLE IS THAT IT HAS NOT BECOME "QUICK" TO THEM YET. THE WORD IS NOT ALIVE TO THEM; IT IS NOT LIVING AND ABIDING IN THEM, SO NO POWER IS PRODUCED. HOW DOES THE WORD BECOME 'QUICK," OR ALIVE, IN A PERSON'S LIFE? BY HIS OR HER ABIDING IN IT. THEN, ACCORDING TO HEBREWS 4:12, AFTER IT BECOMES ALIVE, IT BECOMES POWERFUL IN HIS OR HER LIFE! YOUR MIND AND YOUR BODY AREN'T GOING TO PAY ANY ATTENTION TO THE WORD UNTIL YOU GET THE WORD INTO YOUR SPIRIT. John 6:63 - "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." OBSERVATION: My faith in God's word is not just an abiding faith; it is active -- it is aggressive by nature. It has focus and purpose, Faith grabs hold of the reality of the kingdom and forcefully and violently brings it into a collision with this natural one. An inferior kingdom cannot stand. Affirmations: JESUS IS ALIVE. HIS WORD IS ALIVE. I AM ALIVE. HIS FAITH, WHICH HAS BECOME MY FAITH, IS ALIVE. HIS FAITH IS A LIVING FORCE. HIS FAITH. HIS HOPE. HIS LOVE. ALL THREE ARE ALIVE IN ME, READY TO DO THE SAME WORKS THAT THEY DID WHEN HE WAS HERE ON EARTH IN HIS BODY. Matthew 6:9 - "Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name." HALLOWED MEANS RESPECTED OR REVERED. THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF PRAISE. PRAISE AND WORSHIP ARE THE PRIMARY ACTIVITIES OF HEAVEN. AND SO IT IS TO BE FOR THE BELIEVER HERE ON EARTH. THE MORE WE LIVE AS CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, THE MORE HEAVEN'S ACTIVITIES INFECT OUR LIFESTYLES. WORSHIP IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. EVERYTHING ELSE WE DO IS TO BE AFFECTED BY OUR DEVOTION TO THIS CALL. Psalm 22:3 - "But you are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel." GOD RESPONDS WITH A LITERAL INVASION OF HEAVEN TO EARTH THROUGH THE WORSHIP OF THE BELIEVER. GOD RESPONDS TO THE PRAISES OF HIS PEOPLE AS MENTIONED IN ISAIAH 42:13 "HE SHALL GO FORTH LIKE A MIGHTY MAN; HE SHALL STIR UP HIS ZEAL LIKE A MAN OF WAR. HE SHALL CRY OUT, YES, SHOUT ALOUD; HE SHALL PREVAIL AGAINST HIS ENEMIES." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Matthew 11:12 - "Until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." The people Jesus ministered to were healed or delivered because of their faith. Faith may quietly press in, or it may cry out very loudly, but it is always violent in the spirit world. It grabs hold of an invisible reality and won't let go. Taking the kingdom by faith is the violent act that is necessary to come into what God has made available. Every believer has the power of heaven behind them. But it is our faith that connects what is available to the circumstances at hand. Faith takes what is available and makes it actual. Affirmations: I AM NO LONGER GOING TO SIT IN THE WILDERNESS WHERE THE DEVIL STEALS THE BLESSINGS OF GOD OUT FROM UNDER ME. I HAVE GOD'S PERMISSION AND HIS POWER AND HIS ABILITY TO TAKE THE LAND. I GET VIOLENT ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ......TODAY! Matthew 6:13 - "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil." GOD DOES NOT TEMP MAN WITH SIN. TEMPTATION AND EVIL BOTH ARE INHERENT IN OUR OLD NATURES (SOUL LIFE). IF WE CONTINUALLY, STUBBORNLY REFUSE TO REPENT FOR A SIN, GOD GIVES US OVER TO THAT WHICH WE REFUSE TO SURRENDER. When we are under pressure, it is important to realize that God is not trying to entrap us. Satan is called the tempter (Matthew 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Jesus himself was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4, Luke 4). He trusted God fully for provision, protection, and purpose. The Father would no more lead us into temptationthan He would withhold our daily bread. Revelation 4:6 - "Before the throne there was, as it were, a sea of glass like crystal." THE GLASS SEA IS A SYMBOL: THERE ARE NO RIPPLES, NO WAVES, NO ANXIETIES TROUBLING GOD. THE LORD IS NEVER WORRIED, NEVER IN A HURRY NOR WITHOUT AN ANSWER. THE SEA AROUND HIM IS PERFECTLY STILL AND TOTALLY CALM. ALL OUR VICTORIES FLOW OUT FROM BEING SEATED HERE WITH HIM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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"The Spirt of the Lord is upon me because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." - Luke 4:18 God is bringing us to a place where we know the Spirit of the Lord is upon us. If we have not got to that place, God wants to bring us to the fact of what Jesus said in John 14, "...I will prayer the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." Because the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him who is our head, we must see to it that we receive the same anointing and that the same Spirit is upon us. DWELLING IN HIM There is no limit as to what we may become if we dwell and live in the Spirit. In the Spirit of prayer, we are taken from earth right away into heaven. We feel as we speak in the Spirit that the fire which burned in the hearts of the two men on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-32), when Jesus walked with them, is burning in our heart. It is sure to come to pass when we walk with Him, our hearts will burn -- it is the same power of the Spirit. They could not understand it then, but a few hours later they saw Him break the bread, and their eyes were opened. LIVING IN THE SPIRIT There is a place where the Holy Ghost can put us where we cannot be anywhere else but in the Spirit. But if we breathe His thoughts into our thoughts, and live in the unction of the Holy Spirit as He lived, then there will be evidences that we are in Him; and His works we will do. "To know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." -- Ephesians 3:19 "Filled with God" means you are emptied of self, leaving no room for doubting or fearing. You are filled with love, and perfect love casts out fear. LIVING IN ABUNDANCE If we will only live in the Spirit and the unction of the Spirit, there will be no lack. There is only lack where faith is not substance. If we will obey the Lord there is nothing He will not give us since He has given us Jesus. The Spirit will have to reveal to us that fact that, because He has given us Jesus, He has given us ALL THINGS. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Am I willing to lay down all that I may have God's all? Am I willing to seek and don't stop seeking (Matthew 7:7,8) until I know the Spirit of the Lord is upon me? Am I willing to cry out to Him until the Glory of the Lord is upon me? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Releasing Of Holy Spirit Power - The Power Of Resurrection
Albert Finch posted a blog entry in Albert Finch Ministry
The main idea for breakthrough comes from the breakthrough of water from 2 Samuel 5:20: "So David went to Baal Perazim (which means "possessor of the breaches"), and David defeated them there; and he said, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water." The word breakthrough comes from the Hebrew word "perets" which means "To break out." In the areas that we are believing God for breakthrough in, we should also believe Him to break out from the very center of the situation. Zephaniah 3:17declares "the Lord thy God in the midst of you is mighty." In this verse the word midst means: the nearest part, that is, the center; the word mighty means: a powerful, warrior champion. The Lord wants to come as a powerful, warrior champion to show Himself strong in the midst of all hindrances, obstacles, and blockades that the enemy has erected to stop the flow of God's purposes. Whether it's breakthrough in physical healing, financial provision, relationship issues, ministry or any number of areas, God's desire is to bring manifested breakthrough. THE BATTLE OF JERICO: The victory in Jericho was not the result of an advancing army breaking into the gates of the city. It was as God's people obeyed and followed His strategy that breakthrough came and the victory was won. Jericho had two walls, an inner and outer, with a combined thickness of 18 feet. Surely the inhabitants of Jericho never imagined that these walls would be breached, let alone be destroyed altogether in a moment of time. Our God is well able to bring breakthrough in the midst of impossible situations. THE MANIFESTED POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit, the most powerful force in the universe, is very active on Planet Earth today. We often do not think of His power as being the exact same power that raised Jesus from the dead. The declaration of Romans 8:11 is this: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." We need to believe God and ask Him for the release of Holy Spirit power – the power of the resurrection in our lives. Scripture also says that the anointing BREAKS the yoke. Many Believers these days are walking around with heavy yolks of everything from religious expectations to orphaned thinking and condemnation. God's desire is to manifest BREAKTHROUGH to obliterate yolks by the anointing (Isaiah 10:27). JESUS CALMING THE SEA: There are times that the manifestation of breakthrough is going to come in the release of great peace into a situation. In Mark 4, Jesus stood in the midst of a storm that the disciples thought was life threatening. In the midst of that storm, He declared, "Peace, be still" (verse 39). It's interesting that the response of the storm was not to just ease up a bit, but the Bible says, "the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." God wants to bring great calm into the many storms of life that we face. Even if the circumstances of that storm do not change immediately, we can still receive "a great calm" deep inside our hearts. NEW BEGINNINGS Isaiah 43:19 - "Nothing compares to what I'm going to do with you says the Lord! Behold, I am going to do a brand new thing with you personally. See, I've already begun to do it. Don't you see it?" In the land of New Beginnings, we must remove the masks and veils that have formed in the past season so we can now form our “true” identity for the future.Isaiah 41:15: ("Behold, I will make you to be a new, sharp, threshing instrument which has teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and shall make the hills like chaff") has become a key word for us. There is a new identity and authority for us in the invisible world. This will allow us to display the wisdom of God to the powers and principalities that have blocked you in past seasons. Jesus says: "You shall see the Heaven OPENED, and a way between Heaven and earth, between God and man, made clear. I am that way. I will open Heaven by My own blood.' "Then He added, 'In truth, in very truth, I tell you all, you shall see heaven wide open.....'" - John 1:51 Your time in communion with the Lord will raise you to that "Come up here, let me show you something you didn't know before" place for substantial breakthrough. "I saw a door open in heaven and heard the same voice speaking to me, the voice like a trumpet, saying 'Come up here: I will show you what is to come in the future.'" - Revelation 4:1 PRAYER: Lord, I ask you now to pour out the Spirit of the Overcomer. I lift up my head and receive the King of Glory to breakthrough so that I can breakout. Lord, stir me out of the wilderness and grip me with a holy violence and jealousy to lay hold of my inheritance and DESTINY in Christ. May I be strong and do great exploits in Your Name! - Amen ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY -
Exodus 33:7 - "Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And it came about, that everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp." IF WE ARE GOING TO TRULY SEEK THE LORD, WE MUST "GO OUT" AS DID MOSES AND THOSE WHO SOUGHT THE LORD. WE MUST PITCH OUR TENT "A GOOD DISTANCE FROM THE CAMP" - THE "CAMP OF FAMILIARITY." JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES TO LEAVE THE FAMILIAR PATTERN OF THEIR LIVES AND BE WITH HIM. HE KNEW THAT MEN, BY NATURE, ARE UNCONSCIOUSLY GOVERNED BY THE FAMILIAR. IF HE WOULD EXPAND US TO RECEIVE THE ETERNAL, HE MUST RESCUE US FROM THE LIMITATIONS OF THE TEMPORAL. Luke 14:33 - "In the same way," concluded Jesus, "none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up everything he has." Genesis 28:10,12 - "Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Like the ladder, Jesus dwelt in two places at the same time, in the earth and in the heavens. He is the access point between those two realms. When Jesus told Nathanael that he would see heaven open, He meant that he would see that Jesus is the ladder between the earth and heaven that is wide open to mankind. To Nathanael, He revealed heaven's open availability to the believer. In other words, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (available). John 1:51 - And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Your time in communion with the Lord will raise you to that "Come up here, let me show you something you didn't know before" place for a substantial breakthrough. "I saw a door open in heaven and heard the same voice speaking to me, the voice like a trumpet, saying 'Come up here: I will show you what is to come in the future.'" - Revelation 4:1 When the Word becomes as a burning fire in your heart and bones your focus will be on harvest and it won't be denied you. Because freely you have received the Word and freely you give of the powerful Word of the Lord. To be effective we must minister according to His energy, or His power in our lives. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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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
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Proverbs 20:27 - "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly." As we begin to cry out from a 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. OBSERVATION: If I am sensitive to my spirit, the Lord will tell me what to pray about. He will alert me to those things that need to be addressed in prayer. I become sensitive to my spirit by meditating on spiritual things at all times -- by meditating on the Lord, on His goodness, on His greatness, and on His Word. AFFIRMATIONS: Out of His glorious riches He strengthens me with power through His Spirit in my inner man. (Ephesians 3:16) I receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:17) The same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me. So therefore I walk in His Kingdom power. I walk in the Presence of the Lord, in step with Him. His fire surrounds me and His Glory dwells within me. My speech demonstrates the power of God’s Spirit in my life. (I Corinthians 2:4) "God put His stamp of ownership (seal)on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised...so that your minds may be opened to see His light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you...and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raise Christ from death." - Ephesians 1:13,18-20 To be sealed means to be stamped with an image. That means, when we were born again, we were stamped with the likeness of the Anointed One. We were made to look like the Lord Jesus Christ on the inside. OBSERVATION: Shall we stop short of what He says we ought to be -- shall we cease to come into line with the Mind which is always thinking for our best -- shall we cease to humble ourselves before him who took the way of the cross for us -- shall we cease to withhold ourselves from Him. Can a true believer come to God today without a cry to God to make them, as it were, flames of fire? God shall endue you in that you won't be satisfied until you feel the very members of your body on fire with a Spirit-kindled PURPOSE. Song of Solomon 3:10 - "He made the pillars of silver and the couch of gold. the ascent is of purple and the middle of it is decorated with love for the daughters of Jerusalem." THE PILLARS OF THE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST ARE OF SILVER. HIS COUCH, WHICH IS THE DIVINE NATURE OF CHRIST, IS MADE OF GOLD. THE ASCENT, OR THE ENTRY WAY, SPEAKS OF THE JOURNEY OF JESUS CHRIST. THE MIDDLE OF THE ROYAL CHARIOT IS DECORATED WITH GOLD ORNAMENTS; THIS SHOWS THAT LOVE IS THE CROWNING GLORY OF ALL THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. JESUS CHRIST CONTAINS ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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2 Corinthians 6:17 - "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you." The lifting up of hands is very beautifully parabolised in the making of the ark of the covenant with the mercy seat. God told Moses that He would commune with Him from above the mercy seat between two cherubims. These cherubims were made with their wings stretched out above them. This spiritually represents a believer coming before God's presence with his hands lifted up. It signifies the receiving of the presence of God. Affirmations: WHEN I INITIALLY BELIEVED THE WORD OF GOD, I WAS BORN AGAIN. I WAS SEPARATED SPIRITUALLY FROM THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS AND SEPARATED TO THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT. I GIVE THE WORD OF GOD FIRST PLACE IN MY LIFE; IT CONTINUES TO SEPARATE ME FROM THE POVERTY AND THE ANXIETY AND THE SICKNESS AND THE HATRED AND THE DARKNESS OF MY OLD HABITAT. Matthew 6:10 - "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Jesus urged us to do an about-face in our approach to reality because His Kingdom is at hand. He brought His world with Him, and it's within our reach. He wants us to see reality from God's perspective, to learn to live "from" His world "towards" the visible world. Jesus never made the gospel simply a doctrinal exercise. His reality -- is to raise up believers who work with Him to destroy the works of the devil, who demonstrate and prove the will of God here on earth as it is in heaven. Affirmation: MY GOAL IS NOT ONLY TO CREATE A BETTER LIFE HERE, BUT, THROUGH SURRENDER, TO EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO EARTH. FAITH BRINGS TO EARTH HEAVEN'S PROVISIONS; SURRENDER BRINGS GOD'S PRESENCE INTO THOSE PROVISIONS. Song of Solomon 3:7,8 - "Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; sixty valiant men surround it , the valiant ones of Israel. They all hold swords, being expert in war; every man has his sword on his thigh because of fear in the night." TO REACH THE BED OF THE TRUE SOLOMON, WHICH IS GOD, YOU MUST PASS THROUGH SIXTY BRAVE SOLDIERS. THESE SOLDIERS (WHICH ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S NATURE) CARRY THE WORD OF GOD LIKE A SWORD, SEARCH DEEPLY WITHIN YOU TO FIND OUT YOUR SECRET PRESUMPTIONS; AND THEY ARE APTLY FITTED TO DESTROY THEM. "FEAR OF THE NIGHT" -- THE NATURE OF GOD FIGHTS AGAINST ALL THAT KEEPS YOU IN DARKNESS, THAT IS , FIGHTS AGAINST YOUR SELF-NATURE WHICH TAKES FOR ITSELF ALL THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO GOD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 6:5,7 - "So when Jesus went up into the hills and sat down with His disciples around Him, he soon saw a great multitude of people climbing the hill, looking for Him. Turning to Philip he asked. 'Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?' Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Philip got caught up in thinking about the problem. He was figuring out how may people there were....how much money was in the treasury....and how much bread costs. He was so preopccupied with his own doubts and questions that the problems were speaking to him more loudly than the Lord. As a result, he answered Jesus without really listening to Him. OBSERVATION: The Lord often asks us to go beyond our abilities. Our usual response is to express our limitations -- not realizing that Jesus is asking us to place our limited ability in His hand, so He can multiply it. AFFIRMATION: WHEN I GET OUTSIDE OF MYSELF AND BEGIN TO THINK INSIDE THE WORD OF GOD, I GET OUTSIDE OF MY LIMITATIONS AND INTO THE LIMITLESS POWER OF ALMIGHTY GOD! Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Christ's presence within us is our assurance that we can live in peace, even in times of pressure and turmoil. This is the abundant life purchased for us by the broken body and spilled Blood of the Lamb of God at Calvary. He died and rose again to birth the Kingdom of God within us when we are born again. The Prince of Peace abides within us! We have a Blood-bought right to walk in uninterrupted shalom, free from all anxiety and fear, because of the living, breathing presence of Christ in our temple. Affirmations: JESUS IS MY GREAT HIGH PRIEST, AND HE IS INTERCEDING FOR ME RIGHT NOW. WITH GOD ON MY SIDE, I CAN ENJOY LIFE AS HE INTENDED FOR ME TO ENJOY IT. I BOLDLY CONFESS THAT I AM FEAR-FREE AND THAT ANXIETY HAS NO PLACE IN ME! I DECLARE THIS BY FAITH IN JESUS' NAME! Song of Solomon 3:6 - "Who is she that goes up by the wilderness, like a pillar of smoke, from the incense of myrrh, and frankincense, and all the powders of the perfumer?" YOU BECOME SO PURE IN THE ARMS OF YOUR BELOVED (JESUS) THAT YOU SEEM LIKE A BREATH OF AIR CONSUMED BY THE FIRE OF LOVE. YOUR UPRIGHTNESS IS LIKE SMOKE RISING. YOUR SPIRITUAL NATURE IS CLEARLY EVIDENT. YOU FLOW UPWARD, COMING FORTH FROM THE WILDERNESS OF FAITH. WHERE ARE YOU GOING? TO REST IN GOD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Exodus 19:14 - "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you t o Myself." In facing their threshold or brink, marching throught the "GATES" out of captivity in Egypt, Israel has to make a leap of faith. If they took the leap of faith, would God come and bear them up on eagle's wings? God comes through for Israel and opens up the Red Sea. He swoops down and picks them up, carrying them on His wings. However they had to leap first. Had they not taken bold, daring action, stepping out in faith, God could not have saved them. Bold action is always motivated by faith of some kind. Faith-filled people of God take bold action, which opens a "GATE" and releases spiritual power. Paul opened up a "GATE" in Ephesus when he boldly preached the gospel in the city. Not only were people changed but the socioeconomic system of the city was transformed as well. The city transformed (see Acts 19). Bold action opens up a "GATE" of spiritual power and blessing from God. The heavens over an area are opened in a new way. It is at the "GATES" as someone steps onto the threshold that faith and perseverance are tested. It is at the threshold where either spiritual abortion or spiritual birthing occurs. Affirmations: GOD HAS A GREAT DEAL FOR ME TO POSSESS. MY TAKING POSSESSION WILL REQUIRE GREAT FAITH AND PERSERVERANCE. GOD IS CONTINUALLY PUTTING NEW CHALLENGES BEFORE ME TO DEVELOP MY FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE AT A DEEPER LEVEL. I PRESS TOWARDS THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.'" THAT VOICE IS STILL CALLING TO ALL WHO WILL HEAR. THERE IS A DOOR OPEN IN HEAVEN AND THE SPIRIT IS BECKONING US TO COME UP THERE. THE ULTIMATE QUEST OF EVERY CHRISTIAN IS TO WALK THE EARTH FROM A POSITION SEATED WITH CHRIST JESUS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. THEREFORE, OUR PRAYER MUST BE THE ONE THAT HE TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES, FOR HIS KINGDOM TO COME, AND HIS WILL TO BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (MATTHEW 6:10). WE CAN NEVER BE TOO HEAVENLY MINDED. THE TRUE GOOD THAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO ON EARTH WILL BE DEPENDENT ON THE DEGREE TO WHICH WE HAVE ATTAINED THE HEAVENLY TREASURES. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: Am I Seated With Christ in Heavenly Places? What Has God Told Me to Bring From Heaven To Earth? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 5:17,19-20 - "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees His Father doing, because whatever the father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does." Worship is more than just music or art; it's a lifestyle (Romans 12:1). We need to live like Jesus did, open our eyes and see what the Father is doing, and then do it. Not just to see the need, but also to meet the need. Anyone can be a THERMOMETER and just gauge the spiritual temperature, but we're called to be THERMOSTATS and to change the spiritual temperature! We're not called to just point out sickness, poverty and sin; we're called to change those ashes into beauty. After all, it's Christ in us that is the hope of glory! Observation: WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED ON EARTH, HE ACCOMPLISHED IN HIS HUMANITY, NOT HIS DIVINITY. OTHERWISE, HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MAN'S REPRESENTATIVE AND SUBSTITUTE. HE RELIED ON THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF GOD. I CAN DO THE SAME. AFFIRMATIONS: I arise and walk in dominion power, and lay a hold of the promises of God. The Holy Spirit who lives within me is greater than the spirit that is at work in the world (1 John 4:4). God is calling for me to arise and take a strong stand against the works of darkness (Jude 1-4). I am to take the land. Each day I seek to draw ever nearer to Christ, seeking to yield, ever deeper, my will to His will. (2 Corinthians 3:18) John 10:40,41 - "And Jesus answered and said unto her, 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about may things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."' OUR EFFORTS, WORKS - NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE SPEND OF OURSELVES, CANNOT PRODUCE THE REST OR LIFE OF GOD. Matthew 11:28 - "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Song of Solomon 2:1,2 - "I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." YOU ARE LIKE A PURE AND PLEASANT LILY AND A SWEET FRAGRANCE BEFORE HIM (JESUS). THERE ARE OTHER DAUGHTERS, HOWEVER, WHO ARE NOT YET PLIABLE AND SUBMITTED TO HIS SPIRIT. THEY ARE LIKE A DEEP, IMPENETRABLE THICKET OF THORNS - THOSE WHO ARE SELF-POSSESSED AND STILL TAKEN UP WITH THEIR OWN WILL. THE LILY, HOWEVER, PERFECTLY PRESERVES ITS PURITY AND ITS PERFUME, EVEN WHEN SURROUNDED BY THORNS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hebrews 4:9,10 - "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." We may have perfect rest -- that we dare to cast ourselves upon God, and have no care because Christ has: put away sin, has rent the veil, and has sit down on the right hand of the throne. Because all is finished and perfected, we have received the Holy Spirit from heaven in our hearts to make us the partakers of that glorified Christ -- we may with confidence, with boldness, rest in Him to maintain and perfect His work in us in our individual CALLING in Christ. Affirmation: THE REST THAT I SEEK IS NOT A REJUVENATION OF MY ENERGY, IT IS THE EXCHANGE OF ENERGY: MY LIFE FOR GOD'S, THROUGH WHICH THE VESSEL OF MY HUMANITY IS FILLED WITH THE DIVINE PRESENCE AND ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST HIMSELF. 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." Affirmations: I CONFESS THAT THE DAY I WAS BORN AGAIN, I RECEIVED THE DYNAMIC, EXPLOSIVE POWER OF GOD INTO MY LIFE. THAT POWER REMOVED MY OLD NATURE AND MADE ME A BRAND-NEW CREATURE! WHEN GOD MADE ME, HE PUT FORTH HIS FINEST CREATIVE POWERS, AND I NOW LIVE ON THIS EARTH AS A MASTERPIECE OF HIS GRACE. Song of Solomon 1:12 - "While the King was resting on His couch, my perfume sent forth its fragrance." YOU EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF THE DEEP AND CENTRAL PRESENCE OF THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS). THE BRIDEGROOM IS EVER IN THE CENTER OF YOUR SPIRIT. AS AN EARTHLY KING RESTS ON HIS COUCH, SO THE ETERNAL KING RESTS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR SPIRIT. THE PERFUME, YOUR FAITHFULNESS, SENDS FORTH A FRAGRANCE THAT IS SWEET AND PLEASANT. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
