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One of the hardest things in the life of a believer is to endure and overcome evil temptations. We were called to follow the steps of the Lord Jesus... "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”" - 1 Peter 2:21-22 The Lord knows of all our weaknesses and He wants to heal us, so that we can live much better. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." - Mark 2:17 It is much easier to give up and do evil then: Why should I be striving to endure temptation? "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. " - James 1:12 Another question is: Why would any believer desire to lose to evil? "It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God." - Matthew 4:7 The answer is: A believer would not want to lose. "...for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find" - Romans 7:18 Good news: Now you can! "I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." - Romans 7:25 Is it God's will that I give up to evil temptation? Definitely no. "Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." - James 1:13-14 Consequently, evil temptations are there to be overcome by the Children of God. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21 "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." - 1 John 5:3-4 Many people simply do not know how to overcome temptations, then the answer is: Faith, knowledge and love. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 Faith in the Word of God, defeat the evil with faith in the truth, working through love. And I say love, because without love it is impossible. Then pray that the love for the Lord is shed on you heart more abundantly, and for more wisdom and knowledge of the truth. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." - Romans 5:5 "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 Love, which in this case means the Spirit of God in you... Causes His Word, which is truth, and the Spirit to work together, and consequently, come to life. If one has the Word but not the Love for it, then they will not succeed but will always be overcome by evil. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. " - 1 John 2:15-17 Do not worry, you may lose a few fights against evil temptations, but if you pray and focus on not failing the next time... "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 You will soon overcome it, and then it will no longer be a challenge for you. "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ...Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." - John 8:34+36 "...If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:31-32 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen." - 2 Corinthians 13:14 God bless you all in Jesus' name! Amen.

It is essential to our spiritual health that we spend quality time in His presence, waiting upon Him. Only then, will we have the spiritual energy to face the challenges, testings, and problems of life. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 During these times of intimate fellowship, we are brought into a closer union with Him. In the closeness of this communion, we will receive of His life and strength, and along with this, we will come into a deeper understanding of spiritual principles and an unfolding of His Word, which will draw us yet closer. "...The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19 "Waiting upon the Lord" is the key to a victorious, overcoming life. Throughout the Psalms, whenever David found himself in difficult circumstances, he constantly reminded himself to "wait upon the Lord." "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14 It is here in His presence that we will begin to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. There will be a realignment of our inner being, and our priorities will change from the natural to the spiritual. Our spiritual senses will be energized by His presence and restored to respond to His purposes. SOWING TO THE SPIRIT As we wait upon the Lord, we will experience a genuine encounter with the Lord. Then wherever we go, the result of this "manifest presence" that we have experienced, will cut through every bondage and fear in those who are witnessing the result of our life being the expression of His life. During these prolonged times spent in His presence, we are "sowing" to the Spirit – enlarging our capacity to flow with the Holy Spirit. It is always costly to the natural man, but this provides us with the opportunity to overcome. Many "early morning risings" may seemingly bear no fruit at all, but the continued lifting up of our desire for Him, along with our worship and the obedience of seeking after Him, rather than things, will in time bring forth within us an accumulative effect that will surprisingly produce a profound spiritual result. We will have "become" a prophetic vessel that is available to Him. These times of "waiting upon the Lord," in His presence, do not produce quick results, but rather, lasting ones. Jesus commanded us to abide in Him, adding that it will cause us to bear "fruit that remains." But, the abiding life – a life that "waits" in God's presence, will produce fruit that will stand in eternity. "I love them that love Me; and those who seek Me early shall find Me... that I may cause those who love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Proverbs 8:17, 21 OPEN THE DOOR AND INVITE HIM IN Indeed, the Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts and our lives. He is seeking to enter in. He is seeking a people that will respond to His knock and that will open the door and invite Him in, that they might "wait upon Him." 1. Come apart from all activity, and sit quietly in an attitude of worship. 2. Sit quietly in an attitude of worship and expectancy, as if looking at a door expecting at any moment that the door will open, and a person will enter (Jesus). 3. Spiritual strength is renewed as we draw on the life of Jesus that flows out from the throne – NOT abstract power as some teach. We are to seek a person, not power. 4. Mabe you have felt nothing after several minutes or hours of waiting -- but after the time of waiting, everything that you do is accomplished much better, and you notice a glow in your spirit. Now you can say with confidence: "...Let my Beloved come into His garden, and eat His pleasant fruits." Song of Solomon 4:16 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY nttp://afministry.ning.com

It's time for your DESTINY to be set in motion. Nothing will stop you now! His Love for you overshadows you and those dreams that were incubating in you almost birthing at times will now come forth. There is a glory - a glory of love coupled with your faith that is bringing in that which He has promised. What price can be put on this glory realm? The entrance to the door of this realm is your 'overcoming spirit', wanting at times to give up but not giving into that. You will ride the wave of an overcoming spirit. You overcome in the onslaught of the thoughts of your mind. You overcome in the mundane daily activities. You overcome in the rejection of man. You overcome in the betrayal of those who persecuted you. You overcome in the darkness. You overcome when all you could see was the opposite of what you had living inside of you. He has hidden manna for you (Rev. 2:17) ,that will sustain you and nourish you in ways you have not known. He has given you big dreams to dream and walk out and greatness of heart and bounty of spirit. There is a readiness -- you will go forth NOW and overcome. You will conquer, and as you go and as you pursue, you will increase and you will overtake, for He is with you and His Word is in you! You thought you lost it all but carry this as you go: today you are recovering your dreams He gave you, for you will see what He has said all along become your reality. No more backing up and no more backing down. IT'S TIME! It's yourDeuteronomy 1:11 that says -- "....He will bless you just as He has promised you." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY