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Seated With Christ The Lord says, it is important for his people to fight from the right position. The strategy of the enemy is to make the people of God look at the attacks rather than to keep their eyes on their God. This was the problem of the servant of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:15-17 when all he could see were the forces that were coming against them and the battle that they were facing, until Elisha prayed and asked the Lord to open his eyes so that he could see the heavenly forces that were backing them up. The Lord wants to open our eyes in this hour to see things from His perspective so that we can fight from the right position. We should not be fighting from the position of someone who is fighting for the victory, but from the position of someone who knows that they already have the victory. We always have to remember that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places above all principality, power, might, and dominion as the Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:6 and Ephesians 1:20-23. Luke 10:19 also tells us that God has given us power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over ALL the power of the enemy. The means the enemy has NO POWER over us. If all power belongs to God (see Psalm 62:11) and God lives in us, then we have all power as well. This is why the Bible says in 1 John 4:4 that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world, because there is no greater force or power than the one that we carry in our earthen vessels (see 2 Corinthians 4:7). Here are a few steps that can be taken to awaken to your right position so that you can fight from the right position: 1) Meditate on the word. When we meditate on the word of God, it creates faith, confidence, and boldness so that we can always maintain the right perspective regardless of the voices of defeat that may try to sway our thoughts, or the “giants” that may try to over-magnify themselves, which begin to look more and more like grasshoppers as we meditate on the word and keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). 2) Making time for the presence of God and for hearing the voice of God. God’s presence and His voice alone gives strength. There have been so many times where God has spoken to me in the midst of a situation just to encourage me and to confirm that although I was in a test or trial, He was going to bring me through it. Those specific, rhema words are priceless when you’re in a battle because when you hear a word from God, it makes you unshakeable and immovable, and helps you to maintain the right perspective in the battle. 3) Praying in the Holy Spirit. Praying in our heavenly language enables us to be built up on our most holy faith while also allowing the Spirit himself to make intercession for us (see Jude 1:20 and Romans 8:26-27). 4) Spending time in praise and worship. The Bible tells us in Psalm 22:3 that God inhabits the praises of His people. Whenever we magnify the Lord, we minimize the enemy. Maintaining an atmosphere and mindset of worship helps us to maintain the right position and perspective of victory. We must always remember who we are, and remember our royal lineage. We are able to have the position that we have because of the blood of Jesus. He has made us kings and priests, and has given us all dominion (see Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-10, and Genesis 1:26). Therefore, when we are praying or are in spiritual warfare, we do it from a perspective of authority and dominion, from the stance of a ruler, not from a place of defeat, because the only defeated foe is Satan. The Bible tells us in Psalm 82:6 that we are gods, because we are children of the most High God, and have His DNA. This is why Job 22:28 says we can decree a thing, and it SHALL be established, because where the word of a king is, there is power (see Ecclesiastes 8:4). Use your words to declare and decree what you want to see, and use your words to move those mountains, because the power is within you to do so (see Mark 11:23). So let’s maintain our rightful position, and always remember that the battle has already been won. Please take some time to listen to the songs below, and be encouraged. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJghcUSZyK4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofR4Pcql8oo

The Making-of The God Who Sees

2018 Scriptures for Battling the devil, Spiritual Warfare. The enemy hates to hear about the Blood of Christ, Praise, and that hell is "prepared for the devil and his angels." Ephesians 6:11-17 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 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 is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Deuteronomy 28:7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Deuteronomy 3:22 Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. Romans 8:35-39 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The depiction of the enemy of our souls: Isaiah 14:12-19 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? 18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. 19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 1 John 5:4-5 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? I John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 18:18-19 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. II Thess 3:3 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. Zech 4:6 6b Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Isa 40:28-31 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 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. Psalm 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Matthew 25:41 Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels

Shalom dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Yes we are Christian and yes we hold on to faith, promises and keep hope even during trial and tough times right? But we can't ignore the fact that some battles are harder than we thought nor negate the fact that some victories are taking much longer to happen then we would want to admit, in all reality we are mere humans and at times our faith is stretched to its limit which we only realize once our limit has been reached. We pray, fast, wait,serve ,worship and praise but the key to be joyful in the midst of these storms is Praise. Why? Well ,Cleary in Genesis and throughout the Bible God talks about wanting his creatures to glorify him therefore ,praise is the highest glorification he can be given which is why it is the key. I have learned that music can be a good way to get in the mood, finding spiritual music that speak to our feelings sets us in the right atmosphere to praise. Singing and dancing brings happiness ,relief and joy. Its easy to praise God when we are in our winning season but it is harder in our "I hit my limit" season but this is the most powerful praise as it requires true reverence and submission to undertake yet, it is also the most effective and speed releasing process. In Luke 18, God talks about the persistent widow and states that if we like her persist in asking he will "speedily" rescue and answer us. God whom talks a lot about perseverance and patience which we experience throughout our lives now speaks of speed? Praise is your weapon,it makes God happy. Its like when you are sad and somehow someone brings your favourite food, beverage or you watch your favourite movie or talk to your best friend these moments where you feel so happy quickly and forget instantly your sadness since something you truly deeply enjoy is right at your fingertip this is praise to God and even more when he sees how you feel and regardless have taken a step out of your pain to make him smile. Music is an open doorway to joy, find good music to cheer up and then praise God and see how he reacts. Here is a song that summarizes this little advice I wanted to share to encourage anyone in need today a very good song! Be blessed!

Many Believers live in fear of the powers of darkness. Many are plagued by the spirit of suicide and death, discouragement and depression, sickness, lack, poverty, and failure. Many are caught in the vicious cycle of defeat, circling around the valleys of despair and can't seem to find their way out. Many have been oppressed by the enemy for a prolonged period of time. It's been many years and many seasons of great grief and loss. You've been under such a weight of the enemy you couldn't break the chains off. You've prayed, you've seen counselors, you've tithed, you've done everything you know to do and your strength is depleting. Some are plagued by consistent nightmares and bad dreams that leave you waking up in a cold sweat. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8 Declare that today is the day of your salvation and deliverance! Declare today a severance from every assignment of the enemy over your life! Freedom is now! Break every shackle and every chain now! "You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways." - Job 22:28 FREEDOM DECLARATIONS: • In Christ, I have been made alive, raised together, and seated together in the heavenly places! • In Christ, I live on a higher plane and every power, principality, dominion, and throne is under my feet! • In Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I break every spirit of fear, failure, lack, poverty, sickness, diseases, suicide and death, depression and discouragement! You have to scatter and flee! • In Christ, every shackle and chain are broken and my spirit is free! • In Christ, today is my day of salvation and deliverance. Freedom is now! Freedom is mine! I take it back! • Fill me up Holy Spirit! From today onwards, I live in authority, truth, power, and victory. I will never be the same again! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com

Daily Reading 21 If you prefer, you can look up the following verses in your own Bible, of by whatever means and in whatever version you choose. Luke 16 Genesis 27:46-28:22 Psalm 21 Audio 4:27 Audio 5:~ Audio 1:03 The above addresses are linked to Bible Gateway. That is an easy way to read (or listen to) the Bible verses, and choose your version. Personally, I prefer written, that way I can go at my own pace, on think about it, before moving on. Nothing wrong with doing either or both. The Bible says faith comes by hearing. See the picture below to get an idea of what to expect if you follow the above links. Thank you Lord for making the your word so accessible for us in these times. Amen

Numbers 2:9 -- "All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were.......These shall FIRST set forth." Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites conquered their foes with the ultimate weapon – praise and worship. We know this because of the recorded fact that – of the 12 tribes of Israel – the tribe of Judah was the one that was usually sent first. The very name Judah means "praise" (see Genesis 29:35). The divisions from the tribe of Judah, praising the Most High simply by moving forward together, could shatter the atmosphere of resistance before the warriors from the other 11 tribes even got to the front lines. In the same way, we need to "send Judah first" into our own situations. Are we facing an intimidating foe? Send Judah (praise) up against it first. Are we not sure you can hold the territory you have conquered? Send Judah first. Do we feel weak and worn out and confused? Send Judah first. Lift up the banner of praise! We drop our other garments and weapons by the roadside, and move forward like Judah, giving expression to a heart that is filled with godly confidence, awe, and courage. Praise the Lord! Yes, let's just praise the Lord! Remember, worship always precedes His presence! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

Isaiah 66:9 - "Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?" says the LORD; 'Shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?' says your God.'" No more restriction to the sound of God inside of you. Let the winds of God blow in and through you today. It's time for you to release the heartbeat of the King in the earth. Give birth to a new sound that you've never released before. Let it be heard through your life, your ministry, and your career. Let it be heard in your family and in your region. The earth is waiting for what you possess on the inside. It's time to rise up in His plans and purposes for your life. It's time for you to release the heartbeat of the King in the earth. Romans 8:19, "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." James 1:4 - "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." The Greek word patience can be translated endurance, constancy, or being constant regardless of circumstances. Faith is dependent on patience. Patience won't let faith quit. Patience is dependent on the decision to stay on the word regardless of what gets thrown against our lives. Affirmation: VICTORY IS ALREADY MINE "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." - 2 Corinthians 2:14 God ALWAYS leads us into victory. The promise is not that He will help us avoid challenges or difficulties or battles. Actually, it is just the opposite. He leads us into them so that we can enforce the victory that we already have been given in Christ and collect our spoils! Yes, there are giants in the land today. But, it is time for us to stop being intimidated, hiding on the sidelines, and running away like the army of Israel in 1 Samuel 17:23-24. It is time for us to arise and advance like David – knowing and declaring our God (1 Samuel 17:37,46-47). "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." - Joshua 3:5 QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:Will you be that one who consecrates themselves? Will you say yes? Will you look beyond the many things that are wrong and see the One who is righteous – the One who is well able to turn it all around? Will you offer Him your life anew this day – your heart, your voice, your faith? If so, this will be the Church's finest hour, and you will see great wonders in your midst. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Hi

Many Believers live in fear of the powers of darkness. Many are plagued by the spirit of suicide and death, discouragement and depression, sickness, lack, poverty, and failure. Many are caught in the vicious cycle of defeat, circling around the valleys of despair and can't seem to find their way out. Many have been oppressed by the enemy for a prolonged period of time. It's been many years and many seasons of great grief and loss. You've been under such a weight of the enemy you couldn't break the chains off. You've prayed, you've seen counselors, you've tithed, you've done everything you know to do and your strength is depleting. Some are plagued by consistent nightmares and bad dreams that leave you waking up in a cold sweat. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8 Declare that today is the day of your salvation and deliverance! Declare today a severance from every assignment of the enemy over your life! Freedom is now! Break every shackle and every chain now! "You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for FREEDOM DECLARATIONS: • In Christ, I have been made alive, raised together, and seated together in the heavenly places! you; And light will shine on your ways." - Job 22:28 • In Christ, I live on a higher plane and every power, principality, dominion, and throne is under my feet! • In Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I break every spirit of fear, failure, lack, poverty, sickness, diseases, suicide and death, depression and discouragement! You have to scatter and flee! • In Christ, every shackle and chain are broken and my spirit is free! • In Christ, today is my day of salvation and deliverance. Freedom is now! Freedom is mine! I take it back! • Fill me up Holy Spirit! From today onwards, I live in authority, truth, power, and victory. I will never be the same again! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Matthew 14:29,31 - "Come!" answered Jesus............ "You of little faith, he said, "why did you doubt?" WE SHOULD REPENT OF CARRYING THE IMAGE OF A SAVIOR WHO FAILS TO CONFRONT OUR SIN OR CHALLENGE OUR UNBELIEF. FOR SUCH IS A FALSE IMAGE OF GOD. IF WE WOULD GENUINELY KNOW HIM, WE MUST ACCEPT THIS TRUTH: JESUS CHRIST IS IRREVOCABLY COMMITTED TO OUR COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION! HE KNOWS THAT WHATEVER WE SETTLE FOR SPIRITUALLY WILL BE FAR SHORT OF HIS PROVISION. THUS, HE COMPELS US TOWARD DIFFICULTIES, FOR THEY COMPEL US TOWARD GOD; AND GOD COMPELS US TOWARD CHANGE. Affirmation: I LOOK THROUGH THE STORM UNTIL I SENSE HIS PRESENCE - UNTIL I HEAR HIS CONFIDENT VOICE, "TAKE COURAGE, IT IS I." Mark 13:31 - "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." GOD IS NOT AN UNCERTAIN GOD. HE KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS TO DO. HE KNOWS THAT HE'S BROUGHT DELIVERANCE TO US THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. GOD KNOWS THAT THE NAME OF JESUS CAN CHANGE ANY SITUATION. HE KNOWS THAT THE BLOOD HAS ALREADY DELIVERED US FROM SICKNESS, POVERTY, AND ALL THE CURSE OF THE LAW. GOD KNOWS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US THE VICTORY. Affirmations: I REFUSE TO WALK IN UNCERTAINTY. I MAKE UP MY MIND THAT THE BIBLE IS TRUE AND THAT I SHALL LIVE BY A LIFESTYLE OF FAITH. First John 5:1 says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." Being born of God entitles us to citizenship in the kingdom of God. In Luke 12:32, Jesus said,"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Fathers' good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Realizing that we have right-standing with God causes us to expect results when we pray. We put faith and confidence in our right-standing with God--not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us. We have a right to expect God to answer. We have not prayed in our name, we have prayed in Jesus' Name. His righteousness (right-standing with God) is ours! With a reality of being the righteousness of God, we expect God's Word to be true and we plan for success. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

2 Timothy 2:8 - 'Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that He was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead.' You may be barren now. Some seasons that we go through are seemingly filled with desolation, but take comfort in knowing that every season has a time frame and a devine seed. God is alerting us to raise our expectancy. Our expectancy will become our spiritual currency to allow transactions with heaven. Affirmations: I REMEMBER THAT WHEN JESUS AROSE, I AROSE. WHEN HE CAME OUT OF HELL AND DEFEATED THE ENEMY, I CAME OUT OF HELL AND DEFEATED THE ENEMY. HIS VICTORY IS MY VICTORY BECAUSE I AM IN HIM. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Romans 4:21 - "And being fully persuaded, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform." RELIGIOUS FLESH IS OCCUPIED WITH PRETENDING TO BE (OR LOOK) GOOD. THE SOUL THAT IS LED BY THE SPIRIT HAS ITS FOCUS UPON THE GREATNESS OF GOD, BELIEVING THAT WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED, HE IS ABLE ALSO TO PERFORM. Song of Solomon 1:5 - 'I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.' THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE OF THE GRACE OF GOD WOULD NOT COME FROM HIM IF IT DID NOT GIVE YOU A CLEAR VIEW OF YOUR MISERABLE STATE APART FROM HIM. AS YOU COME OUT OF THE CHAMBERS OF YOUR KING (JESUS) YOU DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE BLACK. WHAT MAKES YOU BLACK? SUDDENLY YOU SEE ALL YOUR FAULTS BY THE LIGHT OF GOD. NOW YOU SEE THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CLEANSED FROM YOURSELF. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1 John 5:4 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." THE WORD "WORLD" IS THE GREEK WORD "KOSMOS" WHICH ALWAYS REFERS TO AN ORDERED SYSTEM OF THINGS SUCH AS SOCIETY OR CULTURE. SO WHEN JOHN WRITES THAT WE HAVE A "VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD," HE IS ACTUALLY SAYING, "WE HAVE A VICTORY THAT OVERCOMES, MASTERS, AND CHAMPIONS ITSELF EVEN OVER THE ORDER OF THINGS FOUND IN THE WORLD." THE WORD "OVERCOMETH" IS THE GREEK WORD "NIKOS" WHICH TELLS US THAT WHEN WE BEGIN THE WALK OF FAITH, WE ENTER INTO A REAL-LIFE COMPETITION. OUR FAITH PUTS US IN DIRECT OPPOSITION TO THE DEVIL'S POWERS. THE APOSTLE PAUL SAID HE WAS "CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED" (2 CORINTHIANS 4:9). ONE TRANSLATION SAYS, "WE OCCASIONALLY GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT NEVER GET KNOCKED OUT!" THOSE WHO ARE BORN OF GOD HAVE THE SUPERNATURAL ABILITY TO KEEP GETTING UP AGAIN, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY FALL! JOHN USES THE WORD NIKOS TO DESCRIBE OUR SUPERIOR POSITION AS CHILDREN OF GOD OVER THE WORLD SYSTEM. WE ARE FULLY ARMED WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED TO BE SUPER-CONQUERORS IN THIS LIFE. Matthew 6:31 - "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" IN ORDER TO NOT TAKE THOUGHT ABOUT ONE THING, ONE HAS TO FILL HIS THOUGHTS WITH SOMETHING ELSE. IN VERSE 31, JESUS GAVE US THE BASIC KEY TO CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHT LIVES. HE SAID "TAKE NO THOUGHT - SAYING." BY PUTTING A THOUGHT IN OUR MOUTH AND THEN SPEAKING IT, WE TAKE THAT THOUGHT. ONCE THE THOUGHT BECOMES SPOKEN WORDS, IT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED - ESPECIALLY WHEN A BORN AGAIN BELIEVER TAKES A THOUGHT AND SAYS IT. WE ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. WE HAVE THE GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO SPEAK AND EXPECT. Revelation 3:17 - "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Affirmations: I AM A "NEW WINESKIN," CLEANSED, EMPTIED AND CAPABLE OF EXPANDING WITH THE NEW WINE. MY HEART IS A CONTAINER INTO WHICH THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS POURED. I SWELL WITH CHRIST'S INNER FULLNESS. THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE IS TO CONTAIN THE FRUIT AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I AM DESPERATE IN MY SEARCH AND HUNGER FOR GOD! Galatians 4:19 - "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Isaiah 66:2 - "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." THE HEBREW WORD FOR LOOK IS "NABAT" WHICH MEANS TO REGARD, PAY ATTENTION TO, OR TO ESTEEM. THE ONE WHO GETS GOD'S FAVORABLE ATTENTION IS POOR OR HUMBLE. HUMILITY IS NOT BEING WEAK, WIMPY OR SPINELESS. IN FACT OFTEN THE TRULY HUMBLE ARE MISTAKEN FOR ACTING ARROGANT. DAVID WAS ACCUSED OF BEING ARROGANT AND FULL OF PRIDE BY HIS OLDER BROTHER, ELIAB, WHO HAD BEEN REJECTED BY GOD FOR THE VERY THING HE ACCUSED DAVID OF (1 SAMUEL 17:26,28). BUT GOD CALLED DAVID A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART. A HUMBLE PERSON IS UTTERLY DEPENDANT ON GOD. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT HIM. THUS, THEY SEEK HIS DESIRE AND WILL IN EVERYTHING. CONTRITENESS IS LIKENED TO BROKENNESS. TO BE BROKEN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WEAKNESS, BUT WITH SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY. Psalm 51:16,17 - "For you do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise." Romans 8:33 -- "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." Mark 15:3 -- "And the chief priest accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing." Why didn't Jesus defend Himself? The reason: to remain under His Father's judgment and thus His protection. When we refuse to defend ourselves we are hidden under the hand of God's grace and judgment. There is no safer place. In contrast, those who defend themselves come under the jurisdiction of their accusers and their judgment, and thus they forfeit divine intervention. The moment I justify and defend myself I yield to my accuser as judge. I forfeit my spiritual right of protection, for He (my accuser) rises above me in the realm of the spirit as I answer His criticism. His influence is elevated by my self-defense. By attempting to prove my innocence, I am at the mercy of my accuser. 1 Peter 2:23 -- "He (Jesus) did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." We start out in simple faith, trusting Him regardless of the circumstances. Then God makes a way when there is no way. We possess our promised land (seeJoshua 6:1-5) with step by step obedience. When you come up against your spiritual Jerichos, you've got to have the Word of God in your heart. Without it, marching around Jericho won't so any good. But with the Word in your heart in your mouth, you can march around impossible barriers declaring God's Word. Those walls have to come down. VICTORY DECLARATIONS: In all things, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves me. - Romans 8:37 God always promises me the victory in every circumstance. - 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thanks be to God who always causes me to triumph in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 2:14 I take possession of what belongs to me in Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Matthew 1:21 - "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save His people from their sins." Of all the names that the heavenly Father could have given His Son, it is most significant that He chose the name "Jesus," for Jesus is the Greek form of "Joshua," who was the Hebrew general who led the people into warfare. To be prepared for greater victories, we need a greater revelation of Jesus Christ; we need to see him as a Holy warrior, dressed for battle. Isaiah 42:13 - "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies." Matthew 12:35 - "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Affirmations: BEFORE I FRAME MY WORLD THE WAY I WANT TO HAVE IT FRAMED I KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SCRAPE OFF SOME OF THE OLD WAYS OF THINKING, BELIEVING, AND SPEAKING WHICH HAVE BEEN LIMITING MY PROGRESS. I CONFESS TODAY THAT I YIELD MY HEART TO GOD'S WORD SO THAT RIGHT THINKING, RIGHT BELIEVING, AND RIGHT SPEAKING BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE FOR ME. Hebrews 3:1 - "Therefore, holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession." "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God." - 1 Peter 4:11 NIV One of the greatest revelations of the New Testament is that Christ dwells within His people who live on the earth. That is why they are called the Body of Christ. We actually become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the earth, but we also become His mouth. God speaks prophetically through His people. "...the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you..." (Romans 8:11 AMP). We speak as God's earthly representatives. By releasing the voice of the Lord through the power of the spoken word, we can decree a thing and it will come to pass. It will happen. And it's all done by speaking words of faith. "You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God's favor] shall shine upon your ways." - Job 22:28AMP ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Psalm 42:11 - "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: For I shall yet praise Him." DAVID BEGAN TO SELF-TALK WHEN HE FELT DISCOURAGEMENT COME UPON HIM. Observation: I CAN SPEAK TO MY EMOTIONS AND TAKE CONTROL OF THEM BY TELLING MY INNER MAN TO HOPE IN GOD. HOPE WORKS AGAINST DISCOURAGEMENT AND DESPAIR, SO WHEN I SPEAK THE "WORD" TO MY SPIRIT, I AM STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED BY GOD. John 19:30 - "When Jesus therefore, had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished': and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." AT THAT, JESUS' DISCIPLES, LOOKING TO THEIR OWN LIMITATIONS AND THE SEEMING HOPELESSNESS OF THEIR SITUATION, SCATTERED. THEY HID THEMSELVES. THEY WEREN'T THINKING ABOUT JESUS' PROMISE: THEY WERE THINKING ONLY ABOUT HOW POWERLESS, HELPLESS, AND AFRAID THEY FELT WITHOUT HIM. Observation: IF THE DEVIL CAN GET ME TO CONSIDER WHAT I PERCEIVE AS A LIMITATION OF MY BODY, MY MIND, OR MY FINANCES - HE WILL DEFEAT ME. BUT IF GOD CAN GET ME TO TAKE ONE STEP BEYOND MY OWN LIMITS, HE WILL GIVE ME THE VICTORY. I WILL TAP INTO HIS POWER THAT HAS NO LIMITS, AND I WILL SOAR TO HEIGHTS OF VICTORY AND SUCCESS THAT I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. John 3:3 - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again." We must know by revelation that we are not struggling to get up into heaven; rather that we were born there in spiritual rebirth. Psalm 110:1,2 - The Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), "Sit at My right hand until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes." Ephesians 2:6 - "and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" We have been raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is why the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us that the worship of God is our first response in battle. Affirmations: I POSITION MYSELF IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND SIT AT REST IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT CHRIST HAS ALREADY MADE MY ENEMIES THE FOOTSTOOL FOR MY FEET. AS I REST IN HIS VICTORY I RULE IN THE MIDST OF MY ENEMIES. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance fo things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The verse does not say that faith is the evidence of things that do not exist. God says what He has promised is already a reality. Yet it won't become a manifested reality in my life until I believe it is real before I see it -- through fully trusting Him and His word. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the pulling down of strongholds". What men call "salvation" is simply the first stage of God's plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Chfrist. If we fail to see our relationship to God as such, we will allow old ways of thinking (strongholds) to remain unchanged. Affirmations: GOD'S WORD IS STRONGER THAN ANY STRONGHOLD! THE WORD OF GOD CAN BECOME THE STRONG TOWER IN MY LIFE THAT CAN DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS. THE LORD THROUGH HIS WORD CAN PUSH OUT THAT SATANIC FORCE THAT'S BEEN HOLDING ME CAPTIVE. I FIND THE WORD OF GOD THAT APPLIES TO MY STRONGHOLD AND SATURATE MYSELF IN IT BY: AFFIRMING IT FREQUENTLY, MEDITATING ON IT AND SEEING MYSELF COMPLETE IN THE WORD AS I GO THROUGHOUT THE DAY. I THANK GOD THAT THE STRONGHOLD HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED AS I CAST DOWN ANY WRONG THOUGHTS. Song of Solomon 4:4 - "Your neck is like the tower of David, built up with bulwarks, a thousand shields hang upon it, all the armor of the mighty men." THE WEAKER YOU ARE IN YOURSELF, THE STRONGER YOU ARE IN GOD. THE NECK IS THE STRENGTH OF THE SOUL. HERE THE NECK IS COMPARED TO THE TOWER OF DAVID BECAUSE YOUR ONLY TRUE STRENGTH IS IN GOD. DAVID REPRESENTS THE HOUSE OF JESUS CHRIST. THE BULWARKS THAT SURROUND YOU ARE BUILT WITH THE TOTAL ABANDONMENT THAT YOU HAVE TOWARD YOUR LORD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Philippians 1:28 - "Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be corageous, 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 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT, IT IS THE ABSENCE OF INNER CONFLICT. Romans 8:6 - "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruilt of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" UNDERSTANDING OUR SPECIFIC CALLING Ephesians 1:4 - "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love." MAN IS CALLED TO REST IN GOD, BUT WE MUST ALSO LABOR WITH GOD. IN THIS LABOR, WE MUST FIND WHAT HE CREATED US TO DO. GOD WHO IS SO PARTICULAR AND SPECIFIC KNEW WHAT HE WAS CREATING US FOR BEFORE THE WORLD WAS EVEN CREATED. WE EACH HAVE A VERY SPECIFIC JOB TO DO - A VERY SPECIFIC CALLING. WE WILL NEVER KNOW A TRUE PEACE AND FULFILLMENT IN OUR HEARTS UNTIL WE ARE DOING OUR CALLINGS. THE PEACE OF CHRIST IN OUR SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE Colossians 3:15 - "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts to which as members of Christs one body you were also called to live. And be thankful, giving praise to God always." IF WE ARE IRRITATED AND UPSET ABOUT THINGS IN OUR LIFE IT IS VERY HARD TO RECEIVE QUIET GUIDANCE FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. SOMETIMES A CERTAIN ACTION IS IN QUESTION; SO WE LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST BE OUR GUIDE. THROUGH THE SUBTLE INWARD WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HE GUIDES US TO THE ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE. Revelation 4:6 - "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal." The source of God's Peace is God Himself. 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. 2 Peter 3:14 - "With this to look forward to, do your utmost to be found at peace with Him, unblemished and above reproach in his sight." CHALLENGED AND CHANGED We want a peace that temporarily comforts and coddles because we do not like to be challenged or changed. The peace that flows into us from the Lord satisfies the soul with full assurance that he is still for us, even as we are being taken through fire -- in which we can be changed into His likeness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Galatians 5:16 - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh." Affirmations: I AM DEVELOPING MY OWN HUMAN SPIRIT, AND I AM BECOMING MORE SENSITIVE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD. I HAVE ACCEPTED THE CALL OF GOD TO LEAVE THE LOW LIFE BEHIND, AND I AM FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO A HIGHER REALM, WHERE I WILL LIVE IN CONTINUAL PEACE, JOY, AND VICTORY. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Galatians 5:16 - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh." He has put an unlimited potential within us by His Spirit. Don't think about what you can't do. Think about what you can do through Christ. Exercising faith to fulfill your call will always result in permanent spiritual results - "fruit which remains" measured by the lives you have dramatically changed. Affirmations: I AM DEVELOPING MY OWN HUMAN SPIRIT, AND I AM BECOMING MORE SENSITIVE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD. I HAVE ACCEPTED THE CALL OF GOD TO LEAVE THE LOW LIFE BEHIND, AND I AM FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO A HIGHER REALM, WHERE I WILL LIVE IN CONTINUAL PEACE, JOY, AND VICTORY. Luke 18:9 - "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others." Like all expeditions, my journey starts with a departure. Long before I ever arrive at holiness, I must depart from self-righteousness and pride. Romans 6:18 - "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Affirmations: SINCE I HAVE GIVEN MY LIFE TO JESUS, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD HAS BEEN IMPARTED TO ME. BECAUSE THROUGH JESUS, I RECEIVED GOD'S NATURE. SIN AND THE DOMINION OF SATAN CANNOT HAVE AUTHORITY OVER ME BECAUSE JESUS IS MY LORD. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1. What is the primary purpose for developing a righteousness consciousness? Answer: It is so that we will respond to life as much like Jesus as possible. We have been predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." - Matthew 5:20 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 2. How is Jesus able to do only that which He saw the father do and say what He heard the father say? Answer: Because of His awareness of the presence of God within Him; Jesus walked in holiness; Jesus nurtured His holiness through continual fellowship with His Father. "After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." - Matthew 14:23 "Truly, truly, I say to you, 'the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, these things the son also does in like manner. For Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes." - Matthew 5:19,21 "I and the Father are one." - John 10:30 3. What are some of the benefits of personal fellowship with God? Answer: Fellowship will cause us to know God and to think and respond the way He does. Fellowship purges us: causes holiness. "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." -John 17:21 "For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." - 2 Peter 1:4 "Since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh." - Hebrews 10:19,20 4. What is true holiness? Holiness is conduct that is in line with God's standards. "For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ." - Colossians 2:9,10 "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." -Romans 8:29 "Leaving your former way of life, you must lay aside that old human nature which, deluded by its lusts, is sinking towards death. You must be made new in mind and spirit, and put on the new nature of God's creating, which shows itself in the just and devout life called for by the truth." - Ephesians 4:22-24 5. List at least two benefits to having a righteousness consciousness? Answers: Will cause us to love others; Will cause us to refuse to participate in anything which serves Satan; Motivates our every action and thought to glorify God. "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him." - John 14:21 "...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." -John 15:2,3 INTO ACTION: Affirm and meditate on the indicated scriptures several times daily until the renewing of your mind is made real to your spirit. AFFIRMTIONS: I bring forth much fruit because I abide in Jesus. The fruit I bear is through Christ only. (John 15.5) I am holy since I am in Christ Jesus and Jesus is in God and God is holy.(Leviticus 20:7) I hold fast to the confession of my faith since God is faithful to perform His word. (Hebrews 10:23) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but only one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." Our lives cannot be like "teeter-totters" that shift one way, then go the other way. We have a DESTINY! Divine focus is an essential element that steers us like the rudder does a ship into the place of consistent lives before His Presence. Imagine a ship that is constantly going off course. It may get back on course over and over again but so much time is wasted. That is why Paul tells us to run the race "to win". There is a way that we run that causes us to have victory. It is not enough to be on the course, we must be ON course the entire way. To the level that we maintain our FOCUS, we will also maintain consistency establishing the Throne of God in the earth through that CALLING of God on our life. Affirmations: I MUST OBTAIN THE PRIZE. I MUST FULFILL THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH I WAS BORN. I MUST ACHIEVE THE PLAN OF GOD FOR MY LIFE. Romans 8:37 - "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Affirmations: I EXPECT TO CONQUER AND MASTER ANY OBSTACLE I FACE TODAY. JESUS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. I NEVER SAY ANYTHING I DON’T WANT SATAN TO BELIEVE. Romans 5:3,4 - "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope." Jesus did not come to deliver us from our problems, but from ourselves. He did not come to change our circumstances - He came to change us. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

2 Timothy 2:8 - "Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that He was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead." AFFIRMATIONS: I remember that when jesus arose, I arose. When He came out of hell and defeated the enemy, I came out of hell and defeated the enemy. His victory is my victory because I am in Him. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Romans 4:21 - "And being fully persuaded, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform." Religious flesh is occupied with pretending to be (or look) good. The soul that is led by the spirit has its focus upon the greatness of God, believing that what God as promised, He is able also to perform. Song of Solomon 1:5 - " I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." The greatest experience of the grace of God would not come from Him if it did not give you a clear view of your miserable state apart from Him. As you come out of the chambers of your King (Jesus) you discover that you are black. What makes you black? Suddenly you see all your faults by the light of God. Now you see that you have not been cleansed from yourself. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 15:5 - "I am the vine; your are the branches......apart from Me you can do nothing." We were born to consult God to find out His PURPOSE for our lives so that we can discover our vision. Revelation 1:8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega." God is not only the Author of our vision, but also our continuing Support as we progress toward its fulfillment. Prayer is what keeps us connected to the Vision-Giver. Prayer is where we receive the ability to continue the fight. Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." When you have been pressed, ciriticized, and opposed, you can become weak in faith. When people attack your dream, you go to God. You don't try to explain and give an answer for everything because you can't explain anything to critics. Their motives are already contaminated, and they'll use your words against you. Through prayer, God encourages us to get back out in the fight of faith. Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation - who shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Affirmations: SINCE I STAY CONNECTED TO GOD FOR THE RENEWAL OF MY PURPOSE, FAITH, AND STRENGTH -- I PERSEVERE TO VICTORY. I BASE MY PRAYERS ON GOD'S WORD TO BRING ME THROUGH DIFFICULTIES AND GIVE ME THE VICTORY THAT IS MINE. I STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD SO THAT I AM NOURISHED IN BOTH LIFE AND VISION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

The Church will begin to take on more of a "military mentality" in the coming times. We are called to be an army, and in many ways we will start to reflect this in a much more serious and focused demeanor in the leadership and the people. There is something about conflict that does focus our senses. We have been in a war against darkness of the most desperate kind for the whole history of the Church, but not all seem to understand this or live as they would if they did understand it. This, too, will be changing as more of God's people come to this understanding. It is important that we keep in mind that the greatest warriors are also the greatest worshippers, just as we see with King David. These two go together, and if they did not, the hardship of battle could produce some very unchristian behavior in Christians. We will not be able to take the intensity of conflict and battle without being hardened--if we are not continually softened by worship. A DIFFERENT KIND OF WAR Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkenss of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." We are also in the most different kind of war. We are fighting to save people, not kill or wound them. We are actually fighting to help free and save many of the very ones who will be used to attack us. We are not warring against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces that are using them. We must keep, not only a softer attitude toward people, but we must love our enemies. We love our enemies because we are fighting for them, not against them. This truth requires a higher vision, a higher reality, than just looking at things in the natural. We must have our spiritual eyes open to see and live another reality. Therefore, the great call of these times is to fulfill II Timothy 2:3-4: "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the One who enlisted him as a soldier." A soldier does not enlist for a vacation. Though many may have become Christians because of a promise of health, wealth, or the solutions to their problems, true soldiers have enlisted with the very real commitment to be willing to go into harm's way, and if necessary, pay the ultimate price for their cause. True soldiers of Christ go even further, resolving to die every day to this world so that they live for the sake of the Gospel. True Christianity is a life of sacrifice. As we are told in Matthew 16:25: "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." THE ULTIMATE FREEDOM It is true that when we lay down our lives daily for the sake of the Gospel we find a fulfillment in life, peace, and joy in a way that is incomprehensible to those who do not know Him. There is no greater liberty that we could ever know than to be Christ's slave. To walk in the courage that it takes to be a soldier of the Cross is the path to the ultimate freedom--the freedom from fear. If we have died to this world, then there is nothing this world can do to us. One who is dead does not fear rejection, failure, or anything else. The paradox is that being a soldier of the Cross is at once the hardest thing we could ever do and the easiest life we could ever live. Even so, true soldiers do not serve for the rewards or benefits, but because it is the right thing to do. The Lord is worthy of this devotion. We were bought with the ultimate price, His own life, and we now belong to Him. As Paul wrote in I Corinthians 7:35, "And this I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly, and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord." BE PREPARED FOR PERSECUTION A factor we must prepare for is that the brighter the light of the Church becomes, the more threatened those living and loving the darkness will become, and the more they will attack her. Christians who are not prepared for persecution are not prepared. Like it or not, the brighter our light becomes, the stronger we become, and the more we will have to fight. Even so, there can be no victory without a battle, and the bigger the battle, the bigger the victory will be. We also have the great encouragement that we are on the side that cannot lose if we remain faithful. Affirmations: LIKE KING DAVID I MAKE WORSHIP MY DAILY TOP PRIORITY. I DIE TO THE WORD EVERY DAY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL. EVERY DAY AND IN EVERY WAY GOD IS OPENING THE EYES OF MY UNDERSTANDING TO SEE INTO THE HEAVENLY SPIRITUAL REALITY. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Jesus' friends will draw close to His chest to hear His very heart beat. The lifestyle of the believer that is marked with an intimate life with Christ is available to you. Jesus is looking for new recruits who will hear the passionate sound of His love beating through their beings. Do you want to lean your ear His way? Due to circumstances and worldly interaction we develop hiding places behind defensive mindsets that block us from the revelatory voice of God. Obstructions to fellowship and intimacy with the Lover of our souls effectively shield us from God's approaching presence. These obstructions consist of barriers we hide behind which are: THE DITCH OF GUILTY FEELINGS The hiding place of guilt is the breeding ground for condemnation, accusation and other ugly attitudes. But all these can be avoided through old-fashioned confession of sin and cleansing by the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." - John 10:10 THERE ARE VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF GUILT: Real guilt due to real sin; Exaggerated guilt due to the combination of real sin and, The work of "the accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10); and, False guilt as a result of the voice of the destroyer, releasing condemning, lying spirits (1 Kings 22:21–23; John 8:44; 10:10). All these forms of guilt are very real in the realm of our emotions. The cure is simple and direct. First John 1:7 gives us the remedy: "If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." Step into the light. That is where we find cleansing. So we climb out of the ditch and run to the light of God's Word. "The truth will make you free" (John 8:32). Forgiveness, cleansing and healing love are waiting for us there. THE MASQUERADE OF HURTS FROM THE PAST Deep-seated hurts from the past hides us from the love of God and keeps us from intimacy with Him. Religious people wear masks quite well, pretending all is well with their souls while holding the Lord, the very Lover of their lives, at arm's length. We become pretenders, masquerading in the parade of hypocritical "churchianity". But the real Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set at liberty those who are bruised(Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18–19). Jesus is our Healer. We must take off our masks and let Him dig deep at times, touching the very source of our pain. Let Him probe and even pierce through the festering wounds to allow the light of His unchanging love to penetrate our being. Expose it to the light -- Surrender -- Forgive -- Sow blessings to others instead. This is the way out of the masquerade – remaining open-faced before God, releasing mercy and forgiveness for hurts from the past and letting Him do the same. THE ONLOOKER'S BENCH OF FEAR At times our woundedness – made more raw by the taunts of the enemy – keeps us on the bench looking on while others are enjoying being in the middle of the game. We become cautious observers afraid to run onto the playing field. What will I look like if I do this? What will others think of me? How well will I perform? But if we allow ourselves to be held back by the fear of rejection or the fear of authority or the opinions of others, eventually we will become people-pleasers, strangled by the anticipation of their opinions. Fear can paralyze us while authentic faith propels us forward. So trade in those fears and exchange them at the Cross (Isaiah 8:12–13). Be bold like a lion for Jesus' sake. Jump off the bench, tread on those spirits of intimidation (Luke 10:19), and be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Truly, the remedy is our Father's great love. Bask in the light of His unfathomable devotion – what the King James Version calls lovingkindness. Soak in the reality that "if God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31). We were created in His image and for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). We are the object of His consuming love. THE STRONGHOLD OF IMPOSED LIMITATIONS In this stage we start believing the ridiculous lies of the devil about ourselves, and those lies become negative strongholds of the mind (2 Corinthians 10:4–6).Words not in alignment with the will and Word of God are transmitted from the enemy's camp to attack our minds. Their effect is to confine us in spaces with low ceilings and false expectations. As we believe those evil reports or actual word curses spoken against us as "the way it will always be," we are shut into cramped, dark boxes. A spiritual stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes us to accept as unchangeable situations that we know are contrary to the will of God. As we acknowledge as hopeless what God declares is changeable, we have come into alignment, at least in part, with the devil's thought processes and plans for us -- we go way past the realms of guilt, woundedness, fear, and criticism. We no longer want to step out into the light. We doubt that He accepts us, loves us or has any plan for us; not even a Plan B. We need to know that there are times we will have to wage war with the name and Blood of Jesus to break out of our box of imposed limitations. But there is a way out. The gateway is the finished work of the Cross of our lovely Lord Jesus! TIME ALONE WITH JESUS God is asking us to RESTORE the altar of devotion as an inward response to His glory. The outward manifestation of such devotion will be fruit that will last for all eternity. The most profound experiences we have, take place in the inner sanctum of our hearts, where the Lord creates moments of holy intimacy with us in which we are forever changed. Jesus longs to hold each one of us in a personal face-to-face encounter. When we behold His face, we are enabled and motivated to become His hands reaching out to a hurting world. The birthing of multitudes is born out of the secret place. The secret place of Christ, the Bridegroom King, is where His inner gaze captivates our hearts and makes us lovesick, causing us to overflow from His love. Face-to-face is a place where we are enabled to trust God fully and to rely completely on His love. Time alone with Christ enables us to surrender in adoration to God's will. Seeking the heart of God is a precursor to the revelation of the living DESTINY He has prepared for us on earth and seeing His power manifest in our lives. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY