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  1. Luke 4 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” discussions on healing/deliverance?
  2. Several weeks ago the Monday morning study leader announced that the following week we would be starting a study on vengeance. To show that the carnal side of me still exists, I wrote this on my notepad, Coming up next week, Vengeance!, Yeah baby! I was messing around, as the first reaction I had, was to moan because every study is a fitful barrage of legalism. When that particular “study” ended, I turned to my friend and said, that wasn't all bad. The leader was giving an introduction, but he had already lost me, as I was looking up passages on vengeance. The first thing I came to was a passage in Leviticus. Leviticus 19:18 ISV "You are not to seek vengeance or hold a grudge against the descendants of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." The first thing I realized is that this is “the law,” and we, are not under the law; or, are we? If we are not under the law, then what do I do with this statement from the Apostle Paul? Romans 12:16-19 ISV Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are. 17) Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people. 18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people. 19) Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord." Wait a minute, Paul, the reformed Pharisee, and one of the most prominent advocates of grace; tells his audience of Jewish converts, and us, do not put yourself back under the bondage of the law. And yet, here it is. Nahum 1:2-3 AMPC The Lord is a jealous God and avenging; the Lord avenges, and He is full of wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and reserves wrath for His enemies. [Exodus 20:5] 3) The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and will by no means clear the guilty. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. [Exodus 34:6-7] There are many scriptural illustrations that Paul could have pulled from, but Nahum conveys the idea of vengeance well. If Paul could be comfortable drawing examples from the “law” while speaking of those same laws as a return to bondage, then your spirit should be telling you that there is something more involved in this idea of bondage than mere constraints put on us by God. The “laws,” such as, love your neighbor as yourselves, are, at the very least, a better way of living; And, they are the very thing that keeps us out of God's way, as we focus on the positive rather than our hidden agenda of supplanting God by dishing out vengeance and judgment. So then, even the New Testament conveys constraints that parallel the law. I have mentioned, many times, how we live under the perfect law of liberty. James 2:10-12 NASB For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11) For He who said, "DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," also said, "DO NOT COMMIT MURDER." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12) So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. James is also the one who tells us that we are blessed when we walk in this law. James 1:25 NASB But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. We then, do not have the freedom to seek vengeance, nor are we entirely free from the God's law. As the morning's study progressed a brash statement was made, when we get to heaven, you will not find a Pharisee there as they will all be in hell. A quick inventory in my head put me in remembrance of Nicodemus, Simon of Arimathea, and the Apostle Paul, all of which, were prominent Pharisees who displayed a love of Jesus Christ. Several minutes passed and I raised my hand. When the leader finally acknowledged me, I said, as a recovering Pharisee who struggles with judgment I want to share a story with you. At this point, I told them about a stepson who had inappropriately taken one of my handguns into the backyard to show a friend of his. You need to understand that there had been a series of events that ended with a stolen bicycle, and this young man in my backyard had played a role in that. I that moment, with them fondling my revolver, I merely held out a hand, and my stepson placed the gun in my hand. I simply said, had you asked me I would have taken you to the range and taught you how to respect the weapon and shoot it, but since you chose to go behind my back you have lost that opportunity. I began that day to pray that God would remove bad influences from my stepson's life. Two weeks later, the other boy shot himself in the head while playing Russian roulette. The important thing was I merely asked God to intervene, but I did not try to tell Him what to do about it. I remind you of Romans 12:19 which says, 19) Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord." I don't know how I did it because I was angry in the days that preceded that young mans death. I was the one who walked my son into the police station and made him “return” this obviously stolen bicycle, and this entire process was laden with humiliation and fear for both of us, but it worked out, as they apparently realized that my actions had ingrained a serious lesson in my son. Once again look at what James has to say. James 2:12-13 NASB So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13) For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Pay close attention to verse 13 where it says, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.” I my story above I feel like I did it right. I feel no blame for the young man, but I grieved with his father who explained how they had seen unusual patterns beginning to develop. I can assure you that there were multiple times that I did not get this right, and here is one. Having been raised in the church, I was severely wounded by a few sarcastic church elders. I carried their wounds most of my life. Did they always occupy my mind? No, but a string of events that I can relate to codependency, seemed to bring their brutal tongues to the forefront of my thinking. The bottom line here is that in my mind I hated them and wanted them to suffer slow, prolonged, and painful torture, for what they did. When you think about the logic in all this, you can see that this pain I believed I inflicted upon them, and the chains I held them in, was all in my head. That means I gave them too much free space in my head. And never, were they aware of this bondage I held them in. During the time involved, I had to maintain the chains, keeping the rust off those chains by oiling them. All this maintenance cost me a tremendous amount of time and energy. Sadly, I felt justified in all this. Primarily I learned I needed to forgive them. Yes, I needed to forgive; the problem is, I had no idea of what to do. Oh sure, mother had her designs, which amounted to letting people continue to slap you until you are spinning, but that was not going to work for me either (anymore.) Thankfully there was a day when a prophetic woman stopped me and said, you have to forgive those men who hurt you! I responded with, alright, but how? She said, it's simple, you merely release them from the debts you think they owe you. To be honest, it only took me a couple of days to realize that I was having no impact on them and that my efforts were simply me, judging them. After, what seemed like a lifetime I released them from the bondage that I felt they owed me. Quickly, I began doing that with ex-wives and others that had offended me. I have, over time, told these truths to others, only to have them say its hard to forgive! I responded briskly with, no, it's not. The only difficult part is you letting go of the imaginary control you think you have. You see, when we set ourselves up as judges and put people into the prison of our minds, we have set ourselves up as God. We have supplanted God and tried to take over His job. In doing this, we have set up our own fates, which James spells out. James 2:12-13 NASB So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13) For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Since we are not under the law, and yet have an almost identical command in the New Testament, then let's try one more and see if we can find the freedom in it. Deuteronomy 32:35 CJB Vengeance and payback are mine for the time when their foot slips; for the day of their calamity is coming soon, their doom is rushing upon them.' On one hand, this tells us that all vengeance belongs to God, while on the other hand it speaks to payback, which is His also. Their day will come, whether they be religious or ungodly. I will show you Romans 12:19 once again. Romans 12:19 ISV Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord." By taking yourselves out of the judgment seat, you are putting these people back into God's hand. As the ISV translation says, leave room for God's wrath. Alright, there is time for just one more story. On a particular day, I was put in charge of the office where I was outnumbered by women who had taught us men, how to install and repair pay phones. A particular lady, who had a horrific case plantar fasciitis, whined incessantly about how she could not do the job. I suspect that I misread her that day, and thought that she was saying that she could not do the added dimension of installing the wiring. I asked her to stay in the office for a moment and proceeded to tell her, in my most Pharisaical tone, that as a Christian I was ashamed of her because, we, as believers, can do all things through Christ. The short of it, within about six months my judgment came back on me, and I found myself ashamed of my actions. I don't know what became of her, but I lost everything dear to me. So, I understand how this works, and you don't want to get into the judgment game. As an addendum: 4/16/18 Monday morning's Men's study Opened with, "Vengeance, we are not to even have the thought!" Is this possible? Paul, in his letter to Timothy, wrote (2Timothy 4:14,15) 2 Timothy 4:14-15 AMPC Alexander the coppersmith did me great wrongs. The Lord will pay him back for his actions. 15) Beware of him yourself, for he opposed and resisted our message very strongly and exceedingly. 2 Timothy 4:15 GNB Be on your guard against him yourself, because he was violently opposed to our message. 2 Timothy 4:15 MSG Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he's got coming.
  3. Hey Friends! We haven't posted on here in a little while but I wanted to share some of our most recent articles with you. This article is titled Financial Freedom and was written by Nick to allow us to see that we don't have to live our entire lives tied to money! Nick and I have both experienced the stress and unhappiness that money can have on you, but we are here to tell you it doesn't have to be that way! We hope you enjoy! Be Blessed, Nick & Leah Financial Freedom Most people spend their entire lives in financial bondage. Money doesn’t have to rule your life, it’s time to break out of from its hold and find financial freedom! Money for most is a very touchy subject. It’s hard not to feel defensive about our funds when it feels like everywhere we turn someone is trying to lighten our wallets. It’s amazing when we stop to think about how much of our time and attention we give over to money. Either thinking of ways to earn it or ways to spend it. We quickly fall into a vicious cycle of wasting precious time chasing a dollar, only to spend it on things that we don’t even have time to use! The problem is that in reality, it’s not the money we desire but the false sense of security it brings or the momentary pleasure we gain from the things it buys. “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14 This wisdom from Ecclesiastes really speaks to the truth of our reality… all of life’s rewards are uncertain and ultimately unsatisfying. That is why to find true contentment we need a source of contentment that will ultimately satisfy. Jesus said in John Chapter 4 while speaking to the Samaritan woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Financial freedom isn’t found in learning how to better balance our checkbooks or with industry-leading secrets that can teach us how to hoard up our wealth. True financial freedom is found when we renew our minds and come to the source of living water that never runs dry. Overcome The Fear For some, the mere thought of money strikes fears into their hearts. With the thought of bills piling up and the feeling that you can never get ahead, it is hard not to worry about it. I myself lived paycheck to paycheck for years. As soon as I got paid the majority of my earnings were spent before that weekend was over. Besides all the money I wasted on alcohol, cigarettes and partying I was always blowing my money on things that I thought would bring me some sort of happiness. The funny thing is that the days spent in fear of over drafting my account each paycheck greatly outweighed the moments of delight I would find in the things I bought. Honestly at the time I was making lots of money, had very few bills or financial responsibilities and was single, but I still never had enough to keep up with my spending. When we live like this we quickly begin to drown in financial worries and burden. It corrupts not only our happiness but also the way we live our lives and our relationships. The fear of financial uncertainty is a heavy burden for anyone to carry. Fortunately, we don’t have to. We can never escape financial bondage by just trying to not spend money, it just doesn’t work, at least not in the long term. Have some people done this with success? Yes, of course, they have. Anyone can stop spending money but it isn’t a long-term solution. If we just stop spending money, instead of addressing the true issue, we don’t escape financial bondage, we just give it a new name and dress it in different clothes. Instead of spending all of our time worrying about making ends meet, we just find ourselves spending time wishing we didn’t have to pinch every penny as we dream of all the things we wish we could buy but can’t. To find true freedom we need to renew our minds and find contentment in the absence of “stuff”. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 If we turn toward Jesus and openly embrace His perfect love, fear has no place. Financial worry will fade away and through His word, we can begin to renew our minds and focus on finding contentment in Him. Overcome The Hold Renewing our understanding of the world and the role money has in our lives is a process. As we take time in prayer and in the word, we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Escaping the hold that money has on us is so important. Besides the fear and worrythat tags along with financial troubles, it also begins corrupt us in other ways. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” 1 Timothy 6:10 Most people have heard this scripture before and maybe some have heard it but didn’t even realize that it was scripture. I have heard this misquoted so many times as “money is the root of all evil”. That is not what the scripture is saying. The true emphasis here is on the love of money. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. For some, seeing this scripture might be a bit disheartening. Most of us don’t mind turning to God when we are in need… but can’t we live for this world too? The truth is we can’t. We have to choose because the two are in conflict with each other. Paul said in Galatians 5, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.” If we want to truly escape the hold that money has on us we need to turn away from it and turn toward Jesus. The good news is that if the two are in conflict with each other, you can be sure that when you truly surrender to the Lord there is no place for financial bondage. If the son sets you free you will be free indeed! Most of all it’s important to remember that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, not money itself. If we can overcome the fear that tags along with money and the hold it has on our lives, we can do something truly amazing. We can take the tool the enemy has been using to keep us in bondage and use it against him to build up God’s kingdom! Overcome The Need We have talked about overcoming the fear and the hold that money has on our lives, now it’s time to talk about overcoming the need. But as the two previous sections spoke to the process of obtaining financial freedom, this one speaks to the power of we have when we obtain that freedom. I’m not talking about overcoming our need for money. Unless you decide to start your own homestead, grow your own food, and make your own clothes, there’s going to be some need for it in your life. What I am talking about is our ability to use what the enemy intends for evil and purpose it for good; to use what God gives us to overcome the need in the world. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 We need to always keep the royal law found in scripture, love your neighbor as yourself on our hearts. God’s kingdom is a kingdom built onselflessness and service to others. A life lived in the bondage of the world is a selfish life full of wandering and disappointment. We all at one time have lived this way and everyone feels the emptiness this life leads to. It drives us to loneliness, unhappiness, depression, anxiety, addiction and it just gets darker and darker as we seek to find just a little fulfillment and joy among the gloom. It is also important to remember that most of us reading this article have way more than most of the world. Almost 50% of the world’s population lives on around $2 a day! That means if your household is bringing around $4,000 a month you are making 100 times as much money as 50% of the world’s population. Though not every household in the U.S. is making this much money, it’s still amazing to think about how people who are making that much are struggling to make ends meet. The only way to truly find financial freedom is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 We will never find financial freedom through pursuing more money or learning to “want less”. True freedom is found only through life in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Whoever drinks His water will never thirst! Indeed His water will become in you, a spring of water welling up to eternal life!
  4. There is a river of healing life which flows directly from the throne of God in Heaven. Its healing and restorative properties bring life to everything it touches and this river is designed by the Father to heal the nations. "Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal nations." Revelation 22:1-2 NLT This supernatural river with healing properties flows from the throne and needs to be released on the earth from the supernatural realm into the natural. We as individuals are the gateway through which this healing river is released. We already have access to everything we need to bring healing to the nations. As the world grows darker, people are desperate for a move of God to sweep the nations and bring restoration. The Father is going to light His Church with the baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit is going to move greatly in both corporate meetings and personal prayer life. Faithful prayer warriors are imperative for their role in birthing this fresh move of God by releasing the river of healing life into the atmosphere. JESUS SAID RIVERS WOULD FLOW THROUGH US Jesus said that out of our innermost being would flow rivers of living water. We are the temple of the living God and the wells of life are going to spring forth from our innermost being and bring an abundance of joy. "Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart." John 7:38 NLT Life flows through the heart as the Holy Spirit is engaged. It is the force of the Holy Spirit that will change the business as usual attitude and bring the shaking that is so desperately needed. There is going to be a shift from the programs and structures that have confined the Church from FREEDOM and SOAKING IN HIS PRESENCE. There is an urgency arising in the Body that every person prioritize their Kingdom CALLING. This is obedience to God. He is worthy of it all and what matters is that we are using everything that God has given us. "There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows." Ezekiel 47:9 NLT The river of healing life will spill out from prayer closets and buildings into communities, cities and even nations will be shaken. Where once there was restriction and lack, there will be abundance and overflow in lives and the land. People will come alive in the river. Healing evangelism will harvest throughout the nations of the world as the favor of God is released upon the earth in a new and mighty way. THE TIME IS NOW! Jesus is inviting His Bride into deeper intimacy with Him as Heaven releases a new song. It is time for business as usual to be shaken. It is time to let go of the programs and schedules that have confined the fire of God and move to the next level of abandonment in Christ. Brothers and sisters will rejoice for each other and with each other as they unite to see the Kingdom manifested here on earth. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  5. Mark 3:27 says, "No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house." One time, after Jesus had cast out a devil and healed a deaf and mute boy, He explained that in order to overturn the works and activity of the devil, we must bind him first. Again in the New Living Translation Bible: "For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house" (Matthew 12:29). Christ in you is the one who is stronger and able to overcome. This is not the only place where the Lord plainly described a man as a "house" or habitation of the evil one. In the same chapter, He speaks of the unclean spirit cast out and, finding no other habitation, says, "I will return to my house" (see Matthew 12:44) and because no other had taken his place, he is able to "enter and dwell there" (see Matthew 12:45) with seven others more evil than himself. The key to real freedom and overcoming the strongman is to displace the enemy and establish the presence of God. Where satan has been commanded to leave, fill it up with God's Word and presence through daily intimacy. Where the presence of the Lord is, the devil isn't! Satan doesn't want to hang around where people are lifting up Jesus in worship and prayer. The presence of the Lord displaces the devil. "For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). BIND THE PRINCIPALITIES OF DISEASE AND SICKNESS As II Corinthians 4:4 shows us, satan is the "god of this world." He is the strongman with power to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10) and he has the ultimate power of death (seeHebrews 2:14). The kingdoms of the world and their power and glory are the devil's (see Luke 4:5-6). Jesus has given us the ministry to binding and loosing what has already been bound and released in Heaven because of His finished work! "I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven" (Matthew 16:19). VICTORY OVER STRONG MEN Lofty arguments and opinions are the results of pride and evil and vain imaginations - the very strongholds in which demons reside. This then is the essence of demonic warfare -- the power of God to overcome the strongholds of demons. One way we can bind and weaken any demonic stronghold is by setting the captive free like Jesus and moving in our authority. While Jesus was here during His earthly ministry, He was freeing people from the devil by casting him out of them (see Luke 13:11-16; Mark 5:1-15; John 8:32-36). As we set the oppressed free, we weaken the strongman! We must remember,"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (II Corinthians 10:4). One of the greatest ways we can plunder the strongman's house and overcome the enemy's power is by understanding our true authority in Christ and how to resist the devil by submitting to God's promises. In I John 4:4, we're told that the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. II Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18, and James 4:7-8 show us the proper way to resist the devil and defeat his schemes through submitting to God. What is more amazing is that Jesus gives authority and power to us. "Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness" (Matthew 10:1). In overcoming demonic strongmen and strongholds, we must remember the importance of prayer and intercession -- coming together in agreement to bind the principalities of disease and sickness during mass prayer before loosing and declaring the healing power of God! And continue praying with other Believers against strongholds until you get results. There is intensified power in the gathering of more Believers. Prayer with fasting intensifies faith, and faith will break strongholds. "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast him out?' .....However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:19, 21). PREPARED FOR BATTLE We do not take on demonic strongholds in our own strength. We protect ourselves with the first five pieces of defensive armor and wield the one offensive weapon - the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In verses 12 and 13 of Ephesians 6, Paul writes, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  6. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the word of God." Notice that it does not say, faith comes from "having heard." The whole nature of faith implies a relationship with God that is current. The emphasis is on hearing.......in the now! Faith has its anchor in the unseen realm. It lives from the invisible toward the visible. Faith actualizes what it realizes. Faith 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. 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.Observation: IF I WANT TO KEEP ADVANCING MY FAITH, I HAVE TO BE PLANTED. I PLANT MYSELF IN A PLACE WHERE THE WORD IS PREVALENT AND THE PEOPLE AROUND ME ARE CONTINUALLY SPEAKING AND LIVING IT. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36 It says in the Word that the Lord cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:2). Although His "cutting away" process can be painful to our flesh, it is all for good. God is getting rid of the old wineskins and making room for the new. This can be a vulnerable process; often during times like this, the enemy tries to come in and deceive. Yet, just as it's written, "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." but the Lord has come so that we can have life more abundantly (John 10:10). Those God uses the most often endure the most intense time of pruning. However, it is so that they are prepared to carry the "more" that He is about to release upon them. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). It is vital to look beyond what we see in the natural, having absolute trust that the Lord will complete the good work that He started in us (Philippians 1:6). He tears down, but He also rebuilds (Job 12:14, Isaiah 61:4)Today is the day of new assignments and greater favor. If you are currently experiencing turbulence, just hold on. This will soon clear, for the Son is breaking forth and you will experience a new day! "...What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived -- the things God has prepared for those who love Him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9) Song of Solomon 2:10 - Behold, my beloved speaks to me and says, "Rise up, my love, my dove, my fair one, and come." GOD TURNS YOU WITHIN, TOWARD HIM, AND PREPARES YOU FOR UNION WITH HIM THROUGH HIS HOLY EMBRACE. THE BELOVED (JESUS) SPEAKS TO YOU AND INVITES YOU TO COME QUICKLY OUT OF YOURSELF. HE NO LONGER ASKS YOU TO REST, BUT COMMANDS YOU TO RISE UP. " I HAVE LED YOU DEEPLY WITHIN TO FIND ME; NOW I COME OUT AND ASK YOU TO FOLLOW ME OUT OF YOURSELF." THIS IS A CALL TO DEPART FROM YOUR SELF-NATURE. YOU MUST LOSE POSSESSION OF YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BE POSSESSED BY GOD ALONE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRYhttp://afministry.ning.com
  7. May 8th, 2016 My Beloved, Tell my Body of Christ that the time has come to put away foolish things of the old nature (I see Jesus with flames of fire in his eyes, sitting on a white horse). (He is next to the other horses yet he is giving the scales of judgement to the black horse rider) The time has come to get up the 'gears' (members of the body) to start moving in motion (Revival). Put away disputes over doctrine and denomination. I cannot work freely unless the Body of Christ is in one accord. Pick up the cross and deny yourselves daily! -Selah! *If u have any scriptures or experiences that back this up, let me know ASAP. Love u guys! Keep me in prayer!
  8. Genesis 21:10 - "Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." Freedom cannot abide in a slaves heart dominated by worldly desires and honors. Royal freedom of spirit attained in divine union has nothing to do with slavery. There are certain foundational attributes of servanthood and sacrifice that create a seedbed for the fragrance of Christ in our lives. Luke 22:26 - "Not so with you: on the contrary, the highest among you must bear himself like the youngest, the chief of you like a servant." Romans 5:5 - "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." The proof of love is the willingness to changeObservation: I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE SAME LOVE THAT COMPELLED JESUS TO GO TO THE CROSS. IT IS THE LOVE THAT COMPELS ME TO INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS. I PRAY FOR OTHERS TO RELEASE THEM FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE ENEMY. I PRAY FOR THEM SO THEY CAN COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. Romans 15:13 - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit." One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is JOY! One way you can know that you are communing with the Holy Spirit is when His love, joy, and peace begins to flood your heart. It is a supernatural result of your love for God in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 - "For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." There is a domino effect when we choose to live in sync with the Holy Spirit rather than following the fleshly mind. Faith and trust blossoms in the presence of God. When God is big in your life, you won't make molehills mountains and mountains molehills. You will magnify the Lord and rejoice in Him at all times. Be encouraged in your faith, believe God for greater, keep moving forward, and rejoice in His presence! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  9. Matthew 6:9-10 - "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Many people are confused about the will of God on earth, believing that it is fuzzy and vague. The will of God is simply this: "On earth as it is in heaven." When we pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done," we're praying for the King's dominion and will to be realized right here, right now. God has not kept His desires secret: He wants the reality of heaven to invade this rebel-torn world, to transform it, to bring it under His headship. What is free to operate in heaven - joy, peace, wisdom, health, wholeness, and all the other good promises we read about in the Bible - should be free to operate here on this planet, in your home, your church, your business, and your school. What is not free to operate there - sickness, disease, spiritual bondage, and sin - should not be free to operate here, period. Affirmations: I REALIZE THAT I AM PUT HERE TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. I EMBRACE THIS LIFE-TRANSFORMING UNDERSTANDING OF "NORMAL CHRISTIANITY". MY ASSIGNMENT AS A BELIEVER ON EARTH IS TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL. AS I MAKE THIS MY PRIMARY UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WILL, THE OTHER AREAS THAT TROUBLE ME SO MUCH WILL SEEM TO SORT THEMSELVES OUT. Ephesians, 3:16 in the Amplified reads, "May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His Glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit {Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]" We can live in the Fresh Anointing that brings strength to strength living in these times! The greater the challenges that arise to confront us, the greater the favor, grace, and power the Lord releases to and through us. In Psalm 92:10, "But my horn (emblem of excessive strength and stately grace) You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with Fresh OIL!" AMP John 8:36 - "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Loose yourself from all entanglements, soul ties, dead works, wrong relationships, wrongmind-sets. Be free from all false expectations, man's expectations, religious expectations; every expectation that does not come from the hope and expectancy that He gives to you. So you must be emptied of all the things that hold you in the earthly realm, repent and turn away from those things that break His heart. Set your priorities in order for He is taking you into another realm of your faith walk. You are going from Faith to Faith and Glory to Glory. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
  10. From The Voice Of The Martyrs.... In Muslim nations today, speaking on a religious subject considered to be contrary to Islam can mean death. Ironically, Muslim worshipers face a death penalty themselves. The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is spiritual death. Apart from Christ, everyone faces eternal death. Thankfully, however, Christ has paid the death penalty for all who believe, even Muslims. Jesus Christ took our place at the hand of the executioner by being crucified on a cross. His death enables us to have eternal life with God in heaven. Thank God today that your death sentence has been commuted and that you have been pardoned. And pray for those in Muslim nations who may kill Christians on earth, but without Christ, face their own eternal death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (New International Version) Any (Kind) Thoughts? “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (New Living Translation) ~ Love, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27 (King James Bible) Your Brother Joe
  11. Click Here for the Free PDF manual from "Alliance Defending Freedom:" Excerpt from the manual, emphasis mine: "Protecting Your Ministry — from Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Lawsuits" A Legal Guide for Churches, Christian Schools, and Christian Ministries "Alliance Defending Freedom created this manual to help you prepare for the legal intrusions some of your fellow believers and Christian leaders around the country have already faced, and for other threats on the near horizon." "Even in – perhaps especially in – a changing moral climate, God’s people can continue to make a profound impact as faithful witnesses to His love and truth. Given the freedom to live out and exercise our faith, we can engage a hostile social and political culture in ways that offer clear light and enduring hope amid the gathering spiritual darkness. That’s what this guidebook is all about. Adopting the action steps recommended in the previous pages cannot insulate your church, Christian school, or Christian ministry from all attacks by marriage counterfeits and those advocating for complete sexual license. But acting upon these suggestions will place your organization in a more defensible legal position should it face a lawsuit for discrimination. And you have the assurance that Alliance Defending Freedom wants to talk to you in the event your group faces such a challenge. More than that, preparing yourselves legally will give your group or institution greater freedom to continue presenting the Gospel clearly and effectively to your community – and that freedom may well make an eternal difference for lost and hurting souls all around you."
  12. When I Google the meaning of freedom I get the following. Freedom the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. For almost all my life I've thought that freedom was being able to say and do what I wanted when I wanted and how I wanted without restriction or consequence. But the more I read the word of God, the more I question what is real freedom. Paul would say he was the slave to Christ yet he would also say ( imho ) that he was free in Christ. Christ come that we might be set free from the bonds of sin. To set the prisoner free. What is freedom? I live in America.... "The land of the free". Where increasingly it seems that to more and more being free means they can do whatever they like and everyone must not condemn. The more the country moves in this direction the further I get driven from it. What is freedom? I hope my rambles make sense to someone. I hope the Lord places it on someone's heart to respond that has a much deeper understanding of his word than I do. There are so many on this site with such a understanding of his word and a passion to love the Lord, with all there heart, mind and strength... While not wanting any to be lead into lies and deception. So I come to you after much prayer and seeking of his truth to ask, What is real freedom to A child of God? What does freedom mean? May the lord bless you all Firestormx Joseph
  13. This is great! What do you think? Summary: Keep standing firm in your freedom. Stop seeking the favor of everyone. Start refusing to submit to bondage. Continue being straightforward about the truth.
  14. Guest

    The Godmakers

    The Godmakers (The First Film) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 http://youtu.be/87Mr0TqrEf8 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. Ephesians 6:12 ~ The Godmakers Two (The Second Film) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2 http://youtu.be/gM4imfc-lf8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:8-11
  15. Our freedom ends where someone else's rights begin. Do you agree or disagree? For those more eloquent: "The beauty of one's freedoms wilts when the exercise of choice tramples on the rights of others."
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