Devotionals

April 16, 2019 by Albert Finch

EXPERIENCING HIS RADIANCE THROUGH FOCUS AND REPETITION

It is easy to go to sleep reviewing negative ideas and pictures in our mind and wake up in the morning with a poisoned and negative spirit instead of falling asleep loving and receiving from Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

CONTINUOUSLY DECLARE GOD’S WORDS

We declare truth over any negative circumstance in our lives and we see Jesus present in inner healing scenes. And since we do this continuously, this becomes ALL that we see.

We do not see sickness.
We do not see lack.
We do not see pain.
We see Jesus, everywhere. We behold the glory of the Lord. We have reached that blessed state because we see God, everywhere, all the time (see Matthew 5:8). The Morning Star has arisen in our hearts, and our hearts are full of ONLY His light (see 2 Peter 1:19).

WHATEVER WE FIX OUR EYS ON GROWS WITH US AND WHATEVER GROWS WITHIN US WE BECOME

“His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalms 1:2-3

Focus, repetition, and intensity are steps we take to move truth from our heads to our hearts. The command to look intently (see James 1:25) and to meditate continuously (see Philippians4:8) would be examples of using focus and repetition.

Repeating healing prayers pours divine light continually into our beings, until we are entirely sanctified — spirit, soul, and body (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23). We become the radiance of His glory because we have bathed ourselves in His glory continuously. Darkness, sickness, and demons have now fled because of the light of His glory.

PRAY AND MEDITATE MORNING AND EVENING

We pray RESTORATIVE prayers when we awaken and are lying in bed in the morning. We pray the same prayers as we lie in bed preparing to fall asleep (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). In doing this we are “renewing our mind” (Romans 12:2) with the truth of God’s divine reality. Any previous lies of the enemy which filled our heart in the past are being swept away by these cascading waves of truth which come crashing down again and again (as we affirm and meditate on the respective scriptures), until every demonic stronghold in our mind is demolished and we are fully set free and completely filled with:
God’s light, God’s truth, God’s glory, and God’s reality.

Once your spirit and soul are healed, delivered, and set free, God’s light, which is growing within you, will penetrate your body (see Philippians 2:12-13). As it does, your body will be transformed allowing you to ultimately experience the fullness of His covenant blessings overtaking you. You have pressed through satan’s lies until you are conscious of ONLY one reality: God’s reality.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12-13

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
http://afministry.ning.com/

1 Chronicles 23:30 (LEB)

And they were to stand every morning,“in the morning, in the morning” thanking and praising Adonai, and likewise in the evening,30And they were to stand every morning,“in the morning, in the morning” thanking and praising Adonai, and likewise in the evening,

Matthew 5:8 (LEB)

Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.8Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.

Romans 12:2 (LEB)

And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.2And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

Philippians 2:12-13 (LEB)

Holding Fast to the Word of LifeTherefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.12Holding Fast to the Word of LifeTherefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.13For the one at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure, is God.13For the one at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure, is God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (LEB)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 1:25 (LEB)

But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues to do it, not being a forgetful hearer but a doer who acts, this one will be blessed in what he does“in his doing”.25But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues to do it, not being a forgetful hearer but a doer who acts, this one will be blessed in what he does“in his doing”.

2 Peter 1:19 (LEB)

and we possess as more reliable the prophetic word, to which you do well if youHere “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“pay attention to”) which is understood as conditional pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,19and we possess as more reliable the prophetic word, to which you do well if youHere “if” is supplied as a component of the participle (“pay attention to”) which is understood as conditional pay attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

April 12, 2019 by hldude

Undivided Loyalty

“Undivided Loyalty”

By Zach Wood

James 1:5-8 NLT

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

We all have different stores and food places that we frequently visit. For me, there are certain stores and certain food places where I know that I will always get a good deal. I want to go to certain stores where I know I will get good quality products and great service. I also like to go to certain food places where I know I will enjoy the food and the service that is provided. I am loyal to these places when we choose to go out to eat and go to buy certain products.

You all have certain places, just like me, that you like to go frequently. The places have given you a type of service that keeps you coming back. Even if you get a bad experience here for there for whatever reason, you’ve had enough good experiences to know that you will still get good service if you go back. We have all had bad experiences at places. Sometimes, we choose not to go back, but other times, we know it was just a bad day or what not, so we still choose to go back because we have had good food, good products and good service in the past.

We all have developed undivided loyalty in one way or another with these different places. Even with the occasional bad experience, these places have gained our trust enough to keep us coming in. Loyalty is a big word. When people develop loyalty not only with places, but also with people, that is a big thing as well. We want loyal people in our lives so that we know we can trust them.

How about our loyalty to God? We all have great experiences with God, but we also have times in our lives where we get frustrated with the so-called “service” we think God is giving us. We get frustrated when life gets tough a lot of times. We wonder what He’s doing. We tend to forget He has wisdom beyond our understanding. He knows what He’s doing. We need to remain loyal to God, through the good times and bad times. God wants undivided loyalty in our lives.

When we seek after God for wisdom, do we seek with undivided loyalty, no matter what the journey brings? Do we continually seek Him when the going gets tough and when we aren’t getting answers? Is our loyalty unwavering? These are tough questions, but ones we must ask as we consider our loyalty to Him.

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

James 1:5-8 (LEB)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask for it from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask for it from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.6But let him ask for it in faith, without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed about.6But let him ask for it in faith, without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed about.7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

April 10, 2019 by Albert Finch

WALKING THROUGH NEW DOORS

As we begin to see NEW growth spring forth in what was previously considered “hard places”, doors connected to the ways of man begin to be shut and new doors that are connected and hinged upon the ways of God begin to open.

“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.” – Psalm 25:9

HUMILITY IS A KEY

Prophetically walking through “NEW doors” often requires us to lay aside and unload some things that we have carried in times past – right, wrong or indifferent. Holding onto these often good things of our past will actually limit our ability to step into the NEW things God has prepared for you in this season.

In regards to this transition, it is helpful to recognize and fully appreciate that not only has God prepared new pathways and permissions for us in this season, but He has also been preparing us for these NEW pathways and the necessary permissions to proceed in these NEW directions.

These NEW pathways are a place of promotion that God has prepared. Holding onto various things connected with our past season, in our own understanding, not only becomes burdensome but they can also potentially grant an access to the enemies of our past, as we are unable to enter into the promise of our future.

These burdens oftentimes begin as good things for us in one season but in the next season are met with anxiety, pride, and worry as we look to hold onto these cares in our own strength. At times it is the holding onto the good things of what’s been that keeps us from being able to receive the NEW that God wants to bring us into.

It is often in our letting go that we are then able to lay hold. We see this truth in 1 Peter 5:6 – “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

As the “Winds of Change” begin to blow question is: Will He find faith on the earth to believe and rejoice in the hope of what He has promised to do in your life? The strength to “build again” is coming in the joy of the Lord through an impartation of understanding that is being granted to those who make the choice to rejoice and “believe again” (see Nehemiah 8:8-10).

“…yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith…” – 1 Peter 1:8b-9a

For many, in the areas that you have faced previous winds of adversity and opposition, there is a significant change and shift coming – and for some it has already come. With this change, you will find that in the area of your past opposition God was actually allowing you to become rooted and grounded in love in a new way that has positioned you to flourish as a tree planted by His river in this new season (see Ephesians 3:14-20 and Psalm 1:1-3).

DREAMING WITH GOD

Part of being a prophetic people often means that, in most cases, we are seeing, hearing, and therefore living ahead of our time.

For some this can create frustration; for others it unlocks within them a door of divine DESTINY that causes them to begin to dream in their current season of preparation in a way where they prophetically begin to REACH FORWARD IN FAITH to those things which are ahead, as they press in and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God on their lives, found in the revelation of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:13-14).

Dreaming with God in this way releases a fresh resolve and conviction of faith to flourish in the hearts of God’s children, where they begin to believe for, resurrect, and re-present previous petitions connected with past promises before the courts of Heaven.

Personal prayer takes on a new posture – a posture of praise that unlocks the fulfillment of the very thing that you have been praying into and for.

Nehemiah 8:8-10 (LEB)

So they read the book from the lawHebrew torah of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that they could understand the reading.8So they read the book from the lawHebrew torah of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that they could understand the reading.9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to Adonai your God. Do not mourn nor weep.” For all of the people wept when they heard the words of the law.Hebrew torah9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to Adonai your God. Do not mourn nor weep.” For all of the people wept when they heard the words of the law.Hebrew torah10Then he said to them, “Go, eat festive food and drink sweet drinks, and send a share to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our lord. Do not be grieved because the joy of Adonai is your refuge.”10Then he said to them, “Go, eat festive food and drink sweet drinks, and send a share to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our lord. Do not be grieved because the joy of Adonai is your refuge.”

Ephesians 3:14-20 (LEB)

Prayer for Spiritual StrengthOn account of this, I bend my knees before the Father,14Prayer for Spiritual StrengthOn account of this, I bend my knees before the Father,15from whom everyOr “the whole” family in heaven and on earth is named,15from whom everyOr “the whole” family in heaven and on earth is named,16that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,16that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love),17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love),18in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth,18in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth,19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.20Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us,20Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us,

Philippians 3:13-14 (LEB)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.*supplied from English context But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead,13Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.*supplied from English context But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead,14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:6 (LEB)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the right time,6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the right time,

1 Peter 1:8 (LEB)

whom, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“seen”) which is understood as concessive have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“see”) which is understood as concessive do not see him, and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,8whom, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“seen”) which is understood as concessive have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, although youHere “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“see”) which is understood as concessive do not see him, and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

April 4, 2019 by Albert Finch

Discerning The Voice Of God

Habakkuk 2:1-2: “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me…Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Record the vision…'”

Ways to be sure what you’re hearing is from Him:

TEST THE ORIGIN (1 John 4:1)

Thoughts from our own minds are progressive, with one thought leading to the next. Thoughts from the Holy Spirit are spontaneous. The Hebrew word for true prophecy is “naba”, which literally means to bubble up, whereas false prophecy is “ziyd” meaning to boil up. True words from the Lord will bubble up from our innermost being; we don’t need to cook them up ourselves.

COMPARE IT TO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

God will never say something to you personally which is contrary to His universal revelation as expressed in the Scriptures. If the Bible clearly states that something is a sin, no amount of journaling can make it right. Much of what you journal about will not be specifically addressed in the Bible, however, so an understanding of Biblical principles is also needed.

COMPARE IT TO THE NAMES AND CARACTER OF GOD REVEALED IN THE BIBLE

Anything God says to you will be in harmony with His essential nature. Journaling will help you get to know God personally, but knowing what the Bible says about Him will help you discern what words are from Him. Make sure the tenor of your journaling lines up with the character of God as described in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

TEST THE FRUIT (Matthew 7:15-20)

What effect does what you are hearing have on your soul and your spirit? Words from the Lord will quicken your faith and increase your love, peace, and joy. They will stimulate a sense of humility within you as you become more aware of Who God is and who you are. On the other hand, any words you receive which cause you to fear or doubt, which bring you into confusion or anxiety, or which stroke your ego must be immediately rebuked and rejected as lies of the enemy.

SHARE IT WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS (Proverbs 11:14)

We are members of a Body! A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and God’s intention has always been for us to grow together. Nothing will increase your faith in your ability to hear from God like having it confirmed by two or three other people who have a solid Biblical orientation.

Proverbs 11:14 (LEB)

Where there is no guidance, a nationOr “people” shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.14Where there is no guidance, a nationOr “people” shall fall, but there is safety in an abundance of counsel.

Habakkuk 2:1-2 (LEB)

The Righteous Will Live by FaithI will stand at my post, and station myself on the rampart. And I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.The Righteous Will Live by FaithI will stand at my post, and station myself on the rampart. And I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.2Then Adonai answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.“it might run reading upon it”2Then Adonai answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.“it might run reading upon it”

1 John 4:1 (LEB)

How to Recognize the Spirit of GodDear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.How to Recognize the Spirit of GodDear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 7:15-20 (LEB)

The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.15The Sermon on the Mount: Recognizing False Prophets“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.16You will recognize them by their fruits: they do not gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, do they?The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated by “do they”16You will recognize them by their fruits: they do not gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, do they?The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated by “do they”17In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.17In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.18A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit, nor a bad tree to produce good fruit.18A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit, nor a bad tree to produce good fruit.19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20As a result, you will recognize them by their fruits.20As a result, you will recognize them by their fruits.

April 1, 2019 by hldude

Your Will, Not Mine

“Your Will, Not Mine”

By Zach Wood

Matthew 26:39 NLT

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

There are a lot of desires that we have in life. At different times of our lives, we desire to do various things. Some of those things can be big and some can be small. Regardless, we all have desires. We have different opportunities that pop in life and we often need to make some tough decisions as to what to do next, whether it is getting married, having a child, taking on a new job or buying a house. These are among some of the biggest decisions that we make in life.

I hope that in all decisions you and I make, we bathe these things in prayer, asking God to give us wisdom and direction as to the best route to go. Sometimes, the way seems very obvious, while other times not so much. It can be very difficult to discern what God wants us to do, especially in the times when He seems silent and we are not feeling any clear direction at all. It’s in those times that we must trust that He is still working, even though we can’t feel a thing.

We often fight selfish desires when we pray for God to guide us in life. He definitely has our best interests at heart, but only He knows exactly what is best for us. Sometimes, the best road for us will be a very challenging and often difficult journey. We often want the way that will be less painful and full of happiness. Who doesn’t want to be happy, right? However, God’s goal is not for us to be happy, but for us to grow in our faith and trust Him at all times. In our journey of life, we can still be happy because our life is in Christ.

Jesus definitely had a hard choice to make when He was agonizing and facing death, through His prayers, in the Garden of Gethsemane. This is one of the most pivotal struggles He had as the Son of God and as a human being. He knew He had to give His life for us, but He also struggled deeply because of the pain and agony of the situation. We can learn from His example He actually prayed for the possibility of the suffering to be taken from Him. However, He prayed as well for God’s will to be done ultimately.

What decisions are you facing in your life right now that you find yourself struggling just as Jesus did? You have desires, but you also want God’s will for your life more than anything. It is hard to ask for God’s will above what you want in your life. However, the ultimate prayer for us is that God’s will be done in our lives so that He can lead us where He wants us. Even if the path is unknown, we must be obedient and submit to Him sight unseen.

Right now, in my life, I am struggling with direction. I am learning that I need to pray for His will in my life, not just what I think is best or what I want to do. I want His plan for my life to prevail and to lead me. Many days, I don’t feel a clear direction, but I just need to continue trusting that He’s working and will reveal in due time.

May our prayers always be “Not my will be done, but Yours, Father.”

Matthew 26:39 (LEB)

And going forward a little he fell down on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”*Here the verb “will” is an understood repetition of the verb earlier in this verse39And going forward a little he fell down on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”*Here the verb “will” is an understood repetition of the verb earlier in this verse

March 27, 2019 by hldude

Calling All Husbands!

“Calling All Husbands!”

By Zach Wood

Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansingher by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Two weeks ago, my wife and I had the privilege of attending our first marriage retreat with Weekend To Remember in Minneapolis that is put on by Family Life. I must share that it was one of the best investments we have made in our marriage to this day! It was a weekend filled with much learning and a great revival for renewing our marriage.

I am writing this devotional specifically to husbands this week. I felt the need to share with you all after the powerfully inspiring weekend we had! As a husband, I was challenged in ways I never thought I would be challenged. Throughout the weekend, I felt so guilty of not being the Godly husband that I’ve needed to be for my wife. Throughout our marriage, I so often haven’t been the supportive man I need to be for my wife. This weekend allowed me to see a whole different perspective on how I should care for my wife. It taught me how I need to turn from my daily selfish ways and consider my wife so much more.

As the weekend progressed, I found myself becoming overwhelmed with emotion and God was revealing to me so much about how I needed to be much more loving and unconditional toward my wife. Husbands, I want to challenge you to truly love your wives each and every day. It is so important to not focus on just what your needs and desires are and to focus your love on making her feel truly cherished. God calls us to treat our wives with respect and love because He gave them to us to take care of.

I was so glad we attended this conference. It was just what we needed to renew and revive so many things in our marriage. I am thankful that God worked in my heart that weekend to change my perspective about the relationship that marriage should be. It is a teamwork relationship and it is often hard. It takes devotion and much effort. I would recommend any couple take the time to attend this conference and be challenged.

Husbands, I want to encourage you to love your wives in Christ. Wives, I hope you will read this and be encouraged to be a team with your husband. I am no marriage expert and never will be. However, I know that any marriage without Christ cannot experience the growth that only a marriage with Christ can experience. It is amazing!

Ephesians 5:25-28 (LEB)

Husbands and WivesHusbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her;25Husbands and WivesHusbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her;26in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing hersupplied from English context with the washing of water by the word;26in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing hersupplied from English context with the washing of water by the word;27in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she may be holy and blameless.27in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she may be holy and blameless.28Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself.28Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself.