You Must First "Be" What You Hope To Become

"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy
name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have
I made thee." Genesis 17:4-5, KJV

I can remember when I began to write my first book. I
felt as if God was leading me to do it, but I wasn't sure
of how to start. I had never written a book before and did
not personally know anyone who had done so themselves. As
I considered actually doing it, doubt and fear ran through
my mind saying, "No one knows who you are. What do you have
to say that hasn't already been said? Who do you think you
are? As these thoughts went through my mind, I heard God
say, "I'll tell you who you are, - you are an "author".
Now get started writing!"

At that moment I realized something that revolutionized the
way in which I approached achieving the things in life I
hoped to achieve. I realized, in order to become an author
I had to first do what authors do. I had to first write. If
I had waited for someone to declare me an author before I
began writing, I would have never authored my first book.
Part of my ''being" what I was seeking to "become", I began
to read as much as I could about the publishing process,
and went to industry events that authors frequented, so I
could familiarize myself with that environment. I had to
"be it" before I could ever "become it".

There are some promises and opportunities in life you cannot
afford to wait until they present themselves to begin the
process of preparing for them. You must be ready for your
moment when it comes. You must become so pregnant and
possessed with your promise that when your moment comes you
are able and ready to deliver. You must position and prepare
yourself to operate at the level you intend to occupy before you
actually occupy it. If you practice being what you hope to
become, when the opportunity arises, you won't be intimidated
by it because you have already prepared for it.

So many people fail to realize what they hope for because
they believe that they must wait until everything is in place
before they attempt to accomplish anything. They want all of
their resources and support in place first and leave no room
for faith in God. Because this ideal rarely materializes, they
allow their hopes to go unrealized and are unprepared for the
opportunities that do present themselves.

This is backwards. In the Kingdom of God "we walk by faith and
not by sight" (2 Corinthians. 5:7). "Faith is the substance of
things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen"
(Hebrews 11:1). Anything that God places in your heart to
accomplish you already possess the substance necessary to cause
it to manifest in your life. You must believe that whatever God
has promised you already exists and is yours before you actually
possess it. Just because you can't see it (yet) doesn't mean
it doesn't exist. If God said it - it's already done!

Oftentimes in the Bible, when God spoke a promise concerning a
person He spoke it in the past tense. When God told Abraham
that his name would no longer be "Abram" but "Abraham", because
He had made him the father of many nations, Abraham was still
childless! Did God lie? Never! God was simply revealing to
him what He had already done. In order for Abraham to receive
his promise he had to operate within his promise. Every time
Sarah called him "Abraham" he was reminded of who God had made
him - the "father of many nations".

What is it that you are hoping will manifest in your life? You
must be what you're becoming because transformation is the
precursor to manifestation.

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Arab Festival 2009: Sharia in the US

This what we can expect, but, on a much higher scale, if we continue to be apathetic or "Politically Correct".

more about "Arab Festival 2009: Sharia in US", posted with vodpod

This is what we can expect, but, on a much higher level, if we continue to be apathetic and turn a blind eye. "Politically Correct" is a label the left created so we would abandon our principles and accept the will of a few. The few are growing and attempting to abolish our Constitution with the help of our presumed President. As you can see in the video, the people that were just trying to ask a question regarding the absurd claim that Islam is against terrorism, were accused of preaching and made out to be trouble makers.

Even Christians, with the help of certain Pastors, like Rick Warren, are ignorantly believing Islam is just another religion we should respect. Warren is the Pastor of Saddleback Church in Lakewood ,California, and author of Purpose Driven Life. Over the past weekend, Rick Warren was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Muslim Conference. Mr Warren calls for unity in the "global" issues, and calls for all Christians to "Team up" with Muslims in solving the world's problems.

To a Muslim, we Americans and Christians are the only problem. Christians and Americans had better wake up to how much of a problem that is for us. Muslims do not play by the same rules. They do not believe in loving everyone, as Christians are taught. The Koran teaches they are to love and make peace with Muslims only. All others not converted must die. A Muslim that converts must die.

They will use God's Word against Christians stating we are to love one another. God says go to all nations and offer them the Gospel. If they reject you, brush off the dust and move on. God did not say we are to accept their way of life into ours, but, to stay with like minded people.

Most Christians think jihad is a radical group. Rather, jihad is the Muslim equivalent to a Christian Soldier, or evangelist. The big difference is jihad's mission is to convert all infidels (or non-Islam) and if they refuse, the Koran states they must be eliminated (or die).

I have found, since I started to enlighten people of the true nature of Islam, that most Christians believe Islam worships the same god as we, but, they just do not believe Jesus was the Son of God(Koran teaches Jesus was a prophet). This is the "Politically Correct" deception. The Islamic god is NOT the God of Israel.

Our God is the Son, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit...The Holy Trinity. Our God is alive and well. The god of Islam is dead.

The God of Israel's Holy Word teaches us to hate the sin and love the sinner. The Koran teaches it is alright to deceive and take advantage of anyone other than a Muslim. All infidels must be destroyed before their messiah (the grand mufti) can return. This is why many Muslims believe they can hurry the process along so it will happen in their lifetime, by creating a third world war.

Also, I have found that many Christians believe since it is all written that New World Order, and the end times, is coming anyway, why bother trying to stop it? They believe that we should only pray about it, and hope for the best. When I expressed my desire to go to Washington, D.C., in support of Israel, Several Christians became ANGRY at me and quoted unrelated scripture, saying anyone who is a friend of the world is an enemy of God. They never talked to me again.

This is how so many Christians are deceived. The enemy, working through evil agendas, has cleverly managed to create the illusion to believers that we are supposed to do nothing and hope for the best through prayer. There is nothing more further from the truth. Read Mark 13:32-37; we are to stay diligent and continue to work while the Master is away, and not be asleep when He returns.

This is a video every American should watch. These are not radical Muslims. This is a professor in Kuwait, speaking to large room of common everyday Koran believing Muslims who cheer for the 9/11 terrorists, calling them heroes, and the most holiest men in the world.

And Don't Miss Rick Warren's next book... The Purpose Driven Jihad

Jesus Is Everything

This may be a hard message to swallow, but, you better swallow it!!!

more about "Jesus Is Everything", posted with vodpod

For More From Paul Washer:

Paul Washer's Shocking Sermon (full length)

How Do You Know You Are Saved?

Paul Washer vs Joel Osteen

Heart Cry Missionary Society

Jesus Makes The Difference

"Observing the boldness of Peter and John and realizing them to
be uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that
they had been with Jesus."
(Acts 4:13)

What a powerful statement! The religious elite, having observed
Peter and John's conduct and character, while enduring persecution,
said that they reminded them of Jesus.

Peter and John had just healed a man who was lame from birth,
preached until 5000 men came to Jesus, and immediately thereafter,
were thrown into jail on bogus charges. The following morning they
were brought before a court comprised of some of the same people
who sent Jesus to the cross. In the face of this hostile situation,
they stood boldly imbued with power of God. They did not speak
until they were lead by the Holy Spirit. They said what He told
them to say, and did what He told them to do. They did not allow
their flesh to give occasion to their accusers to find fault with them.

The Bible says that Peter and John's witness was so strong, that
the one's who questioned them, after listening to them speak,
"had nothing to say in response." (Acts 4:14). The ones who
forcible detained them had to set them free - untouched. Peter
and John passed the test with flying colors. Their accusers where
looking for a fight and end up seeing Jesus - again!

Often, when we are faced with conflict or volatile situations we
allow our flesh to govern our conduct. We become part of the
problem instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through
our problem. We go to church on Sunday and leave Jesus at the
door on our way out to face the remainder of the week. Jesus wants
to come home with you. He wants to go to work with you. He wants
to give you wisdom on how to talk to those who are trying to trap
you. He wants to show you how to relate to those who despitefully
use and don't appreciate you. He wants to be the strength and
wisdom you need to overcome what it is that has mounted an attack
against you. However, you must let Him do the talking. The
prophet Isaiah says that God: "will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You"
(Isaiah 26:3-4, KJV).

Are you stressed out about a current or pending situation? How
do you handle conflict and persecution? When you're going through
what you go through, what do people see? Better yet - "Who do
they see?" Is it you or Jesus? Stand in the power of His might.
For "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
(1John 4:4). Remember, Jesus makes the difference!


By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Recognizing the Enemy

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not
ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11

The key to experiencing victory in your life may lie in your ability
to recognize your enemy. Can you recognize the work of the enemy
in your life? Most people would say, "Yes!" However, I am convinced
that a vast majority of Believers cannot? When I think of the
battle that we, as Believers, must wage in life against evil, my
thoughts gravitate towards the war in Iraq. Militarily, the U.S is
far more powerful and sophisticated in training and weaponry, but
yet and still, we are experiencing an ever-increasing number of
casualties. There is a reason for this. The reason is our enemy
is hard to recognize. The enemy in this battle does not always
wear a uniform by which he can be easily identified. In many
instances, it is not a he but a she. Women, children and unassuming
old men are sacrificing themselves in order to inflict as much
damage on the U.S. Armed forces as possible. Armed Service men
and women face daily, the possibility that the person who just walked
by or is eating at a diner across the street, is actually there to
steal, kill and destroy any future or hope they have.

On a daily basis you and I wage war against an enemy that we
cannot see and who does not want to be recognized. When most
people think of evil, or picture the enemy, they visualize a man in a
red suit with horns and a pitchfork. Many look for what Hollywood has
depicted as evil - some wild and out of control person. Evil is
much too clever to be so obvious. Satan experiences the most
success in secret, carrying out covert operation in the lives of
Believers. Strategically, killing, stealing and destroying people's
hopes, dreams and lives while going undetected. This is his primary
mode of operation.

This is why Paul instructs the Corinthian church (and us) not to be
ignorant of, the devices of the enemy. Many people wonder, "How
did I get in the condition that I'm in?" "How could I have done
what I did?" "Why do I feel this way?" "How can I think about or
meditate on such things?" If you've thought or said any of the
above, you've been attacked - and didn't know it.

You must understand that evil will very seldom come at you as
full-blown evil. It will present itself as something harmless,
inconsequential, small and even cloaked as something good. It does
this because it knows that "good people" will not readily embrace
something that is obviously evil, so it must appear to be something
other than what it really is. This is why so many "good people"
become victims to bad habits, bad relationships and find themselves
in bad situations. They've allowed something that appeared good
into their lives, which turned out to be something other than good.

This takes spiritual discernment. Jesus understood this and was
able to discern between what appeared to be genuine concern for His
well-being and demonic activity. When Jesus told His disciples of
His pending suffering, Peter pulled Him aside and proclaimed that he
would never let Jesus suffer. Jesus looked Peter straight in the
eye and said: "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). What
appeared to be genuine concern by a friend was actually a device of
the devil. As a matter of fact, the first place we find a demon
mentioned in the New Testament is in a place that we would least
expect it. It was not in a graveyard, nor some dark enchanted
forest - but in church! Mark 1: 23 records, "there was a man in
their synagogue with an unclean spirit". In every instance the
enemy presents himself in a place and manner that would not cause
those who are his target alarm. He uses "good people" and "good
places" to camouflage his true identity and objective. He depends
on us not being able to detect his presence and activity until it
is too late. He employs gradual compromise to bring us to a point
of vulnerability and weakness.

Some of you may be wondering, "Why is it necessary to recognize
the enemy?" The answer is your life depends on it. Your ability to
detect the enemies' point of entry in our lives will not only affect
the quality our lives, but its quantity as well. You may not
recognize the one thing that you've given place to in your life
that is an agent of the enemy to keep you defeated, frustrated and
broken. As long as it is allowed to stay, nothing will change.

Here are 10 ways to help you rightly appraise and discern the
things that are presently part of your life, as well as those
things you are considering allowing into to your life.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does it draw you closer too and strengthen your relationship
with God or does it draw attention to yourself?
2. Will it cause others to see Christ more clearly?
3. Is Jesus and the Kingdom of God glorified in your doing it?
4. Can it be supported biblically?
5. Is the benefit an enduring one or does it only satisfy an
immediate need?
6. Is your life being enriched or depleted by it?
7. When speaking to others about it can you be nakedly honest
regarding every detail and your involvement in or with it?
8. Do you have to rationalize its legitimacy in your life?
9. Do you have genuine God given peace in your spirit concerning
your involvement or decision(s)?
10. Must you comprise God's Word or morality for it?

By shining the light of God's Word and truth upon our lives we are
now able to detect the enemies presence and position ourselves to
wage a more victorious warfare!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute; and a dear friend, in Christ!

Ark of the Covenant Unveiled?

Ethiopian patriarch tells Pope he will show artifact to world

The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.

Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, "Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."

The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.

"The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries," said Pauolos. "As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now."

Want to know more about the ancient box holding the Ten Commandments? Get "Exploring the Ark of the Covenant" – a two-DVD set!

According to Pauolos, the actual Ark has been kept in one church, but to defend the treasure, a copy was placed in every single church in Ethiopia.

He said a museum is being built in Axum, Ethiopia, where the Ark will be displayed. A foundation of D'Acosta will fund the project.

The Ark of the Covenant is the sacred container of the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron's rod and a sample of manna, the mysterious food that kept the Israelites alive while wandering in the wilderness during their journey to the promised land.

The Bible says the Ark was built to the specifications of God as He spoke to Moses. It was carried in advance of the people and their army by priests. It was also carried in a seven-day procession around the walled city of Jericho.

The idea that the Ark is presently in Ethiopia is a well-documented, albeit disputed, tradition dating back to at least 642 B.C. The tradition says it was moved to Elephantine Island in Egypt, then to Tana Kirkos Island in Ethiopia and finally to its present site at St. Mary's of Zion Church in Axum.

Ethiopians believe it is destined to be delivered to the Messiah when He reigns on Mount Zion – the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 3:16 points to a time when the Ark will vanish not only physically, but from the minds of the people: "And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more."

The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam.

Related News Article via Arutz Sheva, Israel National News

UPDATE: June 29, 2009

A few days ago my attention was drawn to this article on World Net Daily, in which Patriarch Pauolos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church reportedly stated that Ethiopia was about to make the Ark of the Covenant public, supposed to take place on Friday (June 24th):

"Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.

I was excited to hear the news, but skeptical that the Ethiopians would actually reveal the revered ark (if they have it). As it stands now, they keep seven deacons in the Church of St. Mary in Axum who will kill anybody who tries to get inside the inner sanctuary to view the holy object - that's right, kill. I was thus at first very skeptical that the Ethiopians would suddenly change their tune and decide to reverse centuries of policy of keeping whatever is in that Church a closely guarded secret. The announcement was supposed to be made in Rome on Friday afternoon.

Well, Friday came and no announcement. Then Saturday. And then Sunday. Something seemed fishy. Kudos to the blogger Richard Bartholowmew who tracked down a report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos, which was the source of the Ark story. Apparently, the rumor that the Ark was going to be revealed was based partially on bad translation.

World Net Daily Update
Ethiopian church speaks out on Ark of the Covenant

Separation and Isolation: A Revelation

I believe there are times in our lives when God removes
us from the routine of life, and separates us from others,
so that he can spend some time with us. Without God "taking
this time" with us, we would drift through our lives
preoccupied and distracted by life, never pursuing the
destiny and purpose He created us for. Because these places
of separation are often uncomfortable, we resist them and
conclude that God must be punishing us, when in reality He
is preparing us through separation.

It is in these dry places, where no one else can help us
(including ourselves), that we discover that God is our source,
our healer and protector. We discover that our true source is not our
jobs, families, education or money - but God alone! This
level of revelation cannot be gained unless we have spent
some quality time with God. Oftentimes, if we don't
voluntarily "make this time" for God, He will involuntarily
"take this time" for Himself.

Separation Is Often an Indication of Designation
If it seems like everyone and everything that you've always
looked to for support is gone--it is not a coincidence but rather
divine providence. It may be an indication that God is readying
you for a transition in your life. Ask Abraham, the one whom
God separated from his family to give him and his descendants
a "Promised Land". Ask Joseph, the one who was forcibly removed
from his father's house (of which he was the least of 12
brothers) so that he could become the second most powerful
man in the world. Ask Moses, the one whom God separated from
Egypt and prepared in the desert for 40 years to deliver His
people from slavery.

Ask David, the youngest son of Jesse,
the one whom King Saul removed from his father's house and
placed in the palace where he could observe firsthand what
it meant to be king. Finally, ask the apostle Paul, the one
whom God separated from the Pharisaical order so that he could
become a leader and pillar in the Kingdom of God. Separation
is indication of God's designation of those He is calling.

Separation Is a Sign of Preparation
God is preparing and positioning you to discover something
about Himself that He cannot reveal to you while you are
surrounded by others. He needs to separate you from the people
and things that you have placed in positions that belong to Him.
They would only distract you from hearing and seeing the things
He wants to show you. During this time of separation and
seclusion, we also discover things about ourselves that we
otherwise would have never known.

There is no one to impress or save face with when we are alone.
God has the ability to show us who we really are so that He can
begin the process of molding us into who He's called us to be.
God will remove our support and separate us from the things that
we've become familiar with in order that He might reveal to us
something much greater--Himself.

In Deuteronomy 8:2-3, we read that God purposefully lead His
people into the wilderness for the purpose of proving Himself
to them. God used this place of isolation to develop their
confidence in Him as their God. They did not labor for their
living, they simply believed God and received their living.
There was no Wal-Mart in the wilderness, therefore they had
to trust God for their food, clothing and care. God proved
to them that He was their one and only "true Source". They
would have never received this revelation, without this time
of separation and sanctification with God.