A.F.W.I.S. is honored to share with you thoughts from Patrick Penn

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TEN THEMES FOR 2013

By Patrick Penn www.DwellingPlace.us

1. CAST OFF DREAD AND ENTER 2013 WITH EXPECTANCY

There was an intense effort of the enemy to close out 2012 hoping that disappointment and discouragement would lead to dreading the New Year 2013.  There was even much dread focused around the Mayan Calendar hype of the end of the world.  Many high rises do not acknowledge a 13th floor based on superstition.  When presented with the opportunity to enter into their promised destiny, the Israelites were so overcome with dread that they wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb who had a different spirit and were proclaiming that the promises of God were for their taking.  As a result the entire Israelite congregation failed to enter the Promised Land except Joshua and Caleb.  (See Numbers chapters 13 & 14).    

2. DESTINY

Destiny will come alive this year for many who have had no sense of destiny.  Last year was about training to overcome so we could enter our destiny. 

3. LETTING GO OF THE PAST

Many will forfeit the promises of God this year because of their constant murmuring, complaining, dread of the future and desire to return to the past. Many have lost vision for advancing the kingdom and only desire that things be the way they used to be.  This attitude is subtly creeping into America with a strong desire for America to “return to her founding fathers.”  Just as it was, is the story of Numbers 13 & 14 there will be fewer voices with a positive outlook for the future than the voices of dread wanting to return to the past.  We must align ourselves with hope for a better tomorrow even if we are few in number.     

4. CHANGE

Great changes are in store for America but it will not come forth by returning to the past. There will be many who will struggle and complain against what the LORD is doing simply because they would rather resort to the familiarity of the past.  We must be willing to embrace change in our nation as well as in our families and individual lives.

5. NEW RELATIONSHIPS

This will be a year of many new significant and meaningful relationships.

6. NEW ASSIGNMENTS

We have been equipped and trained so now is the time for faith and confidence to take on new assignments.  Don’t lead the spirit of dread and hanging on to the past keep you from the new assignments the Lord has for you this year.

7. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS

This will be a year of many divine encounters both spiritually and naturally.  Divine encounters in the natural will be where many new relationships begin this year.  Both spiritual and divine encounters will make this a year where destiny comes alive.

8. EXERCISING KINGDOM AUTHORITY

This year you will need to understand your authority in Christ and walk in it.  Many have been taught their authority in Christ but fail to walk it out.  This is a year to walk out what you've been taught and exercise kingdom authority in the 7 mountains of society, (i.e. Religion, Family, Education, Business, Media, government, Arts & Entertainment).

9. FAMILY-- 2 Chronicles 20:13

In 2 Chronicles 20:13 the family unit together stands before the Lord.  Family is extremely important to God.  He ordained family and is Father over all the families of the earth. Problems in society do not begin with governments and corrupt politicians they begin with the breakdown of the family unit. We need to strive for excellence in our family relationships this year.  Divorce destroys family lineage and has an impact on children for the rest of their lives.  Generational blessings are released through family and are available to those who value and model the biblical principles of family.  

10. PROVERBS 20:13

This year diligence will be rewarded.  Bread in Proverbs 20:13 speaks of provision.  Laziness and idleness lead to poverty.  It’s time to awaken to diligence.  God gave us the power to create wealth.  We don’t create wealth by sleeping all the time and being lazy.  We must open our eyes to what the Lord and is doing and diligently pursue His purposes.  Proverbs 20:13 is a significant verse for this year.