ACPE Word of the Lord for 2013

Each year, as we have since 1999, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders meets before the New Year to pray and seek the Lord for a word. This is a compilation of what was sensed during this year’s gathering. It should always be noted that the ACPE believes that the Lord speaks more in seasons, as opposed to our calendar years, and in the past few years we have observed that the trend of some of the prophetic words have been continuing for several years and intensifying.

It is also important to note that intercession can diminish the severity of some of the words that speak of potential judgment – and in some cases may avert them all together. In any case, all prophecies should be bathed in intercession, both the ones that speak of harvest and blessing, as well as the ones with the admonitions attached to them.

As prophets, it is always wise to go back and look at the words we have given in the past. We did this for the years 2011-12. Of course, let us reiterate, timing of the words should be understood more as a season than a calendar year. The words given are not fate or karma but can be changed subject to how God’s people respond.

2011: The Year of the Perfect Storm

In 2011, we prophesied the perfect storms. We have certainly had those. The word was given of greater earthquakes, floods, and severe weather patterns of all kinds.
These all happened – in February, a winter storm of historic proportions, according to the National Weather Service; a catastrophic tornado outbreak in April; hurricane Irene in August, the sixth costliest storm in U.S. history at $16 billion.

2012: The Year of Shakings

In looking at the word given for 2012, we saw that it was not only incredibly accurate, but still includes the season we are moving into with more shakings to come. We saw an intensifying of nature responding to our sin. The year broke U.S. heat records, bringing drought and the U.S. government declared it the second-worst in U.S. history for “extreme” weather such as hurricanes, droughts or floods, according to CNN. CNN also reported that hurricane Sandy caused an estimated $80 billion in damage to New York and New Jersey alone. For this reason, we are going to attach it to this Word of the Lord for 2013.

2013: Watch and Prepare/The Year of Contrasts

2013 and the number thirteen typifies the twelve apostles and Jesus, thus representing completeness. Therefore we know there are going to be new team entities to accomplish great things for the Body of Christ in this coming year. We must learn to communicate and value relational unity stronger than ever before, as there are some blessings, crises, and challenges that can only be fully navigated through deep spiritual unity, more than in other seasons of time.

The ACPE felt this coming year would be one of great contrasts and polarity. In a sense, we are entering a new era. Things cannot be done in the same way they have in the past season.

The New Era – A “But Now” Season

“And he said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ Then he said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise, a knapsack, and he who has no sword, let him sell his possessions and buy one.’” (Luke 22:35-36)

Here is a passage the Lord showed us as a prophetic picture of the contrasts coming that will show the difference between those who have the blessing of the Lord upon them in the midst of a dark season.

Contrast Between Light and Dark

Arise; shine, for your light has come! And the glory of The Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and his glory will be seen upon you. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitudes of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. (Is. 60:1-2, 5-6)

In contrast to the season of glory for those who prepare and hear, it will be a season of darkness or, as some translations say, “gloom” for those unprepared. The good news is that we are not created for darkness and gloom, but for glory! In this passage, the camels brought wealth in caravans. So for us as believers, this means the camels, or their modern-day equivalents, are coming with provision!

This will also be connected with the transference of wealth on international levels. For those who watch and listen, they will hear the voice of the Lord for huge financial blessings. The Joseph generation is going to emerge in this season as never before.

Hear and Prepare

One prophet had a vision of a tuning fork being struck by the Lord and put to our ear. The Lord spoke to us that He is going to “fine-tune” our hearing to know how to prosper. This is not a time for spiritual laziness but for a disciplined spiritual life.

We see that for those who watch and prepare, the glory of the Lord is going to be seen on you by all. You will shine like you have never shone.  Those who are like the sons of Issachar will be blessed in this time in contrast to those who are dull of hearing. So, those who have watched and prepared will be blessed.

Preparedness should also take place on the institutional level as well. It was clear to us that the word we had given in 2012 about crisis preparedness was even more relevant now than before. We are calling on individuals, churches and communities to become disaster-prepared. The shakings are going to continue and increase, and those who prepare will become a refuge for others, resulting in evangelism opportunities as the mental strongholds of those who believed the church to be uncaring are torn down.

Matthew 25 is an important passage for us this coming season.

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:1-13)

How to prepare:

Keep your lamps full. Stay in the word; be full of the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Live a life-style of worship.
2. Renew your study about having confidence in and faith toward God.
3. Crisis preparedness. This needs to be done on both a personal level as well as at church and community levels.
4. Re-evaluate how you are handling your finances. Ask God what to buy and sell.
5. Seek God for the “new wine” structures that will help you to be flexible in this new season.
6. Do not react out of fear, but rather respond out of faith. Don’t forget, you belong to a kingdom that can’t be shaken.

Watch and Obey

A renewed and sharpened sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit is a must in this season. When God tells you to not go into a place, don’t. Obey the Holy Spirit’s cautions without being paranoid. Buy when the Lord tells you to, and don’t when you should not spend. This is a time to move in faith and not fear. God still has dreams to dream through you, and it is critical that you keep moving forward with the vision God has placed into your heart and not become stagnant.

Instability-The New Reality

In this new era, we could say that instability will be our new reality. However, those who listen to the Lord’s guidance will navigate this season and be successful. Some major organizations will go bankrupt such as casualty insurance companies. The bankruptcies of American cities will increase and there will be an increasing inability to provide adequate expected services such as fire and police. Much of this will be the result of a path established by policies of former governmental administrations, but the blame will be placed on the current ones. Resolving these problems will be greatly hindered by finger-pointing and animosity, manifesting in heightened racial and socio-economic tensions.

Against this backdrop will be communities that will have displayed the ability to foresee and understand these times and seasons, and who will have established infrastructure at the community level that does not have to rely on outside resources. Apostolic and prophetic church leadership with a “Joseph anointing” will be instrumental in preparing not only their local churches, but their greater communities, for the coming times of volatility.

Goshens, Sheep and Goats

It will be evident in the coming days, as events unfold, that there are some who have the blessing of God and those who do not. This was likened to us as those being what we might call “sheep or goat” states, regions, cities and even people. The sheep states, those who have followed the word of God concerning the rights of the unborn child, biblical definition of marriage, helping to eliminate systemic poverty and fighting against injustice such as human trafficking, will be blessed. They will stand in sharp contrast to those who do not. We felt strongly that some people as well as geographic regions would become typologically “Goshens”, where others would flee to in the midst of instability. Migrations of people out of places which do not have leadership following biblical principles will start to take place.

United States versus other nations

One year ago, we gave the word that if the United States did not make a major shift toward reformation in 2012, our measure of greatness would continue to decline. That shift did not occur. The United States will continue to decline while other nations such as China, India, Indonesia, Korea, and others will rise.

Economies

As a result of following a path turning away from God, the nation is suffering.
We prophesied “no more business as usual” in January of 2008 before the September meltdown of that year. We could say that the stone from Daniel 2 has been thrown at the feet of the economies of the world..Some believe this to be the Babylonian structures. Therefore the structures of the whole world have been weakened in some respects.

Daniel 2:35 speaks of a stone striking the foot of a statue that has mixture. God is going to shake corrupt economic systems. The old systems that have been held in place through corrupt leaders are going to shake as well. Many who have prayed for their nations will see a major governmental change that will put them on a path of awakening and blessing.

Believers should ask God for the timing when they need to buy land and businesses, and make their influence known, even under duress. Man-made structures are going to continue to have great stress and pressure. Kingdom-minded business leaders are going to be especially anointed in this season. Both Esthers and Daniels will arise in this day to influence economic systems and nations.

An admonition came forth not to get stuck in old wineskins even in the area of your personal finances in the coming days or you will miss your opportunities when they come along from God.

A New Move of the Holy Spirit

On the positive, we are going to see the rise of new revivalists, many who have been as yet unseen, but will burst upon the scene with great power and authority. The world will be astounded as they come from seemingly nowhere to a great visibility due to the way in which the power and authority of God is manifested through them.

Beware of Deception

Be especially vigilant against deception trying to enter into the church in this season, which will try and shut down these new moves of God.

Chicago, Illinois

The inner cities and urban areas are going to be touched by this new wave of power evangelism. Some of the darkest areas, such as the inner city of Chicago, are going to see a dramatic intervention from the Spirit of the Living God.

New Alignments

2013 will be a year in which many things in the lives of believers will come into alignment. The Lord’s focus for the church will be coming into the place where she can be a voice to the nation. Nehemiah 13 is a picture of this. God used him to bring into alignment both God’s people and the government. With these new alignments must come a re-assessment of the things God requires of you in this new season.

Prayer and Spiritual Warfare

There will be a resurgence of teaching on both prayer and spiritual warfare, and God’s people will once again war in intercession. A whole new army of prayer warriors will be trained.

Uncompromised Leadership

Pastors will arise with the anointing of a William Wilberforce and fight against injustice. There will be new movements of righteousness and justice. An awakening both to holiness and justice will sweep the nations. Fighting human trafficking will be a special focus of the church; especially among the youth.

“Daniel prophets” will arise out of this movement who stand unafraid. Reformers will arise in governmental positions. Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Alabama will begin to awaken.

Prophets

The prophets of God must not be intimidated by the fire-storm that will come against them in the coming days. There is a hidden church even among influential world leaders who are like the “Obadiahs,” but the prophets are about to be revealed in great power and authority if they do not back down in this season of persecution.

There has been a culture of death that has reigned through abortion, but God is raising up young fire-brands whose voices will not be silenced until this evil is eradicated in nation after nation. The Spirit of Elijah will manifest in a glorious way upon these young voices who will speak up for the unborn.

Worship will be a major key in this movement as God will bring a world-wide emphasis on the restoration of the tabernacle of David, as prophesied in Acts 15:16. Little children will worship and prophesy as well.

Weather Related Crises

We have not seen the end of the weather-related crises and weather patterns. One ACPE leader sensed that organizations like FEMA would become virtually bankrupt as the earth produces violent shakings and storms that are beyond its resource levels.

Already, since the ACPE meeting in early December, Congress has already had to rush $9.7 billion in aid to FEMA due to flood insurance claims from the October hurricane Sandy. This is borrowed money from the Treasury, which increases the national deficit, and another $51 billion has been requested. Intensifying natural disasters will further stress the government’s ability to assist in such calamities.

OTHER NATIONS:

Israel

In the midst of the pressure of the Middle East de-stabilizing, Israel will experience a move of the Holy Spirit. Congregations will come into unity on a level not yet seen.
Special prayer is needed for peace in the Middle East, and there is an admonition that the rest of the world should not forget them. Pray for the protection of the borders of Israel.

Latin America

Latin America will begin to shake off its shackles of extreme leftism. There are leaders waiting in the wings who are the Josephs and Daniels of new governmental structures, and they will be reformers.

 Vietnam

Vietnam will begin to emerge as an economic power, seemingly overnight. Many will start to build factories there, including business leaders from main-land China.

Europe and Euro

It was prophesied that the Euro would fragment. This will lead to the eventual re-structuring of Europe in some sense. The time period for this to take place was not shown to us.

Europe

Europe will experience a move of God as there is a hunger in the soul of God’s people there, and top leaders will begin to say that humanism and socialism did not work.

Austria

Austria will be a key to this move of God, and the sound of music will once again resonate around the world as new worship songs come from this nation.

Campuses

Campuses in the U.S., Britain, France, and Romania will flame with revival and reformation. New youth leaders’ movements will arise that will connect the new generation.

Ring of Fire Nations

The ring of fire nations will burn for God. New missions movements will be launched. The unreached peoples will be reached, and there will be an escalation of missionaries answering the call.

Africa

Africa will thrive! Nation after nation will find its leaders dedicating their nations to the Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of poverty is beginning to be broken off this continent. Cultural transformations will take place. Look to the middle of the continent, for there will be a fire of the Holy Spirit that will begin there and spread to the rest of the world.

Arabic World

Nations will align with nations in surprising ways as old alignments manifest themselves once again. The Arabic world is going to clash with itself in unprecedented measures. Even formerly stable regions, such as Saudi Arabia, will start to de-stabilize.’

Egypt

Egypt is in its Isaiah 19 shaking moment, but in the midst of the shaking, one of the greatest prayer armies in the world will mobilize with great unity.

India

This is India’s time to shine! Prayer will fill this nation from the north to the south, to the east and the west.

Japan

Japan will experience a move of God that begins with their youth.

Korea

Prepare the missionaries for North Korea. Healing will begin from North to South. Many Korean business leaders will be sent even to Wall Street.

China

It probably goes without needing to be said, but China will continue its advance to becoming a world-economic power. This nation needs our special and earnest prayer.

Iran, Syria, and the Persecuted Church

There will be a shift in leadership in many Middle Eastern nations. Those who have been in favor will fall out of favor almost overnight. A call to pray for the persecuted church came forth from the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants to bring a great harvest to Syrians in particular in this season.

God’s miracle working power will manifest in Iran. The Lord did not speak details to us beyond that at this time.