Many people live and die never knowing or fulfilling their purpose and destiny in life. Hidden deep in the heart of God are keys to fulfilling the multi-dimensional life plan that involves a very specific assignment uniquely designed for each one of us. Unlocking the secret of how to live out our life and purpose in three dimensions involves multiple components. Knowing our destiny - or simply our destination, taking dominion over disappointment and discouragement, ruling in life as stewards of the truth, expressing our priesthood as followers of Jesus, and demonstrating the kingdom of God in the earth. The Dream Key: Defining Moments and Prophetic Encounters The Definition Key: Knowing Your Identity and Finding Your Voice The Development Key: Unlocking Your Potential for Positioning The Discipline Key: Knowing the Times and Seasons The Demonstration Key: Taking Dominion of Your FutureThe study of biblical, historical and contemporary leaders reveals the disturbing fact that few leaders finish well. Studies show that there are key barriers that can exist in the life of the leader that contribute to downfall and, if we desire to finish well, we must be aware of them. While leadership failure will continue to be a reality in our societies, there are key traits that we can identify and develop from those leaders who have finished well, who have left a legacy to contribute to the success of we who follow. The application of these characteristics, coupled with strong spiritual disciplines, is the focal point for all leaders who desire to finish well, and not be disqualified for service.
Destiny Keys
Unlocking Your Future, Favor and AssignmentBy Wade ThompsonAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2009 Wade Thompson
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4389-4772-3Contents
Introduction....................................................................xiiiPreface.........................................................................xvThe Dream Key...................................................................1Defining Moments & Prophetic Encounters.........................................1The Power of Personal Vision....................................................1Purveyors of Hope...............................................................5Find Your Passion! Find Your Path!..............................................9The Passion Cycle: The Economic Engine for Your Dream...........................16Purpose & Position: Knowing Your Prophetic Destiny..............................19Equipping the Church to Fulfill Her Purpose.....................................23Chapter One Take-a-Ways.........................................................26The Definition Key..............................................................27Knowing Your Identity and Finding Your Voice....................................27Searching for Identity..........................................................27Crossing Over — Breaking Old Cycles.......................................32Identity & Direction — Moving Into God's Now Time!........................37'Connecting the Dots' for Kingdom Living........................................47Chapter Two Take-a-Ways.........................................................52The Development Key.............................................................55Unlocking the Potential for Positioning.........................................55Emotional Intelligence — Accessing Kingdom Power..........................55Unlocking Potential — The Need for Mentors................................64Expanding Your Borders — Character Development............................70Chapter Three Take-a-Ways.......................................................82The Discipline Key..............................................................85Knowing the Times and the Seasons...............................................85Spheres of Influence — Measure of Rule....................................85Alignment — Setting Priorities............................................95The Power of Agreement — Breaking the Orphan Spirit.......................116The Issachar Leader — Eternal Purpose and Perspective.....................123Chapter Four Take-a-Ways........................................................128The Demonstration Key...........................................................129Taking Dominion of Your Future..................................................129Destiny Patterns — Unlocking Favor and Life Purpose.......................129Destiny Keys — Crossing New Thresholds....................................136Finishing Well — I Will Not Be Disqualified!..............................145Chapter Five Take-a-Ways........................................................149End Notes.......................................................................151
Chapter One
The Dream Key Defining Moments & Prophetic Encounters
"Opposition to our dream is the building block for our destiny." Wade Thompson
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"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord; they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11
The Power of Personal Vision
Vision is a very powerful force in the life of any individual. Psychologist and author, Victor E. Frankl explores this in his writing, Man's Search for Meaning. Frankl writes of his experience as a Jewish prisoner in the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz, Poland during World War II. In the midst of despair and hopelessness, he realized it would be his vision of the future which would sustain him and help him survive this hell on earth. Even as he contemplated ending his life, he was suddenly propelled into a vision of his future – he saw himself on a stage at a prestigious university delivering his latest work to a group of university professors on the psychology of the concentration camp. He realized his vision of the future provided the one thing that would see him through this ordeal ... there was still something significant for him to accomplish in his future.
Frankl's writings give credit to the power of God's eternal purpose placed in us from birth when he states, "Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it."
Author and futurist Joel Barker in his film The Power of Vision demonstrates the power of vision and the influence each of us has on the people we touch by telling the story of a young man running on the beach throwing starfish into the ocean. Amazed at the young man's work, an onlooker asked, "Why are you spending your time throwing these starfish into the sea? There are so many of them, you can't possibly make a difference." To the bewilderment of the onlooker, the young man then turned, picked up a single starfish, and throwing it into the breaking waves, he made a most profound statement, "It made a difference for that one!"
Barker states, "Vision is the result of dreams in action, it is the ability of leaders to paint a compelling image of the future, and what each of us must think about, dream and actively pursue, is our vision of the future."
This same principle applies to corporations, families, schools, communities, and the Church (a covenant community). If it works for nations, it will work for individuals. To ford the raging rivers of change, which will test our faith, fortitude and belief system, we must see beyond today. Vision of the future will provide the anchor to bring us safely and securely to our destination.
For centuries leaders have struggled with the definition of vision. In man's entire search for meaning and purpose, God has been there with us and placed these powerful principles in His word. The essence of vision is defined in Proverbs 29:18, "Without a vision, people perish, but happy is he who keeps the law." (KJV) "When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy." The Message states, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals they are most blessed." This implies when people, organizations, nations have no clear vision or purpose they begin to define their outlook only for the moment and never gain a perspective of their future; therefore they do not move forward toward their destiny.
In contrast, those who open their hearts to His divine purpose and leading will experience the favor, kindness, and power of a patient and loving Lord and Savior who is desperately waiting for us to yield our will and nature to his purposes.
Pastor and author Andy Stanley states in his book Visioneering, "Our vision should solve a problem." It should also answer the needs of society and provide solutions...