I'm leaving next week!

Time is flying by so fast… next week Saturday morning I will be leaving for Nigeria.  Lord willing, I will be in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on April 23^rd. 

I’m staying at the Port Harcourt YWAM University of Nations campus part of the time, and then we will be traveling in a van to Calabar and staying there for several days as well.  While we are in Port Harcourt we will develop relationships, build a fish tank, and learn about the African ways of building. In Calabar we will be looking for property and developing relationships with local Christians and tribal leaders.  Pray for about 100 acres at a very reasonable price, and pray for hearts to hear the Holy Spirit.

The delightful news is that I know what the Lord wants me to speak about as I've been asked to speak at the campus.  The Holy Spirit has confirmed the message very clearly.   Jesus prayed for future believers in John, Chapter 17: 20-23.  If I were to place a title on this message it would be “One with the Father”.  Jesus makes it very clear that Abba’s intentions are that we be one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and one with each other.  Jesus was always doing the Father’s will, always with the Father's Authority.  He prays for "perfect unity". (NLT)  "Church" revival depends on this 2000 year old elusive ideal, and now is a time for application. 

Jesus' complete dedication to the Father is what brought glory to His work on earth.  He was always one with the Father.  Everything he said, did, and submitted to, was the Father’s will and witness (John 12:49-50).  They have always been one, except for the agonizing experience Jesus endured as he took the sins of the world upon himself, when He died separated from the Father saying, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me”.  Then, He said these comforting words before He died, “it is finished”.  Being One, won His glory and ours.

Being one with the Father’s will was the strength behind Hearts with a Mission, The Wounded Warrior Project, Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, and many more successful projects I have been involved with.  The weaknesses I have were overcome with endless grace.  Somehow God gave me the ability to speak a clear message, and ignite the help of others. 

It kind of reminds me of John the Baptist, how he was “on point” with the message of the Father, except, we have the distinct advantage of the following titles:  Citizen; eternally in Heaven,  Priest; with budded rod, Transformed; with a new covenant heart, Sustained; on the Manna-From-Heaven, Forgiven; in the atonement seat with His blood, Eternal; having a position with Christ at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 2:6), Friend; Jesus calls us “friends” not servants because servants don’t know the master’s business, Masterpiece; with a new name (Simon was named Peter) written in the Lambs book of life, Foreigner; passing through a fallen world not our own, and most importantly, Forever-Loved; internally, between the protection provided by the outstretched wings of the Seraphim, above the Atonement Seat, we enjoy the active presence of Abba/Father via the Holy Spirit, 24/7, 365 days a year.  We are His eternal reality of the Ark of the Covenant.   

God calls individuals to do things that are much too difficult to do on their own. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9 NLT)  Like Paul, I want to act out in my weaknesses to receive His grace.  My limitation is that I can’t do anything except “through Christ who strengthens me”. 

When a vision is clearly too difficult to accomplish in the flesh, this may be an excellent sign it is from the Father.  If a vision doesn't align with God’s Word then it is of the flesh.  When a vision comes with all the right confirmations then timing is the only issue.  Abba calls upon us to go in His power, with His authority as one, to bring Glory to His Name.

Being one with the Father will bring glory to Jesus in Nigeria.  Being “strong and courageous” as we step into the water with His covering as living Arks of the Covenant, encouraging everyone, speaking a message with His empowerment, will further God’s Kingdom.  Signs, wonders, and miracles will follow.

I am blessed to have you be a part of this mission.  Your support in prayer and helping us meet the financial goal is comforting too (praise God, check the thermometer).  This may be the last time I write until I’m in Nigeria.  I have a TV interview with the Dove next week before I leave.  Don’t know the schedule so I will try to post a link.  Perry Atkinson and Steve Johnson have both been awesome.

Blessings