Floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, typhoons…is anyone else noticing the weirdness of our weather? I know we’ve always had such things. But, the intensity does seem to be picking up. It’s enough that it has me praying a very specific prayer. I’ve been asking the Lord to allow me to live as one of the sons of Issachar, of whom it was said, “they understood the times in which they lived and knew what Israel must do.”

I believe that is a most appropriate prayer for us today as we find ourselves surrounded by dramatic weather shifts, culture wars, economic upheaval and the threat of terrorism. “Lord, help us to not act as though everything is normal. Please give us insight and understanding of our times. If these things happening in the world around us are a part of the preparation for your Return, then wake up Your People to begin to live differently. Show us how to pray and how to live in such a way that every moment counts for You!”

On May 26th I went to Paradise. No...not heaven. This particular Paradise was a field about 30 miles south of Kansas City. It was a unique gathering of about 3500 young people (and a few of us older folk). We had one purpose only...to assemble before the Throne of the Lamb and worship Jesus. There have certainly been many other gatherings to worship the Lord and they have often attracted many more people. But this was different.

There were no celebrities on the stage. As a matter of fact....no one was on the stage. It was designed to emulate an empty dais upon which a throne could be placed. The musicians were hid from sight behind the stage. A jumbotron screen provided words to songs and extensive passages of scripture that focused on the person of Christ.

This was no mere entertainment venue. You didn't come to Paradise asking what you were going to receive, but rather you declared, "Lord....here is my heart." It was all about Jesus.

Some have asked me why the attendance was so low. I don't really know. Perhaps the price of gas...maybe the uncertainty of a very unusual format...maybe it was asking too much for some. What I do know is that those who came and fully entered into the worship and prayer were impacted significantly by the Presence of Jesus. I'm gratefully to the visionary brothers and sisters who led us into this simple field in Kansas to meet with the King of Kings.