Love & Grace- Part 2/ Desperation

The absence of love is fear. The absence of grace is condemnation. Without the love of God, we are as good as dead. It is our life-flow in which we can live out every day life in relation to Him and to others. Without God's saving grace, we are condemned to eternal seperation in an abyss of lonliness, pain and suffering--- a place called hell. We experience one of the two (life or death) when we pass on from this earth. Heaven is very real and so is hell.
Concerning the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness on the earth today, there is war over the souls of men that is fought with unseen eyes. The devil knows that his time is short so he is roaming throughout the earth, seeking to steal, kill and destroy the souls of men. Battles are fought through every day life with words that are spoken, actions taken and the thoughts of a man. Cities are contended over, leaders rise and fall, God is sovereign.
But the good news is that the Kingdom of God is slowly taking over the earth. Love is as strong as death! Grace comes and rescues the accused! "The conquering lion will break every chain. He will wipe every tear away. He will take all our hurt and pain." He came the first time as a baby in a manger and He is coming again as a mighty warrior, KING JESUS, riding a white horse and He will reign forever and ever! His love is fierce and His anger is holy. "Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved." "TODAY is the day of salvation"!! To our KING and to our God, the only One and true God.
Come, LORD Jesus. Come to this city. Come to this region. Come like the rain and reign victoriously. Let this be a place of safety, a flame of fire. Let Your kindness lead many to repentance. Let the prayers of the saints be as incense going up before Your altar. LOVE, GRACE, let it abound in all of Your fullness.
Every prayer, every hug, every smile, every tear, everything matters. You see it all, God.
I like the song by Jason Upton that says, "Hear the sound of the Lion of Judah. See the fire and the fear in the enemies' camp. Hear the sound of the Lion of Judah roaring again. There's a new generation rising. A nameless, faceless, placeless tribe. All they fear is the fear of Lord. All they hear is the Lion of Judah. Raise up an army, raise up an army, raise up an army, like Joel saw..."
Also, I had written a song last summer that says, "He is roaring. He is calling forth His army. He is roaring. He is calling forth His army. Arise."



We have a national conference here starting tomorrow called Desperation. It's a big deal for our church to be hosting it. I think back to when a prophet came to our church and spoke over it saying full of youth going in and out, in and out. I am leery of conferences, maybe it's because I've been to so many concerts (I was concert junky as a teenager), events, conferences, special meetings, etc. and as a teenager went through a lot of "roller coaster" highs and lows. But I really believe that it's not going to be just another conference. This city and region will be changed by God answering the prayers of young people, desperate for Him. It may not happen over night, but God's ears are not deaf. He hears every cry, every prayer and He sees every tear.
I am encouraged to see leaders rising up within the youth group. Last night, I gathered with 30-40 young people in the upper-room for prayer and worship. I remember when I was a teenager, gathering in an almost abandoned church every Friday with my brother and our friend Richee, crying out for God to bring about change in our city. Usually when I visit my home town; as soon as I pass the county line, I can feel oppression so strongly. This past weekend, I went to my home town and crossed that line and felt that the oppression was less than before! Praise the Lord! He hears our prayers! The oppression will continue to be lifted until His light infiltrates the darkness! I am also encouraged by Pastor Lee and how he prayed over his high school many years ago and today there is fruit coming from prayer!!