Worship at the River

Worship at the River
9/11/2005

Four years ago on this date, most of our lives changed dramatically. We were confronted with the reality of a battle initiated by an enemy we could not easily see ... and this holy war, for the first time, affected U.S. soil.

Exactly two weeks ago, we experienced another tragedy in the hurricane and the aftermath of chaos and lawlessness ... as well as acts of kindness and mercy ... all witnessed on the nightly news. Many fled to a Tower of refuge ... the Superdome ... hoping for safety and security.

We are living with uncertainty, challenge, and change. This is why I am more convinced than ever that ...

... neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Just two years ago this month, several us felt the Holy Spirit lead us to began a once a month gathering here at the River. While we have learned more tha just a few things, these past few years our gathering has just one central purpose. It is an open invitation to let the Holy Spirit release songs... songs that we know from the past, hymns as well as contemporary, and songs that have their birth in the spontaneous revelation King David modeled for us in his personal journal ... which became the Book of Psalms.

Paul urged the church to assemble and bring something....a contribution to the meeting. I don't think he was referring to finances. He spoke about songs, a prophetic word, a word encouragement or a tongue with interpretation ...

As in the past, you may hear songs that are spontaneous, experience times of quietness or silence ... words of encouragement ... All of these elements we submit to the Holy Spirit for his orchestration. And above all, we are not afraid of making a mistake.

We have learned over the years that there is one central reoccurring and growing passion ... that is the love for the Bride for the Bridegroom ... the Holy Spirit draws us to this truth time and time again ... the supremacy of Christ. I asked my wife if she had a word for this evening, and she said yes, she says the Lord says: I want all the attention tonight.

This evening we may experience times the Holy Spirit will initiate.... an opportunity to agree with Him for words of knowledge, prophetic encouragement ... ... healing ... as well as an opportunity to celebrate communion as the Holy Spirit leads.

But most importantly, this evening we have the privilege and of the joy of abandoned worship. That despite external circumstances, gas prices, hurricanes, wars and rumors of wars, the start of school, illnesses and disappointments, we worship.


Can you find the rest from your previous labor?

Could it be that the Lord wants us to draw even closer to Him ... because we're approaching a season of even greater dependence on Him?

We worship. We worship because of what God has done for us ... He has done great things ... and we are His people and the sheep of his pasture created for one purpose ... to glorify His Name.


Darrell