Singing With Angels - Move In Our Barren Places
June 5, 2002
Service Record: June 2, 2002 Sunday Morning Service Location: Crystalbrook Church, Liberty, KS "Move in Our Barren Places"
The service held Sunday morning could only be characterized as "indescribable". "Love sick worship" and "desperation" were evident in the hearts' of the people as songs and praises ascended to the throne of God. As the Crystalbrook Praise and Worship Team led the chorus, "You are Beautiful, My Sweet -Sweet Song." Jeanie Ogle came forward and shared on how God was expressing to us our beauty to Him.
Reflecting on the worship, Pastor Lisa Drumeller stated, "It was like heaven and earth collided for a few moments and we were singing with them (the angels). It was like we were invaded by a wonderful presence. Of course I thought I could have been off, but there were at least three others who acknowledged the sound of singing. Steve Williams thought Kelly Cox (our guest this weekend) had started singing in a microphone, but when he looked nothing was different with the people. As I talked to Pastor Dick on the way to lunch he confirmed that he sensed the same thing. We truly joined with the angels singing Holy to the Lamb! (Or they joined us) I do not believe this was the first time this has ever happened, but it was a first with so many recognizing what was happening."
Doubtless, the service could only be described as "other worldly." Singing by the Spirit, Kelly Cox of Global Impact Ministries proclaimed, "If you could only see what I see, you would be free." The divine presence was so paramount.
Continuing in the Spirit, Chad Cox of Global Impact Ministries preached, "God is about to move in our barren places!" From Genesis 38:1-9, Chad explained to the congregation how the law of sin and death stimulates us, but leaves us barren (without child). In contrast, the life of the Spirit in Christ Jesus frees us from the law of sin and death, and brings about life and fruitfulness-pregnancy. From Isaiah 54 Chad read,
"Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate, Than the children of the married woman," says the LORD."
"All the world is aware of our barrenness," he explained. "But to those who mock us, the barren places are about to become impregnated!" When Chad began to ask us to look into our barren places, I wept. As he preached, the tears and anguish of a "woman forsaken and grieved in spirit," (vs.6) accompanied each us. Sobs could be heard all throughout the sanctuary.
Pastor Dick came forward and shared that earlier in the week, on Friday in prayer, he went through an experience in the Spirit that could only be described as the pain of birthing a child. He then pointed to Mary who when met by the angel asked, "How can this be since I do not know a man?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you;" (Luke 1:34-35) Chad added with this exhortation, "Do not abort that which God has prepared for you. The Holy Spirit has hovered over Crystalbrook Church. You have come too far to go back! The tears of sorrow will be turned to tears of joy. If the son is to be brought forth, it must come through us!"
At the conclusion of his message, Chad asked the congregation to assemble in a circle and join hands. The congregation responded and a chain of some hundred and fifty people was developed stretching the perimeter of the sanctuary. Chad then directed Pastor Dick to squeeze the right hand of the person joined to him. After he did this, this action was to be continued throughout the chain of people three times. The congregation responded to Chad's direction, and on the third time, the people rejoiced in the Spirit. Kelly Cox stood in the center of the circle and proclaimed, "This circle represents a womb. It is a womb, not a tomb." Chad added, "God will start to confirm your pregnancy. God will bring positive tests and confirmation that He is moving in your barren places." The service finished with dancing and rejoicing to the Lord.
Even so, "Behold the maidservants of the Lord! Let it be to us according to your word!" (Luke 1:38) May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ move in our barren places. Make it a spring and let the rain also cover it with pools. (Psalm 84:6) In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Lisa Drumeller
info@crystalbrook.org
Location: Liberty, KS, United States
Website: http://www.crystalbrook.org/
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