Bob Sorge’s life proclaims the message of how one pursues and enjoys

intimacywithGod.HisdeepexperienceofGodthroughHiswordalongwithhispatient endurance of hardship have resulted in “living understanding” of thesubject of this book.We do not need more books on intimacy with God butbetterbooksonit.Booksthatflowoutofreality—forgedoutofrevelationandencounter.With this book as a roadmap, gain freshvision and inspiration forgoingforwardonajourneywhereintheveryissuesoflifeareinthebalance.

—MikeBickleTherehasneverbeenagenerationthatneedsthesecretplacemorethanthis

one.BobSorgegentlyadmonishesustoestablishaplace,timeandincentivetomeetregularlywithGod.Thisbookisanenticement,notaguiltprojector.Theprinciplesheexpoundsare timeless, triedand true. I loved thebook. It stirredmyspirittowantrenewedfellowshipwithmyLord.

—JudsonCornwallMy dear friend Bob Sorge’s passion for God and His word reverberates

througheverylineofthiswonderfulbook.Ifyoualreadyhavesimilarpassion,thisbookwillstokethefiresandfantheflames.Ifyouhavelittleornopassion,thisbookwilligniteone.So,doyourselfafavorandsaturateyourneedyspiritinthesecombustibletruths.YouwilljointheranksofthosewhoaredesperateforanintimaterelationshipwithGod,theLoverofoursouls,whoalonecansatisfyandfulfillus.

—JoyDawsonAsIreadthroughselectedchaptersofthisexcellentbook,Icouldnothelp

thinking: these are the truths the church must hear. Focused, penetrating,passionateandpractical,BobSorgegoespast informingofGod’ssecretplace,hetakesusthere.Thisisabooktoreturntoagainandagain.

—FrancisFrangipaneYouwillbeencouraged, lifted,motivatedandcompelled tospendgreater

qualitytimewiththeLord.Thisisabookthatrevealsthesecretsthatcancarryyouhigheronthemountainoftruthandworship.BobSorge,throughtheyears,continuestobeoneoftheleaderswhopioneers theadvanced trainingof thosewhohavegiventheirlivestoworshipandintercession.

—KentHenryEverything of God flows out of the secret place. Everything good and

lasting—everything that survives theultimate test isborn in thesecretplace.

Wecan“make it” toheavenwith emptyhands, butwhydo that?WhynotgoinsteadwithcrownstolayatHisfee?IfwegiveHimcrowns,itwillbebecausewemetJesusdailyinthesecretplace.IrecommendSecretsoftheSecretPlace to every hungry, desperate follower of Jesus. You won’t bedisappointed.

—FloydMcClung

ContentsPart1:AcceptingTheGreatInvitation1.TheSecretofSaying“Yes”2.TheSecretoftheShutdoor3.TheSecretofListening4.TheSecretofRadicalObedience5.TheSecretofRapidRepentance6.TheSecretofSowing7.TheSecretofRefuge8.TheSecretofDecisionMaking9.TheSecretofNoPlanB10.TheSecretofBurning11.TheSecretofViolence12.TheSecretofHumility13.TheSecretofIntercession14.TheSecretofWatching

PartII:MakingItWork15.TheSecretofRadiationTherapy16.TheSecretofTime17.TheSecretofRetreats18.TheSecretofJournaling19.TheSecretofMeditating20.TheSecretofSimultaneousReading21.TheSecretofPrayingtheScriptures22.TheSecretofFinishing23.TheSecretoftheMorning24.TheSecretofGettingDressed25.TheSecretofSelf-Denial26.TheSecretofBoredom27.TheSecretofFeelingAttractiveToGod

PartIII:SettingAMarathonPace28.TheSecretofDesperation29.TheSecretofMannaGathering30.TheSecretofEnduring31.TheSecretofConfinement32.TheSecretofWaiting33.TheSecretofTears34.TheSecretofHoliness35.TheSecretofBuyingGold36.TheSecretofInvitingHisGaze37.TheSecretofTheCross38.TheSecretofRest

PartIV:SeekingADeeperRelationship39.TheSecretofTrueRiches40.TheSecretofBeholdingJesus41.TheSecretofStanding42.TheSecretofBodilyLight43.TheSecretofJustLovingHim44.TheSecretofBeingKnown45.TheSecretofIntimacyFirst46.TheSecretofBridalIdentity47.TheSecretofClinging48.TheSecretofWalkingWithGod49.TheSecretofBuyingOil50.TheSecretofConstantSupply51.TheSecretofAbidingInChrist52.TheSecretofUnionWithGod

PartIAcceptingTheGreatInvitationSecretsoftheSecretPlaceIsn’t it incredible that the awesome God of the

universe has invited us to a breathing, growingrelationship with Him! This first section of meditationsdirectsourheartstosomeofthefoundationaltruthsthatwill help us establish a meaningful secret placeconnection with the Lord. You may choose to read onechapter a week, or you may take it at your own pace.Eitherway,say“yes”toHisincredibleinvitation!

1TheSecretofSaying“Yes”Chris andDeeAnnAbke were feeling overwhelmed

by a looming financial challenge. In desperation, theytooksometimelateoneevening—aftersettlingtheirkidsinto bed—to pray and seek the Lord’s help. As they sattogether on their living room couch, making theirpetitionsknowntoGod,suddenlyanaudiblevoicebegantospeak,“Ifyouneedhelp,call9-1-1.Ifyouneedhelp,call9-1-1.”

Theyheardthevoicesaythisaboutfourorfivetimes,and then it stopped. Mystified, Chris and DeeAnn justlookedateachother.

The voice seemed to be coming from the garage, sothey cautiously opened the door and flipped on thegaragelights,notsurewhattheywouldfind.Everythingwas in its place except for a small toy ambulance,belonging to their son, that layby itself in thecenterofthegaragefloor.

Chrispickeduptheambulance,pushedabuttonnexttoitsemergencylights,andthevoicebegantospeak,“Ifyouneedhelp,call9-1-1.”Astheywonderedaloudhowthetoyhadactivatedofitsownaccord,suddenlytheHoly

Spirit seemed to nudgeChriswith thesewords, “If youneed help, call 9-1-1—Psalm 91:1.”Going back to theScriptures,theversehadanentirelynewmeaningtothemas they read it together: “He who dwells in the secretplaceof theMostHighshallabideunder theshadowoftheAlmighty

Chris andDeeAnn understood this incident to beGod’s way of directing their hearts to a renewedcommitment to that secret place relationship with Him.The inference was that God would direct their stepsrelatedtotheirfinancialneedsastheygavethemselvestotheintimacyofabidinginthepresenceoftheAlmighty.

Isharemyfriends’storywithyoubecauseIamabsolutelyconvincedthepower of heaven is unlockedon earthwhenwedevote ourselves to the secretplace of theMostHigh. Therefore, I havewritten this bookwith the singularpurposeofstokingtheembersofyourpersonalprayerlife.Ipraythatyouwillsay“Yes!”toadaily,ferventpursuitofJesusinthesecretplace.Myearnestprayeristhatwitheachdevotionalyouwillgainrenewedmomentumandaholy fascinationtopursuethegreatestpearl of human existence—a personal, intimate,passionate, living relationshipwith thegloriousCreatoroftheuniverse.

One of the best kept secrets of our faith is the blessedness and joy ofcultivating a secret life with God. Imagine the sheer delight of it even now.You’re tucked away in a quiet nook; the door is shut; you’re curled up in acomfortable position; the living word of God is laid open before you; JesusHimselfstandsatyourside; theHolySpirit isgentlywashingyourheart;yourloveisawakenedasyoumeditateuponthegraciouswordsofHismouth;yourspiritisignitedandyourmindisrenewed;youtalktoHim,andHetalkstoyouinthelanguageofintimatefriendship.

Ahhh,itdoesn’tgetanybetterthanthis!Hell will do everything in its power to misrepresent and distort the

exuberant delight of this dynamic reality; this present world system isstrategicallydesignedtosqueezeoutyourtimeandenergyforthesecretplace;the church usually focuses its best energies on getting saints busy; and thereseem to be relatively fewbelieverswhose secret lifewithGod is so vibrantlylife-givingthatitkindlesacontagiousdesireinotherstofollowtheirexample.

I connect vicerally with the pain of countless believers who carry theconvictionthatthesecretplaceiscentraltoanovercominglifebutwhostruggleonaregularbasistomaintainthesecretplaceasadailylifestyle.Iknowwhatit’s like to live below what the Christian walk could be and yet feel almostpowerless to change anything. I’ve watched myself return persistently to thesourceswhicharenosource.Forexample,whenwantingtogetrevitalizedfromadrainingday,wewilllooktotelevision,asthoughitsdistractionswillrenewus—only to be left empty for the umpteenth time. Or, we will attend a churchserviceinthehopethat thepreacher’swalkwithGodwill infuseuswithfreshenergy for the journey. But deep downwe know that sermons and teachings,althoughedifying,canneverreplacethecarryingpowerwefindwhenwesitatHisfeetandhearHiswordforourselves.

Wedon’tneedtoaddanothercondemningwordtotheberatingvoicesweallknowsowell.Whatweneed,rather,isforoureyestobeliftedtotheglorioushopewe already carrywithin.Mydesire is that Imight share some secrets—lessonsI’velearnedmostlybydoingitwrongfirst—toempoweryoutowardthegoaloftheupwardcallofGodinChrist.

When we learn to dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we arepositioning ourselves to discover the key to true kingdom fruitfulness.ReproductivepowerisunlockedintheshadowoftheAlmighty!OneofthebestBible examples of this truth is found in the life ofCornelius, the firstGentilebeliever.Corneliuswas a devoutGentilewho committed himself to the secretplaceofprayer.HispietyisdescribedintheBookofActsasfourfold:hegaveregularly to the poor; he lived a holy lifestyle; he practiced fasting; and headheredtothesecretplaceofprayer.ItwasbecauseofthosefourpursuitsthatGodfilledCorneliusandhishouseholdwiththeHolySpiritandmadethemthefirstfruitsofallGentilebelievers.It’sasthoughGodsaid,“Cornelius,becauseofyourpassionateconvictionforthesecretplace,yourlifeisthekindofexamplethatIcanreproduceinthenations.SoI’mdesignatingyoutobethefirstGentiletoreceivetheHolySpirit,becauseI’mgoingtotakeyourdevotiontothesecret

placeandexportittoeverynationonearth!”BymakingCorneliusthecatalystfor the redemption of the nations,Godwas giving a powerful endorsement toCornelius’s priority of cultivating a hidden life with God. The eruption offruitfulnessfromhislifemusthavecaughtevenhimoffguard!

Manyofyoureadingthisbookhaveacalltoneighborhoods,tocities,andalso to nations.As you devote yourself to the secret placewithGod,Hewillbirthsomethingwithinyouthatwillspread, inHis time, to thefourcornersofyour sphere. It’s an awesome secret:The call of God burning inyourbreastwillbeuncontainableandunstoppableasyoudevote yourself to the fiery passion of intimatecommunionwiththeLoverofyoursoul.

Won’t you joinme in pressing forward into newdimensions of kingdompower and glory? The face of Christianity is changed, generation aftergeneration,bythosewhodiscoverthepowerofthesecretplace.Ipraythatwiththereadingofeverypageyouwilljoinmeinsaying“Yes!”tothesecretofthecenturies.

“Whatisthissecret?”someonemightask.Thesecretplaceisthesecret!

2TheSecretoftheShutDoor“Butyou,whenyoupray,gointoyourroom,andwhenyouhaveshutyour

door,praytoyourFatherwhoisinthesecretplace;andyourFatherwhoseesinsecretwillrewardyouopenly”(Matthew6:6).

JesusHimself spoke theseblessedwords.AllScripture isGod-breathed,but followersofJesusalways findspecialdelight ingivingparticularattentionthewordsJesusHimselfgaveus.WhenJesustaughtonprayer,Hegaveprimaryemphasistothesecretplace.Infact,thefirstthingHetaughtconcerningprayerwastheprimacyofthesecretplace.Intheversesfollowing,Hewouldteachushowtopray,butfirstHeteacheswheretopray.

Matthew6:6containsapowerful secret regarding thewhereofprayer,but before I share it let me ask a question. Do you struggle frequently withfeelingdisconnectedfromGod?DoyoustraintofeelGod’spresencewhenyoupray?DoesHeseemdistanttoyou?DoyoulongtoknowthatHeiswithyou,rightnow,drawingneartoyou?

If your answer to any of those questions is, “Yes,” then I have somewonderfulnewsforyou.ThereisaguaranteedwaytogetintoGod’spresence.There is a sure-fire 100% guaranteed way to have instant intimacy with theFather,andJesusHimselfgaveusthekey.JesusgaveusthissecretintheaboveversewhenHesaid,“YourFatherwho is in the secretplace.” Jesus is saying,“Your Father is already in the secret place.He has gone ahead of you;He iswaiting for you. The moment you get to the secret place, you are in theimmediatepresenceofyourFather.”

Jesusaffirmed this truth twice in thesamechapter.Hesays it thesecondtimeinMatthew6:18,“‘Sothatyoudonotappeartomentobefasting,buttoyourFatherwhoisinthesecretplace;andyourFatherwhoseesinsecretwillrewardyouopenly.’”Jesussaysittwiceforemphasis,soweknow

thiswordisabsolutelycertain.OurFatherisinthesecretplace!Furthermore, Jesusgivesus thekey to finding this secretplace. Ifyou’re

wonderingwhatyoumustdotoplaceyourselfinthesecretplace,Jesusmadeitclear.Togetthere,allyouhavetodoisshutyourdoor!

When you enter your room, and shut your door, you are in thepresenceofyourFather.Instantaneously!Itmattersnothowyoufeel.Regardlessofyoursoul’sclimateat thatmoment,youknowwithabsoluteconfidenceyouhavesteppedintothechamberofyourFatherinheaven.Thesecretplaceisyourportaltothethrone,theplacewhereyoutasteofheavenitself.Receive thiswordandyouhavegainedoneof thegreatestsecretstointimacywithGod.Becausewhenyouknowyouareintheimmediatepresence of your Father, your spirit and soul will often respond to thatknowledge with heartfelt connectedness. The knowledge of this truth will setyourspiritfreetosoar.

When you build your life on the blessed intimacy of a secret placerelationship with God, you are building on the rock. You’re getting yourfoundationsinorder.That’snotsimplymyopinion,that’stheexplicitteachingofourLordJesusChrist.TheprinciplesJesusgave inChapters5-7ofMatthew’sGospelwereallgivenatone time, inonegreat sermon. Jesus said that in thissermonHewaslayingforththefoundationstonesofadisciple’slife.Here’showHeexpressedit:

“ThereforewhoeverhearsthesesayingsofMine,anddoesthem,Iwilllikenhimtoawisemanwhobuilthishouseontherock:andtherain

descended, thefloodscame,andthewindsblewandbeatonthathouse;anditdid not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears thesesayingsofMine,anddoesnotdothem,willbelikeafoolishmanwhobuilthishouseonthesand:andtheraindescended,thefloodscame,andthewindsblewandbeatonthathouse;anditfell.Andgreatwasitsfall”(Matthew7:24-27).

Jesus’messageisunmistakable.Heissaying,“IfyouwillhearanddowhatIhavetaughtyouinthisSermonontheMount,youwillbuildfoundationsintoyour life thatwill survive theharshest stormsof life.”Andbelieveme, friend,stormswillmostcertainlycome!Therearesomestormsthathaveyettohityourlife.Thequestionis,willyouhavethefoundationinplacetosurvivethestorms?

Oneof themostessentialelementsof that foundation is tohavean intactsecret lifewithGod. Thosewho hear thisword and do itwill not only enjoy

intimacy with the Father on a daily basis, but they will also be equipped tosustain the greatest storms—whether they originate from hell’s fury or theworld’sdistractionsorthefloodgatesofheaven’sblessings.

Don’tforgetthesecret:shutyourdoor.

3TheSecretofListeningWhenGodbroughtthepeopleofIsraelfromEgypt,throughtheRedSea,

toMountSinai,Heappearedtothenationasavisiblefireonthemountainandspoketothemwithathunderingaudiblevoice.TheexperiencewassoawesomeittotallyoverpoweredtheIsraelites,whoaskedthatMosesgoinsteadandspeaktoGodbyhimselfontheirbehalf.

Thepsalmistdescribedthisscenewithamostunusualphrase:“Iansweredyou in the secretplaceof thunder” (Psalm81:7).Godviewed theconvocationwithHispeopleonMt.Sinaiasa“secretplace”encounterwithHispeople.Hecalled themaside toadesertedmountain inorder tospeakwith themandgivethemHiscommandments.

GodhasalwaysdesignedthatthesecretplacebeaplacewhereHeanswersusandspeakstous.Sometimes,HeevenapprehendsusbythunderingtouswithHisawesomevoice.ThereisnothingmoregloriousinalloflifethanhearingHisvoice!GodhasalwayslongedtohavethekindofintimaterelationshipwithHispeoplewhereintheyhearHisvoiceandrespondaccordingly.Weclosethedoor to our secret place so that we might shut out alldistracting voices and tune our hearts to the one voicewhich we long to hear. “The secret place of thunder”—what anawesomedescriptionof

theplacewherewecomeasidetobewithourLord!SomethingprofoundhappenedinsidemethedaytheLordshowedmethe

single most important word in the entire Bible. I was on an intense study ofJesus’ teachings,andwassuddenlystruckbyhowoftenJesus talkedabout thenecessityofhearing.Forexample,Hecriedout,“‘Hewhohasearstohear, lethimhear!’”(Matthew13:9).Hiswordshitmelikeafreighttrain.Irealizedthateverything in the kingdomdepends uponwhether or notwe hear theword of

God.TheHolySpiritbegantoextrapolatethattruthformetothebreadthoftheentireBible,andsuddenlyIsawit:Theword“hear”isthemostimportantwordintheBible!Themost important treasures in thekingdomarepredicateduponthe necessity of hearingGod.When the Lord gaveme this truth, Iwanted tounderline every occurrence of theword “hear” inmyBible.My paradigm ofkingdomlivingwasradicallyrealignedbecauseIwasawakenedtothefactthateverythingchangeswhen Ihear fromGodandactupon thatword.This is thewellspring of eternal life; this is the fountainhead of kingdom power andauthority; this is the source of wisdom, understanding, and life direction!NothingcanreplacetheconfidenceandauthoritythatcomesfromhearingGod.HearingGod’svoicehasbecomethesingularquestofmyheart, the sole pursuit that alone satisfies the greatlongingsofmyheart.

For this reason, I strongly advocate for a prayer life that is comprisedmostlyofsilence.It’sagreatdelighttotalktoGod,butit’sevenmorethrillingwhenHe talks tous. I’vediscovered thatHehasmore important things tosaythan I do.Things don’t changewhen I talk toGod; thingschangewhenGodtalkstome.WhenItalk,nothinghappens;whenGodtalks, theuniversecomes intoexistence.So thepowerofprayer is found,not in convincing God of my agenda, but in waiting upon Him to hear Hisagenda.

IdonotmeantogivetheimpressionthathearingGod’svoiceismydailyexperience in the secret place. Far from it! Most days I come away withunfulfilled longings, unrequited initiatives, unanswered prayers, unrealizedaspirations, deferred hopes, and incomplete understandings. But then alongcomesoneofthosedays—youknowwhatImean—whenheavenleansoverandGodspeaksaworddirectlytotheheart.HebreathesuponaportionofScriptureand personalizes itsmeaning precisely tomy felt needs.Ohwhat glory! Thatmoment isworthallof theknockingandseekingof theprecedingdays. IwillenduremonthsofsilenceifHewillbutspeakonecreativewordfromHismouthtomyspirit.

My role in the secret place is to listen for anything Godmight want tospeak.IfHedoesn’tspeaktome,mytimespentinsilentlisteningisnotfutileorinvain.Ihaven’tmissedsomethingorfailedtoconnect.I’vedonemypart.Itisso important tome that I putmyself in a posture of listening. I’m convinced

therehavebeentimesIhavenotclearlyheardGod’swordtomyheartbecauseIhavenotbeen listeningat the timeHewas speaking. I realize I can’t tellGodwhattospeak,orwhentospeakit.ButIcanpositionmyselfinthesecretplacesothat,whenHechoosestospeak,Iamfoundlistening.

Scripture says,“‘Today, if you will hear His voice’” (Psalm 95:7). SohearingthevoiceofGodislargelyamatterofthewill.WemustchoosetohearHim.Wemakethechoicebysettingasidetimetolistenquietly.Thishearingisa“today”thingthatwedo.Itsays“if’becausehearingHisvoiceisconditional—builtupontheconditionofquietingourheartstolisten.

AllofuswantGod tohearourprayers.But theLordsaid,“‘Therefore ithappened,thatjustasHeproclaimedandtheywouldnothear,sotheycalledoutandIwouldnotlisten’”(Zechariah7:13).Inotherwords,Godissaying,“WhenI spoke, you didn’t listen toMe; therefore,when you speak, Iwon’t listen toyou.”TheinferenceisthatwhenwehearGod’svoice,Heinturnlistenstoourvoice.

Oh,howcanIspeakofthiswondroussecretmorearticulately?HowcanImakeitmoreplain?HearingGodisthemostcherishedsecretofthesecretplace.

Donotbelieveyouradversary’slies.HewouldtellyouthatyouareunabletohearthevoiceofGod.Nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Jesussaidofyou,“‘MysheephearMyvoice,andIknowthem,andtheyfollowMe’”(John10:27).Youcanhear the voice ofGod. Stop everything, come aside, listen,andwait

onHim.Waituntil.Helongstocommunewithyou.Whenlistening,itisacommonexperiencetobebombardedwiththoughts

about all thatmustbedone inourdailyduties.Apractical suggestion:Takeanotepadtothesecretplace,andwritedown“thingstodo”astheyinterruptyourlistening.Then,youcanputthosethoughtsoutofmindandmaintainyourfocuswhereyouwantit,knowingthatyou’llnotforgetaboutthosedetailslater.

Beencouragedbythefactthatyou’renottheonlyonewhofindslisteningaverychallengingdisciplinetomaster.ThebestattainmentsinGodalwayscomethehardest.Beprepared tomake thedisciplineofattentive listeninga lifetimepursuitthatwillbecomeeasierinthedoingofit.Let’sgrowtogether!

4

TheSecretofRadicalObedienceHearing God in the secret place is one of the greatest keys to the

overcomingChristianlife.However,itmustbelinkedwithitscorollary:radicalobedience.Wehear,andthenwedo.“Butbedoersoftheword,andnothearersonly,deceivingyourselves”(James1:22).

By “radical obedience,” I mean immediate obedience that fulfills thecommandment to its fullest measure.Radical obedience does notseek to comply to the minimal standards but pursuesextravagant,lavishfulfillment.IfJesussays,“Sellall,”thenwesellall!Immediately.

TheNewTestamentwordforobedience,hupakoe,isacompoundwordoftwoGreekwords,hupo,“under,”andakouo,“tohear.”Sotoobeyis“tohearunder.”Obedience involves listeningattentivelywithaheartofcompliantsubmissionand,then,obeyingHisword.

Implicitobediencestarts,foreveryoneofus,notindoinggoodworksbutin sitting at His feet and hearing His word.Devotion to the secretplaceisthesaint’sfirstgreatactofobedience.Jesusrevealedthis:

ButHeansweredthem,saying,“WhoisMymother,orMybrothers?”AndHelookedaroundinacircleatthosewhosataboutHim,andsaid,“HereareMymotherandMybrothers!

ForwhoeverdoesthewillofGodisMybrotherandMysisterandmother”(Mark3:33-35).

ThewillofGodinthatmomentwasforthepeopletositatJesus’feetandhearHisword.Untilyouattendtothisresponsibilityfirst,youwillbeconstantlyfrustrated in your inability to uncover the joys of radical obedience.Works ofservicegaintheirspiritualenergyfromthefurnaceofafieryloverelationshipatJesus’feet.ThetruefulfillmentofservingJesusisdiscoveredwhenwegetfirstthingsfirst:Firstwesitandlisten,andthenwegoanddo.

My friend, Steve Peglow, once told me he thought some people were

“commonlawChristians.”BythathemeanttheywantthebenefitsoflivingwithJesuswithoutmakingthecommitment.Butevenasthefulljoyoflivingtogetherisfoundonlywithinthecontextofthecommitmentofmarriage,sotoothejoyoffollowingJesusisfoundonlyinabandoningoneselftoeverywordthatproceedsfromHismouth.

Somepeopleput theirbestenergies intocreative thinking.However,Godhas away of negating the plans ofmen: “TheLord brings the counsel of thenationstonothing;Hemakestheplansofthepeoplesofnoeffect.Thecounselof the Lord stands forever” (Psalm 33:10-11). Instead of focusing on beingcreative,focusonbeingobedient.GiveyourbestenergiestowaitingonGodinHispresence,listeningforHisvoice,andthenmovingoutinactiononlywhenHehas spoken.There’sno sense in comingupwithyourown ideaswhen it’sonlyGod’scounselthatwillstand!I’msayingitseveraldifferentways:Thekeyisinhearingandobeying.

OhwhatjoytohearHiswordanddoit!Thebenefitsareprofound(Iwillmentiononlyafewamongmany):

Obedienceunlockseternallyabundantlife.Jesus said, “‘And I know that His command is everlasting life’” (John

12:50).ComingfromtheMasterofunderstatement,thesesimplewordscontainfarmoreimpactthanacursoryreadingwouldreveal.Takethatstatementtoyourplace of meditation and let Him awaken you to the lifegiving power ofextravagantadherencetoHiscommand.ThelifethatresidesinHimflowsintoyouwhenyouobey.

ObedienceincursthegazeofGod.Godlookswithspecialinterestandaffectionupontheonewhoisdevoted

toobedience.Hesaid it this say,“‘Buton thisonewill I look:onhimwho ispoorandofacontritespirit,andwhotremblesatMyword’” (Isaiah66:2).It’sfantastic to just imagineit:You’re in thesecretplacewithHiswordbeforeyou,andyou’retremblingattheprospectofHisspeakingtoyou;Heseesyour willing spirit and conceives of ways to honor your devotion. Wow! TotrembleatHiswordmeansfirstlythatwelongforHimtospeak,andsecondlythatwetremblewithreadydiligencetoactuponthewordthatcomes.Whenwe tremble for His word with this kind of keenanticipation,HefastensHisgazeuponusinordertodo

goodonourbehalf.Obedienceproducesgreaterintimacy.Inmyopinion,oneofthemostpowerfulstatementsJesusmadeonearthis

righthere:“‘HewhohasMycommandmentsandkeepsthem,itishewholovesMe.AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyself to him’” (John 14:21).Jesussaidobedience is theproofoflove,andlovebringsusintoincredibleintimacywiththeFather.Furthermore,obedienceunlocks theaffectionsofChristandHisself-disclosuretothehumanheart.There’snothingmoreIlongforthanfor Jesus to manifest Himself to me! For the hope of beholding Him I willembrace any and every command of His mouth. I choose to obey Him, notbecause I am energized bywatchingmy obedience change people’s lives, butbecauseHispresenceissosweetwhenIobey.Myheart isenflamedwithzealforHiscloseness,andobedienceonlyfuelsthatfire.

Obediencebuildsunshakablefoundations.“ThereforewhoeverhearsthesesayingsofMine,anddoesthem,Iwilllikenhimtoawisemanwhobuilthishouseontherock:andtherain

descended, thefloodscame,andthewindsblewandbeatonthathouse;anditdid not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears thesesayingsofMine,anddoesnotdothem,willbelikeafoolishmanwhobuilthishouseonthesand:andtheraindescended,thefloodscame,andthewindsblewandbeatonthathouse;anditfell.Andgreatwasitsfall”(Matthew7:24-27).

Youwillnoticethat thestormcomesbothtothosewhodoJesus’sayingsand those who don’t do them. No one is exempt. Storms are most certainlyheadedyourway.Theonlyquestionis,willyousurvive?Willyourfoundationsbe strong enough to sustain thewinds and floods?Thosewhowalk in radicalobediencehavemade themselves ready for thestorm,and theywillovercome.“‘Oh, that you had heededMy commandments! Then your peacewould havebeen like a river, andyourrighteousness like thewavesof thesea’”(Isaiah48:18).Thegreaterthewindsthatassaulttheobedient,themorehisrighteousnessrisesuplikemightybreakers,crashingontheshoreinmajesticthunderingsoffragrancetoGod.

Of course, there aremany other benefits of obedience beyond these fourjustcited.ButI’mtryingtokeepourchaptersinthisbookshort!Considerjust

twootherbriefthoughtsyet,regardingobedience.ThefirstcomestousthroughMary,themotherofJesus.

Marygaveusoneofthegreatestsummationsofobedience:“‘WhateverHesays to you, do it’” (John 2:5). True servants are found sitting at Jesus’ feet(“‘Where I am, thereMy servantwill be also,’” John 12:26). Then,whenHespeaks,theyjustdoit.

Servantsdon’ttrytogivetheMasterabetteridea;servantsdon’tcomplainthat they think the task is stupid; servants don’t try to decide if they’re in themoodtodoitrightnow;servantsdon’tdecideifthetaskiswithintheirdignitytoperformit.Theyjustdoit.“‘Solikewiseyou,whenyouhavedoneallthosethingswhichyouarecommanded,say,“Weareunprofitableservants.Wehavedonewhatwasourdutytodo”’”(Luke17:10).

Thecloseryouget toGod, themoreobedientyoumustbe.Somechoosethe level of obedience whereby they endeavor to avoid sin and chooserighteousness.ThatwasthelevelwherethechildrenofIsrael,whoknewGod’sacts, lived.Moses, however, knewGod’sways. SoMoses’ level of obediencewasofnecessitymuchhigher.TheissueforMoseswasnolongersimply,“Isthisactionrightorwrong?”Theissuewas,“WhatisGod’scommand?”Forexample,whenMoseswasonthefierymountainthecommandwas,“Staybehindthecleftoftherock.BecauseifyoucomeoutfrombehindtheprotectiverockandseeMyface, you’ll die.You’re so close toMe right now,Moses, that if youmake awrongmoveyou’llseeMyfaceandhaveacardiacarrestonthespot.”Now,isthereanythingwrongorsinfulaboutsteppingout frombehindawallof rock?No. But when you’re that close to God, it’s imperative you follow Hisinstructions to the letter and stay where He’s putting you. It bears repeating:The closer you get toGod, themore obedient youmustbe.

5TheSecretofRapidRepentanceEighttimestheScripturesenjoinus,“Takeheedtoyourselves”(Exodus

19:12;Deuteronomy4:23;11:16;Jeremiah17:21;Luke17:3;21:34;Acts5:35;20:28).TwoofthosetimesthewordsarespokenbyJesusHimself.Thistakingheed to oneself is a primary function of the secret place.Prayer is theconstant calibration of the soul. It is a lifestyle of stopping andtaking candid spiritual inventory. This is not spiritual paranoia, but rather theexerciseofonewhohasahealthyfearofGodandasublimedesireforgloriousheights of intimacy with God. The devout is constantly testing himself forspiritualfervor,alertness,faithfulness,purity, love,obedience,growthingrace,etc.

ItisinthesecretplacethatIfind“myspiritmakesdiligentsearch”(Psalm77:6). I so verymuch long to pleaseHim and to knowHiswill, somy spiritdiligentlysearchestherecessesofmyhearttoseeiftheremightbeanythinginme for which I need to repent. I want nothing of my self-life to hinder myrelationshipwithHimorHispurposesforustogether.IfeellikeI’mpanningforgold—thefindsarefewandnotasweightyasIwoulddesire.

Here’s some excellent counsel:Become a good repenter. Theonlywaytomoveforward inGodis throughrepentance. Ifyourpridehindersyoufromrepenting,getoverit.You’reawretch.Youneedmercysobadlyit’sscarey. Wise up and master the art of repentance. Call your sin in its worstpossibleterms.Grovel.Eatdust.

I remember theday I awakened to the reality that I live farbelowGod’sglory.IsawitinthestoryofJesus’multiplyingtheloavesandfishforthefivethousand:“ThenJesus liftedupHiseyes,andseeingagreatmultitudecomingtowardHim,HesaidtoPhilip,‘Whereshallwebuybread,thatthesemayeat?’ButthisHesaidtotesthim,forHeHimselfknewwhatHewoulddo”(John6:5-6).JesuswastestingPhilip,toseeifPhilipwaslivinginthegloryzone.Philip

wouldhavetoliveinanotherdimensiontoknowtheanswertothetest,whichwassimply,“Lord,justbreakopentheseloavesandfishandmultiplythemforthemultitude.”PhilipfailedthetestbecausehisthoughtswereauniversebelowthoseofJesus(Isaiah55:9).ThenIsawitsoclearly:IamfailingthePhiliptestvirtually every day! I am so earthbound in my perspectives that I am almostoblivioustothedimensionofgloryinwhichJesuslives.It’ssafetoassumethatapartfromGod’sgraceIamconstantlyfallingshortoftheexcellenceofGod’sglory.DoIneedtorepentcontinually?Youbet!

Beloved, I pray you might gain the secret of radical, rapid repentance.ReadyrepentanceopensthechannelsforintimatecommunionwithGod.Whenyou’re in the secret place, be quick to confess your unbelief and hardness ofheart.Don’tmakeHimtalkyouintoit.AgreequicklywithHimintheway.

WhenIspeakofrepentanceinthischapter,Iamnotthinkingofrepentingfrom sins like lying, fornication, stealing, cursing, pornography, hatred,drunkenness,ornottithing.Thosesinsaresoobviousthatyoudon’tevenneedthe convictionof theHolySpirit toknowyou’re indisobedience.God’swordregarding thosesins isblatantlyclear.Sincerityandaclearconsciencedoesn’tevenbeginuntilwedealwiththesekindsofoutwardsins.

No,Iamnottalkingaboutobvioussins;inthischapter,Iamtalkingaboutrepentingfromouriniquities. Iniquitiesare thehiddenfaults thatwedon’tsee, the wicked residue of our fallen nature that discolors the fabric of ourthoughts,motives,feelings,responses,anddesires.Iniquitiesarewrappedupinmuchmoresubtleareasofsinfulness,suchaspride,rebellion,unbelief,envy,selfishness,ambition,andcovetousness.

We all have hidden pockets of iniquity, and we need God’s help to seethem.Youcan’trepentofsomethingyoudon’tsee,soGodwillhelpyoutoseethem.Godhasmanywaysofbringingouriniquitiestothesurfacewherewecanseethem,andthosewaysaresummarizedunderthescripturalmetaphoroffire.HowGodusesfiretosurfaceouriniquitiesisthesubjectofthispassage:

“Nevertheless the solid foundation ofGod stands, having this seal: ‘TheLord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name ofChristdepart from iniquity.’But inagreathouse therearenotonlyvesselsofgold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some fordishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be avessel forhonor, sanctifiedanduseful for theMaster,prepared foreverygoodwork”(2Timothy2:19-21).

Paul is saying theChristian life is foundedon twopowerful realities:WeareknownbyChrist,andwedepartfrominiquitywhenweseeit.

Asyouare in the secretplaceandmeditating in theword,Godwilluse the fireofcircumstancesmixedwiththefireofHiswordtorevealyourhiddenfaultstoyou.Asyougaze uponHis perfection and beauty, youwill suddenly see yourself in awhole new light. You will sense His unconditional acceptance despite yourweaknesses, but alsoHis firm commitment to conform you into the image ofChrist. At that moment you are standing at the threshold of a wonderfulopportunity:Thisisatimetoembracerapidrepentance.

For thedevout, this isactuallyanexcitingmoment.Repentancebecomestheopportunitytoturnfromthingsthathavebeenhinderinglove,andassuch,repentancebecomesthecatalystforagreaterandmoreprofoundintimacythanwe’veknown to this pointwithGod.Whenwe repent quicklyof those thingsGod’swordisrevealing,weexperiencethepleasureoftheFatherinapalpableway.ThelightofHiscountenancetouchingourheartscausesustoactuallyfeelHisdelightinourresponsiveness.

Aswerepentoftheiniquitiesthatthefiresurfaces,weareactuallybuyinggoldin thefire(Revelation3:18).Aconsistentpatternofrapidrepentancewillcause us to become a vessel of gold or silver, useful to theMaster for noblepurposes.Thosewhoresistrepentancedonotnecessarilylosetheirsalvation,it’sjust that theydonotprogressbeyondbeingvesselsofwoodor clay.TheyareusefultotheMasteronlyfordishonorablepurposes(inagreathousethereisaneedevenfortoiletplungersanddustpans).

The assurance of the above passage is clear: Rapid repentance frominiquitywillcauseustoprogressforwardtomorenoblepurposesinGod’sgreathouseandwilldeepenourknowingrelationshipwithHim.

6TheSecretofSowingDonotbedeceived,Godisnotmocked;forwhateveramansows,thathe

willalsoreap.Forhewhosowstohisfleshwillofthefleshreapcorruption,buthewhosowstotheSpiritwilloftheSpiritreapeverlastinglife.Andletusnotgrowwearywhiledoinggood,forindueseasonweshallreapifwedonotloseheart(Galatians6:7-9).

Perhaps the most common struggle of Christians, when it comes to thesecret place, is to feel like they’re “spinning their wheels,” that their time inprayer and meditation is accomplishing nothing. It’s very tempting, in thosetimesofseemingpowerlessness,tojustmoveontosomethingelsewithashrugthatsays,“Well,maybeitwillbebettertomorrow.”

Some of us have become so discouragedwith feelings of ineffectivenessthatwehavefallenintoaslumpofneglect.Ihopethesecretofthischapterwillhelptogetyoubackontrack!

Here’s the awesome secret ofGalatians 6:Whenyousow to theSpirit by giving dedicated time to the secret place, youwill eventually reap life in theSpirit.Eventually.We haveusuallyappliedthistexttothegraceofgivingfinancially,butitappliesequallytothegraceofseekingGodinlisteningmeditation.ItisimpossibletosowtotheSpiritwithoutreapingacorrespondingharvest.

WhenI speakofsowing, Iam talkingaboutgivingofyourtime to thesecretplace.IamtalkingaboutestablishingpatternsandhabitsthatenableyoutospendsignificanttimewithGodinthesecretplaceonadailybasis.Thiskindofsowingwillproduceaharvest inyourwalkwithHim. Itwill changeyouand,inturn,begintoaffecteverythingaroundyou.

ThissecrethascarriedmeattimeswhenIwasverytemptedtogiveuptheintensityofmypursuitofGod.WhenI’vebeenonfastingretreats,forexample,I’veoftenbeentemptedwithfeelinglikemyfastisaccomplishingnothinginthe

Spirit.JustwhenI’mtemptedtoquit,IremindmyselfthatifIwillcontinuetosow,onedayIwillreap.Itakemyfocusoffmycurrentfrustrationsandassertmy confidence in God’s word that a harvest will comemyway, in time, if Ipersevere. I’ve often experienced the secret of this chapter. Many times I’vethought my time in the secret place was rather dull and uneventful, but laterperspective showed that it had been, in fact, a powerful time with God. Theactual impactof thesecretplace,I’vediscovered, isusuallynotevidentuntilalatertime.

We live in a culture that evaluates its priorities based upon immediateresults.Thevoicesoftheworldaredemandingthatweproduce.Now!Theraceto produce can rob us of investing properly in the secret place.Wemust notevaluateourspiritualprogressbaseduponhowmanyprojectsweaccomplishedordeadlineswemettoday.OurdevotionallifewithGodismoreliketheplantingof a garden. When we arise from sowing into the secret place, we will notusually be able to point to immediate results or benefits.Whatwe sowtodaywill requireanentire seasonofgrowthbefore theresultsaremanifest.

Sowingisusuallyextremelymundane,boring,andmenial.Rarelyare thebenefitsofsowingseenatthetime.Usually,ittakesaperiodoftimebeforethebenefitsofthesowingstarttobecomeself-evident.Authenticspiritualharvestisrarelyinstantaneous.Thewisebelieverwhounderstandsthiswilldevotehimselftoarduoussowing,knowingthatattherighttimehewillreapifhedoesnotloseheart.“Hewhotillshis landwillbesatisfiedwithbread”(Proverbs12:11).Tohave a harvest, youmust till (prepare) the soil of your heart and then implantGod’swordintoyourheart.God’swordispowerfulseedwhichwilleventuallyproduceamightyharvestifthesoilofourheartsisright.

Every moment you spend in the secret place is an investment. You areinvestingintoeternalrealities.GodmakesnoteofyourlaborsandconsidershowHewillhonoryourdevotion.Andseedsarebeingplantedinyourheartthatwillbringforthaharvestinyourownheart—ifyoucontinuetopersevereinfaithandlove.

Sowhateveryoudo,don’tquit!Whenyoufeelineffectual,getstubbornand invest evenmore.Thewordbeing sown intoyourheart today is going togerminate,sprout,sendrootsdownwardandbranchesupward,andproducefruit.Catchthesecret:Hewhosowswillmostassuredlyreap!

7TheSecretofRefugeThereisaplaceofrefugefromthestormsoflife.Stormswillunavoidably

assaultuson this earthlyplane,but thereisaplace to hide. I’m referring, ofcourse,tothesecretplace.

For in the timeof troubleHeshallhideme inHispavilion; in the secretplace of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock(Psalm27:5).

YoushallhidetheminthesecretplaceofYourpresencefromtheplotsofman;Youshallkeepthemsecretlyinapavilionfromthestrifeoftongues(Psalm31:20).

There is a placewhereGod hidesHis beloved—in the sanctuary of Hispresence.Webster’sdictionarydefinessanctuaryas,“Aplaceofrefuge;asylum;hence,immunity.”God’sabodeisasanctuaryforthewar-wearysoldier,aplaceofimmunityfromthepoachingsoftheenemy.

Davidwrote,“SoIhavelookedforYouinthesanctuary,toseeYourpowerandYourglory”(Psalm63:1).ThetitleofPsalm63reads,“APsalmofDavidwhenhewasinthewildernessofJudah.”Somyquestionwas,howcouldDavidwriteoflookingforGodinthesanctuarywhenhewasrunningforhislifefromKingSaul?Hewastotallyisolated,apoliticalfugitivehidinginthewilderness—andhewasthereforseveralyears!Hehadnoaccesstothesanctuarywherethearkresided,sohewasobviouslynotspeakingofthatsanctuary.Anyattempttogetnear thatsanctuarywouldhavecosthimhis life.SowhatsanctuaryhadDavid found? I believeDavidwas referring to his secret lifewithGod. Eventhoughhecouldn’tworshipbeforetheark,hediscoveredthesecretplacetobeashelter from the swirl of emotions and troubles that constantly bombarded hissoul. Here he could vent his anxious thoughts; here he could be renewed inGod’s love as he gazed on His beauty; here he could be quieted by theassurances of His heavenly Father’s protection; here he was healed from thewounds ofman’s rejection; here he regained strength for the journey; here he

wassafe.Thesecretplaceisliketheeyeofastorm.Whileallisstormingaboutus,

we find an inner sanctuary of rest and peace.There’s something of a paradoxherebecauseweareexperiencingboth stormandpeace simultaneously.Whenweretreattothesecretplace,thestormdoesn’tstop.Infact,sometimesitseemsthatwhenwerunintotheLordforhelpthestormescalatesinintensity!

ManyChristianshavebeenoffendedby the fact thatwhen theybegan todevote themselves to the secret place, the warfare around their lives actuallyaccelerated. Instead of finding refuge, they found turbulence. This can bemystifyingandsodeservessomecomment.

Whiletheplaceofprayerisaplaceofimmunity,itisalso one of Satan’s favorite places to attack the devout.When seeking to destroyDaniel, the only chink his enemies could find in hisarmorwashisprayerlife.Sotheyattackedhimintheplaceofprayer.TheonlywayJudasknewtohandJesusovertothechiefpriestswasbybetrayingHimintheplaceofprayer.Sothesecretplaceisbothaplaceofsanctuaryandalsoofthe enemy’s strategic attacks. The assurance to the believer, however, is thatwhen he is attacked in the place of prayer the Father is exercising sovereignjurisdictionovertheentireaffair.Nothingcanhappentoyouinthesecret place that He doesn’t specifically allow for Hishigherpurposes.YouaretotallyimmunefromanythingoutsideHiswill.

Psalm 91 deals with this tension of safety versus turbulence. The psalmlauncheswiththispowerfulassurance,“HewhodwellsinthesecretplaceoftheMost High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” And we think,“Great!Nothingcantouchmethere!”Buttheremainderofthepsalmseemstocontradictthatthought.Verse3speaksofbeingsnaredbythefowlerandbeingcaughtbyperilouspestilence. (Thefact thatGoddeliversus fromthose thingsdoes not negate the reality of the pain we experience when we are initiallycaught in theirgrip.)Thepsalmalsodescribes terrorsof thenight,arrows thatflybyday,pestilencethatwalksindarkness,anddestructionthat layswasteatnoonday.Verse15points togreatpersonal trouble—thecomfortbeing that theLord will be present in the time of trouble and will bring deliverance. ButwaitingonGoduntilthedeliverancecomescanbeagonizingattimes.

As already stated, some Christians become offended by the increasedwarfaretheyencounterwhentheydevotethemselvestothesecretplace.Itisthis

offence that I thinkmaybereferred to inPsalm91:7,“Athousandmayfallatyourside,andtenthousandatyourrighthand;butitshallnotcomenearyou.”Thoseatyoursideareyourfellowwarriors.TheygetoffendedthatGodwouldallow such calamity to hit their lives after they’ve been so faithful. Even if athousandofyourcomradesfalltocalamityandneveruncoverGod’sresurrectionpower—buttakeGod’spromisestothegrave—itshallnotbesowithyou.Evenif ten thousand of your fellow believers are not delivered, He shall be yourdeliverer. Psalm 91 must be seen as directed, not at allbelievers,butataveryspecifickindofbeliever:theonewhoabidesinthesecretplaceoftheAlmighty.Thousandsofbelieversmayfalltothisorthat,butitwillnotcomenearyoubecauseyouhavelearnedtoabide.

ThecloserwedrawtotheLordinintimacy,themorerealthewarfarewillbeweencounter.FrancisFrangipanedescribeditwiththephrase,“Newlevels,newdevils.”Astheattacksincrease,ourcryonlyintensifies,“Hideme!”Whilethe body and soulmay be afflictedwith increasing harassment and abuse, thespirit is finding a place of greater protection, rest, and intimacy under theshadowoftheAlmighty(see2Corinthians4:8-11).TheSpiritthusdrawsusintoaplaceofgreaterspiritualpeaceandcomfortwhichonlyinflamesthesoulwithagreaterpassionforJesus—whichinturnonlyfeedstheireofourtormentors.

Mayyouhavegracetomakethedecisionnow,myfriend:Loseyourlife,and pursue the secret place of theMostHigh. It is theway of the cross. Thecross is where we sustain great assaults, but yet there’s no safer place in theuniversetobe.

Oh how I long to direct your heart into this place of refuge! Arewindsswirlingaboutyourhead?Runinto theLord!Arefugeissomethingyoufleeinto.Arefugedoesn’tautomaticallyerectitselfaroundyou;youhavetoseekitoutandrunintoitsshelterforsafeharbor.AstheScripturessay,“Thatbytwoimmutablethings,inwhichitisimpossibleforGodtolie,wemighthavestrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetolayholdofthehopesetbeforeus”(Hebrews6:18).IfGodistobeyourrefuge,youmustfleetoHim.Thecryis,“OhLord,Iamabouttobeconsumed—IrunintoYou!Hideme!”

“Bemystrongrefuge,towhichImayresortcontinually”(Psalm71:3).ThankYou,Lord,forthegiftofthesecretplace!

8TheSecretofDecisionMakingGotanimportantdecisionbeforeyouandnotsurewhattodo?Runintothe

secretplace!BecausetoGodit’snotonlyimportantwhatdecisionyoumake;it’salso important toHimhowyou come tomake that decision. It’s possible totaketherightforkintheroadbutyetbedistantinyourhearttowardtheLord.JesuswantsyoumakingdecisionsfromthefountainheadofintimacywithHim.

Whenfacingmajordecisions,Jesussetanexamplebygoingtothesecretplace.Forexample,HeknewitwascriticallyimportantthatHeselectpreciselytherighttwelvementobeapostlesbecausetherightmenproperlychosenwouldchangetheworld.Sowhenitwastimetochoose“theTwelve”fromamongallthosewhofollowedHim,HegotalonewithHisFatherinprayer.

NowitcametopassinthosedaysthatHewentouttothemountaintopray,andcontinuedallnight inprayer toGod.Andwhen itwasday,HecalledHisdisciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also namedapostles:Simon,whomHealsonamedPeter,andAndrewhisbrother;JamesandJohn;PhilipandBartholomew;MatthewandThomas;

JamesthesonofAlphaeus,andSimoncalledtheZealot;JudasthesonofJames,andJudasIscariotwhoalsobecameatraitor(Luke6:12-16).

Even thechoiceof Judas,Hisbetrayer,wasbathed inprayer. In fact, theselection of Judaswasespeciallybathed in prayer because Jesus knew inadvance that His choosing of Judas would eventuate in Judas’s horribledestructionandeternaltorment.Suchaweightydecisionwarrantedanightlongsessionofintenseprayerinsolitude.

Your“Abba”Father lovesyou somuch,He isdeeply interested in everyaffair of your life and longs to be included in your every decision-makingprocess.HeHimselfhassaidsowiththesewords:

Iwillinstructyouandteachyouinthewayyoushouldgo;IwillguideyouwithMyeye.Donotbe like thehorseor like themule,

whichhavenounderstanding,whichmustbeharnessedwithbitandbridle,else

theywillnotcomenearyou(Psalm32:8-9).Thekeyphraseintheseversesis,“Elsetheywillnotcomenearyou.”The

horseandmule,sosays theScripture,mustbeharnessedwithbitandbridle ifyouaretogetthemtocomeclose.Theydonotdrawcloseoftheirownaccord.

TheLordissaying,“Idon’twanttoguideyoufromadistance.Idon’twantto have to put a bit in your mouth and jerk you around in order to get yourattentionandgetyouoncourse. Iwantyou todrawclose toMe—scootch upclosetoMyheart—andallowMetodirectyourlifefromaplaceofintimacyandcommunion.”

Notice the Lord says the horse and mule “have no understanding,” andthat’swhy they don’t come near. They don’t understand that proximity to theMasterwillincurforthemthegreatestbenefits.Amuleconstantlywantstogooff and wander in its own way, but in so doing the beast becomes totallyunprofitableandunfruitful.

Somepeoplearemulish.Theyjustdon’tgetit.Theypullaway(inignorantindependence) from their very source of life and care and feeding. It hasn’tpenetratedtheirthickskullsthatthesmartestplaceintheuniversetobe—andtostay—is right next to God. Psalm 14:2 clearly says that the evidence ofunderstandingisthatoneseeksGod.Thewisestthingyou’lleverdointhislifeistodrawclosetoGodandtoseekHimwithallyourheart.

When you pursue this intimacy, you will begin to unlock the greatestsecretsoflife.It’shereHeguidesyouwithHiseyeanddirectsyourheartwithHisheart.Sometimeswetendtomakelifedecisionsbaseduponourappraisalofsurrounding circumstances and conditions.However, theLorddoesn’twant usgettingourdirectionfromlookingoutwardbutfromlookingupward.HewantsusreceivinglifedirectionbybeholdingHisbeauty,enjoyingHismajestyandsplendor, and then being guided by the gaze ofHis eye. Somuch can becommunicated in the expressions and focus of the eye!GazeuponHismouthuntilHespeakstoyou.LookintoHiseyeuntilHisglancedirectsthewayinwhichyoushouldwalk.

Those who make decisions based upon external data becomethermometersof society: Their lives reflect the natural forces that shapetheirdestiny.But thosewhomake theirdecisionsbaseduponwhat theysee inGodbecomethermostatsofsociety:Theyinfluencetheirworldthroughtheforcefulness of bringing divinely received initiatives to bear upon this earthly

sphere.Intimacyprecedesinsight.Passionprecedespurpose.Firstcomesthesecret

place,thencomesdivineguidance.Goddoesn’tsimplywant togetyouontherightpath,Hewantstoenjoyyouthroughoutthejourney.Hedoesn’twantyouto find His will and then take off running, leaving Him in the dust. God’sprimarydesireforyourlifeisnotthatyoudiscoverHiswillandwalkinit;HisprimarydesireisthatyoudrawneartoHimandcometoknowHim.Godwantsto be known! And then He desires that from that knowing relationship therecomeatenderwalkingtogetherinHispurposes.

PursuingaknowingrelationshipwithGodinthesecretplaceisnotonlythesmartest thing you’ll ever do, it’s also one of the greatest keys to discoveringyourhighestdestinyinGod.Sostoprighthere.Noneedtoreadthenextchapterjustyet.Setthisbookdown,andfindaquietcornerwithyourFriend.Enjoy!

9TheSecretofNoPlanBOneof the greatest secrets to intimacywithGod is to come toHimas

youronlysourceofhelpandhope.“Lord,inthissituationIhavenoPlanB—nootheroptionstodefaulttoifYoudon’tcomethrough.Youaretheonlyonewhocanhelpme!”HelovesitwhenyoulooktoHimalonefordeliverance.Andtheinverseisalsotrue:Hisjealousyiskindledwhenweentertainothersaviors.

TheLordscoffedattheidolatryofthechildrenofIsraelbypointingtothevainhopethatablockofwoodoffered:

He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes the cypress and the oak; hesecuresitforhimselfamongthetreesoftheforest.Heplantsapine,andtherainnourishesit.Thenitshallbeforamantoburn,forhewilltakesomeofitandwarmhimself; yes, hekindles it andbakesbread; indeedhemakes agod andworshipsit;hemakesitacarvedimage,andfallsdowntoit.

Heburnshalfofitinthefire;withthishalfheeatsmeat;heroastsaroast,andissatisfied.Heevenwarmshimselfandsays,“Ah!Iamwarm,Ihaveseenthefire.”Andtherestofithemakesintoagod,hiscarvedimage.Hefallsdownbeforeitandworshipsit,praystoitandsays,“Deliverme,foryouaremygod!”Theydonotknownorunderstand;forHehasshuttheireyes,sothattheycannotsee,andtheirhearts,sothattheycannotunderstand.Andnooneconsidersinhisheart,noristhereknowledgenorunderstandingtosay,“Ihaveburnedhalfofitin the fire, yes, I have also bakedbreadon its coals; I have roastedmeat andeatenit;andshallImaketherestofitanabomination?ShallIfalldownbeforeablockofwood?”Hefeedsonashes;adeceivedhearthasturnedhimaside;andhecannotdeliverhissoul,norsay,“Istherenotalieinmyrighthand?”(Isaiah44:14-20).

AsIwasmeditatinginthispassage,theLordgavemeadefinitionofafalsegod.This definition helpsme because even though in ourwesternized culturethereareveryfewpeoplewhoactuallyworshipfiguresofwoodorstone,wetoohave our own false gods. In the passage, the Lord describes the idolaters as

saying to theirblockofwood,“Deliverme, foryouaremygod!”Soagod isdefined as this:anything to which we ascribe the power todeliverus.

Westernershavetheirownsetoffalsegods—sourcestowhichtheyturnfordeliverancewhenintimesofcrisisorneed(letthereaderunderstand):

•Money•Healthinsurance•Medicaltreatment/prescriptions•SocialSecurity•RetirementplansandIRA’s•Creditcards/consolidationloans•Drugs/alcohol•Pleasure/entertainment/recreation/sports•Sex•Friends(todeliverusfromloneliness)•Counselors•Lawsuits•Filingbankruptcy•etc.Theseothersaviorscampaignforourallegiance.Everywhereweturn,the

godsofourculturearepromotingtheirpowers.Televisioncommercialspromotethe many alternatives for relief: “Try me! Let me heal your pain. I am youranswer.Looknofurther.Cometome,andIwilldeliveryou.”

Somethingdynamichappensinyourspiritwhenyoulookatsomeofthosesources of deliverance and say, “No!God,You alone aremyDeliverer!”Notonly is your own spirit tenderized through such singular affection, but theresponse of the Father in thewayHemoves upon your heart is quitewithoutparallel.

God-worshipersare thosewhocome toGodfirst in their timeof need.They seekGod’s face andwait onHim to receive directives for the course totake.ThesecretplacebecomesthethresholdwherewewaituponGod,seekingHispowerfulintervention,andcryingouttoHimforwisdomandrevelation.

Occasionally,theSpiritwillsaytoyou,“Inthisinstance,IwantyoutowaitonMeonly and stand in faith until I intervene sovereignly in your situation.”WhenGodgivesyouthisword,thenfastenyourseatbelt!Youareinfortherideofyourlife.YouaresteppingintotheGodzone.Herewefindthestuff

of miracles. This is the dimension where God rises up in His wrath andvengeanceandwreakshavocuponyourenemies.YourroleistogazeuponHim,loveHim,andgrowinpatienceandfaith;HisroleistolooseresurrectionpowerinHistimeandway.Noteverycrisisyoufacefallsintothiscategory,butwhenitdoes...getexcited!You’retakingthehighroadofthegreatestsaintsofhistory,the pathway where God reveals the power of His arm, the splendor of Hismajesticbeauty,andtheawesomenessofHiseternalpurposes.

ItistowardthisgloriousdimensionthatDavidpointed:Mysoul,waitsilentlyforGodalone,formyexpectationisfromHim.He

onlyismyrockandmysalvation;Heismydefense;Ishallnotbemoved.InGodismysalvationandmyglory;therockofmy

strength,andmyrefuge,is inGod.Trust inHimatall times,youpeople;pouroutyourheartbeforeHim;Godisarefugeforus.Selah(Psalm62:5-8).

AsIwritethischapter,Iampersonallyingreatneedofdivineinterventionin regard to a physical infirmity. I have been tempted to consider some otheravenuesofrelief,suchasthoselistedabove.Butinstead,IhavesaidtotheLord,“YouonlyaremyHelper. IfYoudon’t saveme, I amnot saved. IfYoudon’thealme,Iamnothealed.IfYoudon’tdeliverme,Iamnotdelivered.Ihavenoother recourse, no Plan B, no alternative plan. I am not entertaining otheroptions.It’sYouandYoualone.IworshipYou.YouaremyGod!”

This is the “single eye” towhich Jesuspointed. Jesus said, “‘If thereforeyoureye isgood,yourwholebodywillbe fullof light’” (Matthew6:22).Theold King James Version says, “If therefore thine eye be single.” Whethertranslated “good” or “single,” the original Greek word means to be void ofduplicity,tohavesingularityoffocus.WhenyoureyeisfocusedonGodaloneasyourSaviorandDeliverer,youopentothefullnessoflightHedestinestofillyourentirebeing.

This singular focus is what David prayed for: “Teach me Your way, OLORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Yourname" (Psalm 86:11). By praying, “Unite my heart,” David was saying,“Lord, give me an undivided heart, a single focus that sees only You as thesovereignpowertobefearedandworshiped.”

Inmyexperience,IhavefoundthattheLordwilltestustoseeifwetrulyown this reality. Hewill allow a great storm to descend upon our lives for astrategicpurpose.Ournaturalreflexwillbetofindasourceofimmediaterelief.Wetendtoexploreallouroptions.

Is itpossible, though, that thisstormhascometoguideyouintoahigherdimension of kingdom living?Oh, I hope you can learn the secret:When thestormhits, run into thesecretplace,establishyourspirit,andsay toHimwithunwavering resolve, “You alone aremy expectation.”OurGod loves to proveHimselfstrongonbehalfofthosewhohavenoothergodsbeforeHim.

10TheSecretofBurningIt’s the secret place that lights our fire, that sets us burning. I’m talking

about awhite-hot, fiery zeal for the face of Jesus and for the concerns ofHiskingdom. Jesus came to kindle a fire on earth (Luke 12:49) by which HeintendedtosetusablazewithHisveryownpassionsanddesires.Tomaintainitsintensity, this fire must be constantly stoked by the intimate passions of thesecretplace.

Youaredestinedforfire.Youwillburnforalleternity—theonlyquestioniswhere.Thelongingofyourbreastistobealivingflame,ignitedwiththeexhilarationofbeholdingHisbeauty,worshipingHimwithuninhibitedabandon,anddeployed into theworldwith self-controlled, calculated zeal that does notlove itsownlifeevenuntodeath.Youhavesomething to liveforbecauseyouhavesomethingtodiefor.Youlongtobeafirebrandofholiness,whichiswhyyou’llneverbesatisfiedwithstatusquoChristianity.

God’swordisafire(Jeremiah23:29),andHispresenceistotallyengulfedinfire(Ezekiel1:4,27;Daniel7:9).WhenyouapproachGod,youaredrawingneartothegreatblazinginfernooftheages.Tobesetonfire,youmustgetcloseto God. When you feel cold, distant, and “out of it”spiritually,it’stimetoretreattothecloset,placeyourselfbefore the fireplaceofHisword,andallow the intensityofHisfacetorestoreyourfervency.Thesecret tostayingablazefor Jesus is not in responding to altar calls (as good as those are); it’s not inhavingsomeonelayhandsonyouandprayforyou(asvalidasthatis);it’snotin listening to a good teaching tape or the latest worship CD; the only suresourceforstayingwhite-hotisindevotingyourselfconsistentlytotheplace-of-the-shut-door. It’s the place where “the spirit of burning” (Isaiah 4:4) ignitesyoursoulasyougazeuponHisglorywithanunveiledface(2Corinthians3:18).

Doyoudesireagreatercompulsionforthesecretplace?InvitetheBurningOne,theHolySpirit,toignitetheeternalflameofHisfieryjealousyinyourlife.TheScripturesays,“‘TheSpiritwhodwellsinusyearnsjealously’”(James4:5).Theagendaof thisyearning jealousy is thatChrist’sbridemightbe set ablazewithanexclusiveandfierypassionforherBeloved.Youcanpraynothingmoredangerouslysublimethantosay,“HolySpirit,letYourburningjealousyhaveitsconsuming way in my life, until every competing affection and false god iscompletely burned away and until one raging, all-consuming passion fillsmyentirebe-ing—lovefor thealtogetherLovelyOne, theManChristJesus!”ThebookofRevelationdescribes theHolySpirit in thisway:“Sevenlampsoffirewereburningbeforethethrone,whicharethesevenSpiritsofGod”(Revelation4:5). Ihaveasked theLord that thesamemightbesaidofme, that Imightbedescribedas“burningbeforethethrone!”

Asamanwho longs toburn forGod, Ihave lookedatProverbs6:27-28differently fromthe typicalapproach.Primarily thoseversesaredescribing theharmfuleffectsofadultery,but itssecondaryapplication isactuallydescriptiveofthesecretplacewithGod:

Canamantakefiretohisbosom,andhisclothesnotbeburned?Canonewalkonhotcoals,andhisfeetnotbeseared?(Proverbs6:27-28).

WhenyoudrawclosetothefireofGod’sword,youareactuallytakingfireinto your bosom—and the leprous, filthy clothes of your old life are beingburned away.As you step into the fiery presence ofHis secret place, you arewalking on hot coals—and your feet are being seared to walk in the way ofholiness and righteousness and obedience. The answer to these questions is,“No!TakethefireofGodintoyourbeingandeverythingaboutyourlifewillbedifferent!” It’s impossible to embrace this living fire and not be changed!OhLord,IpullYourfiretomybosomwithfearfuldelight.

JohntheBaptistwasamanwhoburnedforGod!GodtookJohninto thesolitudeofthewildernessinordertokindleaheavenlyfirewithinhim.Whenhewas finally released into ministry, he was a living flame. Notice that in thefollowingversesthriceJesusasked,“Whatdidyougoouttosee?”

As they departed, Jesus began to say to themultitudes concerning John:“Whatdidyougoout into thewilderness tosee?Areedshakenby thewind?Butwhatdidyougoouttosee?Amanclothedinsoftgarments?Indeed,thosewhowearsoftclothingareinkings’houses.Butwhatdidyougoouttosee?Aprophet?

Yes,Isaytoyou,andmorethanaprophet”(Matthew11:7-9).Jesus testified that the people didn’t go to John primarily to hear

something, but tosee something. Jesus described John as “‘the burning andshininglamp’”(John5:35).Johnwasamansetonfirefromheaven,amanwhoincubated his love forGod through a steadfast commitment to solitude in thesecretplace,andthushebecameashininglampfortheentirenationtobehold.Thepeoplecamefromallovertoseethisfire.Peoplearealwaysattractedtoagreatfire.

Dosomethingdangerous.GetalonewithGod!His“consumingfire”willburnawayallfromyourlife,untilall that’s left is loveitself.This isourGod,“‘Whomakes.Hisministers a flameof fire’” (Hebrews1:7).He’llmakeyouone,too,ifyou’llletHim.

11TheSecretofViolenceThe term “spiritual violence” captures the intensitywithwhich the last

days’ generationwill pursueGod.Theywill seekGodwith their entire being,denyingthemselvesandthrowingoffallentanglingsins,inordertoruntheracewith passion, purity, and perseverance. “‘The kingdom of heaven suffersviolence,andtheviolenttakeitbyforce’”(Matthew11:12).

This is thehour toseekGodwithviolentabandonment!Thesignsof thetimesareclear;Christ’s return is imminent;wesenseanurgency in theSpirit;it’stimetoawakenfromourslumberandchasedownthekingdomofGodlikeneverbefore.

Genuine faith seeksGod earnestly. “Butwithout faith it is impossible topleaseHim,forhewhocomestoGodmustbelievethatHeis,andthatHeisarewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). True faithunderstands not only thatGod exists, but thatHe rewards us according to theintensityofourpursuitofHim.Godchasersreveal their faithby thewaytheyrun. Men and women of faith cannot be distracted ordetouredfromtheirobjectivebecausetheyfirmlybelievethatGodisgoingtorewardtheirpursuit.Andthey’reright!

Spiritualviolencebeginsinthesecretplace.Itallstartswithhowyouapplyyourself tothedisciplinesofprayer—adoration,gazing,fasting,reading,study,meditation, listening, absorption of truth. This is where violence starts. I say“absorption of truth” rather than “memorization” because it’s possible tomemorize Scripture without it ever penetrating your spirit, changing yourlifestyle,andbecomingintegratedintothelanguageofyourdialoguewithGodandman.

One of the most violent things you’ll ever do is wrestle down all thecompetingelementsinyourcalendarandconsistentlycarveoutthetimetoshutyourself into the secret place. In the busy seasons, it can seem as though a

thousandothervoicesareclamoring foryour attention.Whichvoicewill rule,thevoiceofincompletedtasksorthegentlevoicethatbeckonsyoutothesecretplace?SwingyourswordagainsttheencroachingtentaclesthatseektoovergrowyoursecretlifewithGod.GetalonewithGod,Omanofviolence!KisstheSon,Owomanofviolence!

It will also require violence to provide your bodywith sufficient rest sothat,whenyougettothesecretplace,you’renotconstantlyfallingasleep.Thisis the violence we exercise the evening before so that the next morning issecured.Everybodyhashisorher turnat fallingasleepwhenalonewithGod;that’s part of our humanity, and God understands it. However, the man ofviolenceandwisdomwillenactwhatevermeasuresarenecessarytobealertandengagedonaregularbasisinthisthemostdelightfulportionoftheday.

It’s easy to confuse natural zeal with spiritual violence. Some peopledisplayincrediblezealforGod—inthewaytheyworshiporsharetheirfaithorattendBiblestudies.Butifit’sanaturalzeal,it’sazealthatlastsonlyaslongasothersarewatching.When thatperson isalonewithGod, thezeal fizzles,andtheintenselevelofactivitysuddenlycollapses.Naturalzealmustbeexchangedfortruespiritualfervency—azealthatisenergizedbyaninward,holyfirethatburnsevenwhennooneislooking.

Godhasgivenusonedisciplinewhichisanextraordinarygift,apowerfultoolprovidentiallydesignedbyGodtointensifytheviolenceofourpursuit.Iamspeaking of fasting. Fasting, when combined with prayer, is one of the mostdirectandefficientwaystoacceleratethepaceofyourrace,especiallyifyou’refeelingalittlesluggishinyourspirit.

Oh,whatanawesomelittlegiftthisfastingthingis!It’sprobablyoneofthemost under-rated, under-employed, misunderstood gifts of grace. There is nospiritual merit in fasting; it doesn’t earn extra points with God. But it doestenderize your spirit, sensitize your hearing, and accelerate the pace of divineflow in and through your life. For those committed to exploring spiritualviolence,fastingisatruefriend.

Solomonwrote,“Seek[wisdom]assilver,andsearchforherasforhiddentreasures...He stores up soundwisdom for the upright” (Proverbs 2:4, 7). Theimagery portrays godly wisdom as hidden treasure stored up deep within amountain, and to gain this treasure you must go mining fiercely for it.Furthermore, theScripturesays,“Hegiveswisdomto thewise”(Daniel2:21).

It’s not the foolishwho getwisdombut thewise. Thewise getmorewisdomaddedtotheirlifebecausethey’resmartenoughtoseekGodfervently.

Jesusdoesn’trespondtoallbelieversalike.Herespondsdifferentlytothosewhoseekmorediligently.WeseethisinthewayHehandledtheTwelve.Peter,James, and Johnwere invited into someof Jesus’most intimate and awesomemoments,whiletheotherdiscipleswerenotincluded.Thedifference,Ibelieve,is that the others held back somewhat in their hearts toward the Lord, whilePeter, James, and John pursued Jesus harder. Some of the disciples doubtedJesus,evenaftertheresurrection(Matthew28:17),andthatreservationofspiritrobbedthemofthegreatestlevelsofintimacy.Thosewhohadmoreweregivenmore.

I’mwritingthesethings,dearfriends,toinspireyoutowardyourLord.RunafterHim!SeekHimwithallyourheart!Asyou seekHimharderHe’lldrawyoucloserthaneverbefore.Jesusdidn’tfavorPeter,James,andJohn because of their personalities or gift mix; Hefavored thembecause they favoredHim. “‘For the eyes of theLORD run to and fro throughout thewhole earth, to showHimself strong onbehalfofthosewhoseheartisloyaltoHim’”(2Chronicles16:9).

TheLord isnota respecterofpersons.Herewardsequallyall thosewhoseekHimfervently—which iswhysomedon’tenter intomuchinGod.AsHelooksuponthemoderatezealwithwhichtheyseekHim,ifHeweretogivethemthepowerandglory theyrequested,Hewouldbeviolatingall thosewhohavesoughtHimwithsomuchmoreintensity.1Corinthians9:24revealsthatwerunourraceinthepresenceoftheothersaints:“Doyounotknowthatthosewhorunina raceall run,butone receives theprize?Run in suchaway thatyoumayobtainit.”Godhonorsourraceascomparedtohowothershaverunthroughoutchurchhistory.(Thisistheprincipleof2Corinthians8:8.)Folks,wehavesomeseriouscompetitionhere. Idonotmean thatwecompareourattainmentswithone another in a carnalway, but Imean thatwe allow the swiftness of otherrunnerstoinspireustowardgreaterpursuitsinGod.

I get inspired when I read the stories of the great Christian runners ofhistory. Iwas so stirred inmy spiritwhen I read the story of howFrancis ofAssisipursuedGodinhisearlytwenties.OneofhiscompanionstellsthestoryofhowFranciscrawledoutofbedafterhe thoughthiscompanionwasasleep.He knelt on the floor, and for the better part of the night prayed one singlesentence:“MyGodandmyall.”Thenhecaughtalittlebitofsleepandawoke

withtheothers.Suchanintensepace!Ionce readofaChineseprisonerwhofasted for76days fromboth food

andwater,prayingforthesalvationofhisfellowprisonerswhoabusedhimtheentire time. At the end of the 76 days, he arose in supernatural strength andauthority,preachedtohiscellmates,andallfifteenofthemrepentedonthespot.Wow!

I heard of some Chinese believers who were together on a 21-day fastbecausetheyhadn’tseenanyoneraisedfromthedeadinthreeweeks,andtheythoughtsomethingwaswrong.

Andthestoriesgoonanon.Oh,Ilovetobeinspiredbythepaceofothers!Asyoureadthefollowing,whichisapagefromJohnWesley’sdiary,you

willseeamanwhoallowednothing todaunthispursuitof thehighcallingofGod:

SundayMorning,May 5. Preached in St.Ann’s.Was asked not to comebackanymore.

Sunday p.m.,May 5. Preached at St. John’s.Deacons said “Get out andstayout.”

Sundaya.m.,May12.PreachedatSt.Jude’s.Can’tgobackthereeither.Sundayp.m.,May12.PreachedatSt.George’s.Kickedoutagain.Sunday a.m., May 19. Preached at St. somebody else’s. Deacons called

specialmeetingandsaidIcouldn’treturn.Sundayp.m.,May19.Preachedonthestreet.Kickedoffthestreet.Sundaya.m.,May26.Preachedinmeadow,chasedoutofmeadowasbull

wasturnedlooseduringtheservice.Sunday a.m., June 2. Preached out at the edge of town, kicked off the

highway.Sunday p.m., June 2, afternoon service. Preached in a pasture, 10,000

peoplecametohearme.Go after God! No one else can hinder your race. It doesn’t matter how

otherpeoplemightnotrecognizeyourministry,pursueGod!Choirsofsaintsarecheeringyoufromthebannistersofheaven.“Wefinished thecoursebyGod’sgrace,”they’recrying,“Youcan,too!”

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud ofwitnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichsoeasilyensnaresus,andletusrunwithendurancetheracethatissetbeforeus”(Hebrews12:1).

12TheSecretofHumilityOurviolentpursuitofGodmustbeweddedtoagentleandhumblespirit.

Humility is the foundation of all prayer. Humility says, “Lord, I am emptywithout Your fullness; I am broken without Your wholeness; I am helplesswithoutYourstrength;Iamcluelesswithoutyourwisdom.ApartfromYouIamnothing.IneedYou!IneedYousodesperatelythatIampouringmyselfouttoYouhereinthesecretplace.”

Prayerlessnessisthefirstsignofpridefulindependence.Webegintotrimback on our secret time with God when we’re feeling great about ourselves,energetic and optimistic about our future, and confident about the path we’retaking.It’sthefirstsignthatwe’regettingfullofourselves.

Thismorning,evenbeforeIknewIwouldbewritingthischaptertoday,IwasenjoyingthewordsofAgur,whowrote,“SurelyIammorestupidthananyman,anddonothavetheunderstandingofaman.IneitherlearnedwisdomnorhaveknowledgeoftheHolyOne”(Proverbs30:2-3).ThewisdomofAgurwasinhavingaproperself-assessmentofhisownstupidity.WouldtoGodthatweallowned that same awareness! Itwould drive us back to our knees, back to thesourceofallwisdom,backto“theonlywiseGod.”IfHealoneiswise,wheredoesthatplaceus?

OnceyouseeHisgreatnessandyourbankruptcy,therecomesgreatjoyinhumbling yourself before the Lord. With what delight the elders cast theircrowns at the foot of the throne! They take what represents the aggregatecompilationofall theirachievementsand throw italldownat the feetofHimfromwhomitallproceededinthefirstplace.HegaveittousthatwemightgiveitallbacktoHim.Noneof thiswasour idea, itallstartedwithHimanditallendswithHim.Heiseverything,andaswearejoinedtoHimthepovertyofourpersonalidentityislostinthefullnessofHiseternalgreatness.

Davidwrote, “OGod,my heart is steadfast; Iwill sing and give praise,evenwithmyglory”(Psalm108:1).WeknowHeisreferringinthisversetohissecret place because his term “my heart is steadfast” was always used of hispersonal commitment to being alonewithhisGod.He abandonedhis heart toGod,sohesaid,“withmyglory.”WhatwasDavid’sglory?Itwasthesumtotalof his attainments. David had the glory of a king—wealth, honor, prestige,dignity,splendor, and power.He also had the glory of being a psalmist and aprophet.HetookthetotalofallGodhadgivenhimandmadehim,andpresentedittoGodinsongandpraise.Thegreaterhisprestige,thegreaterthejoyhehadinsurrenderingthattothemajestyofGod.WhataprivilegetolayallourlifeattainmentsatHisfeetinprofoundawarenessofHisall-surpassinggreatness!ThegreaterIam,themorejoyIhavein takingthatgreatnessandbowingitbeforeHim.“Andthekingsof theearthbringtheirgloryandhonorintoit”(Revelation21:24).

HedignifiesusthatwemighthavesomethingtolaybeforeHiminhumilityand devotion. God dignifies us—with sonship, glory,acceptance,royalty,purpose,significance,wealth,honor,salvation, wisdom, revelation, understanding, status,character,holiness,victories—sothatwemightenjoythehighest privilege of casting it all at His feet.What a holyprivilege is ours, to come into the throneroom of His presence and emptyourselves of all dignity by prostrating ourselves before Him, worshipingHimwithourentirebeing.

The servant ofGodwho owns his nothingness finds no greater joy thansearching out ever-increasing ways to humble himself in the presence of theAlmightyOne. “‘And I will be even more undignified than this, and will behumbleinmyownsight’”(2Samuel6:22).ThrowyourselfatHisfeettoday;Heisworthyofthehighestpraise!

13TheSecretofIntercessionIntercession, one element in our personal prayer life, is what I am

choosing to define as “prayer on behalf of needs other than my own.”Intercession is the priestly ministry of a go-between, someone who standsbetweenheavenandaneedonearthandpetitionstheFatherforbreakthrough.

ThewriterofHebrewsaskedthesaintstointercedeonhisbehalf:“Prayforus;forweareconfidentthatwehaveagoodconscience,inallthingsdesiringtolivehonorably.ButIespeciallyurgeyoutodothis,thatImayberestoredtoyouthe sooner” (Hebrews 13:18-19). This passage gives us a powerful secret ofprayer: Intercession accelerates God’s purposes in theearth.Thewriter realizedhewasgoing toberestored to them,but itwouldhappensooneriftheywouldprayforhim.

Wecanactuallybuytimewithourprayers—“Redeemingthetime,becausethe days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).Whenevil is loomingwe canpostponeitscomingwithourprayers;andwhengoodisdelayed,wecanaccelerateitscomingwithourprayers.

TherearemanythingsGodhaspurposedforthisplanet,andtheywillmostcertainlyhappen;theonlyquestionis,willtheyhappeninandwithandthroughus?Willweparticipate?Ifwedon’tpray,God’spurposeswillhappen,buttheywillnothappensooner.Theywillbedelayed.

SeeheretheinfinitepowerofGodtoacceleratethingsonearthandbringworldeventstotheirculmination.HecanwrapthiswholethingupwheneverHewants to, but He’s looking for a generation that refuses to be bypassed—ageneration that’s so desperate to be included that they’re giving themselves toincessant,violentprayer.

Oneof themost profoundwaysyou can love someone is bypraying forthem.Intercessiondoessomethingverypowerfulintheintercessor:Itjoinsthe

heartoftheintercessortotheheartoftheonebeingprayedfor.Inintercession,youareinvestingyourselfinanotherperson’slife.It’soneofthesecretsofthesecret place.Our intercessory prayers thus become “cords of affection”whichbindtheheartsofbelieverstooneanother,joiningthebodyofChristtogetherinthegreatestofallvirtues—love.

Itwasn’t enough forPaul tobe convinced inhimself that he lovedothersaints. He wanted them to be clearly aware of his love for them—“that youmightknowthe lovewhichIhavesoabundantlyforyou”(2Corinthians2:4).“ThatourcareforyouinthesightofGodmightappeartoyou”(2Corinthians7:12).Therefore, after loving someone enough to intercede for them,whynotfind a way to assure them of your prayers? When they know you’ve beenprayingforthem,theywillfeelandknowyourloveforthem.

ThebodyofChristdoesn’tworkproperlywithoutthemembersprayingforeach other.Prayer is the immunity system of the body ofChrist.Throughprayer,wefightoff the invasiveforces thatseek todiseaseandafflictthebodyofChrist.

Prayerlessness in the body of Christ is akin to leprosy. I learned somethings about leprosy from Paul Brand, a surgeon to lepers. He says that inleprosythenervesstopfunctioningproperly,nolongersendingsignalsofpaintothebrain.Leperswill begin to lose fingers and toes in accidents because theycannotfeelpainwhentheyarehurtingthemselves.

Drawingaspiritualanalogyfromthat,whenthechurchdoesnotfeelpainwith other suffering believers, it indicates the presence of “spiritual leprosy.”Thechurch’snerves aredead.Whathappensnext is the churchbegins to losebodymembers.

Painsignalsthebodytosendhelptothehurtingmember.Painisabsolutelynecessaryforthebodytobeabletorepairitselfandhealitself.Thus,painisagift.Itiscrucialthatwefeelthepainofsufferingmembersinthebodysothatwecanrisetorepairandhealasneeded.Intercessionisaresponsetopain.We cry becausewe’re in pain. Cries of intercession are the vehementcriesofbelieversbeseechingheavenonbehalfofoneanother.

As I think of these things, I am reminded of friends who face chronicillnessesandincurablemedicalproblems.SaintsindesperatehealthstraitssendanurgentmessagetothebodyofChrist:“Thechurchissick.Welackthepowertoheal thismember.Danger!Alert!Wemustrally,respond,anddoeverything

possible for thismember to be healed.”The church’s response to this kind oftragedy,however,isoftenoneofdistanceandunfeeling.Wereallydon’tfeelthepainofthesickmember.Wehavespiritualleprosy.

Iwonder atwhat gracewill be released in the churchwhenwe begin toidentifywiththesufferingmembersofthebodyasthoughitwereweourselveswhowereimprisoned.OneofthefantasticmysteriesofprayerishowGodjoinstogether the international house of affection (the church) through theimpassioned support of one another in prayer. Prayer is God’s gift whichempowersthebodytoedifyitselfinlove.Doourpatternsofprayerindicatethatwe’re feeling the pain?May theLord put a holy alarm in our spirits over thepowerlessnessofthechurch,anddriveustoourkneesinanimpassionedpursuitoftheovercomingauthorityChristdiedtogiveus!

14TheSecretofWatchingJesus connected prayerfulnesswith vigilantwatching. TwiceHe toldHis

disciples,“‘Watchandpray’”(Mark13:33;14:38).Sothere’ssomethingaboutprayerthatiswide-eyed,attentive,andonfullmentalalert.Inthesecretplace,wedonothidefromcurrenteventslikeanostrichburyingitsheadinthesand;rather,we bring our awareness of current events to the searching lamp of theScripturesandtheSpiritofGod.

Jesus’ exhortations to watch were especially connected to His return toearth.

“Butofthatdayandhournooneknows,noteventheangelsinheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather.Takeheed,watchandpray; foryoudonotknowwhenthetimeis.Itislikeamangoingtoafarcountry,wholefthishouseandgave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded thedoorkeepertowatch.Watchtherefore,foryoudonotknowwhenthemasterofthehouseiscoming—intheevening,atmidnight,atthecrowingoftherooster,orinthemorning—lest,comingsuddenly,hefindyousleeping.AndwhatIsaytoyou,Isaytoall:Watch!"(Mark13:32-37).

Without a doubt, this is one of Jesus’ most gripping and urgentexhortations. He couldn’t have made His message clearer. He was heraldingbelieversofalltimetoconstant,vigilant,bright-eyedalertness.AndthefocusofouralertnessisthatwebefoundwatchingwhenourLordreturns.

Onepastorwas askedhowmanypeople come tohis church.He replied,“Oh,we sleep 800.”Sadly, far toomany believers are asleep in this themostmomentoushourofhumanhistory.

TheLordneverplacedonustheburdenofseeingintothefuture.Hedoescallus,though,tobealerttothehourinwhichweliveandtodiscernthesignsof our times. He expects us to have understanding and awareness concerningtoday.

I know of only oneway to fulfill this urgentmandate: through attentive

applicationtothesecretplace.It’sinthesecretplacethat:•Wesharpenourspiritualsensestoheaven’spromptings;•WeinterpretcurrenteventsthroughthelensofGod’sword;• Wemake note of those portions and themes of Scripture which the

Spirithasbeencurrentlysurfacing;•Weconstantlycalibrateoursoulsandmindstothestraightwaysofthe

Lord;•Wequietourheartslongenoughtolisten;•WegazewithraptattentionuponthethroneofGod;• We throwoffall spiritualsleepinessbybeing ignitedandrenewed in

love.Oneof the importantwordsof thishour is theword“discernment.”Jesus

wantsustobealertandabletodiscernthesignsofthetimes.Discernmentwillbecultivated,notbyreadingthemorningnewspaper,butbyreadingGod’sword.WegaindiscernmentonlythroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit(Philippians1:9).Thosewhostandatattentioninthesecretplacewillcarrythewisdomtodiscernthemysteryofiniquityandthemysteryofgodlinessintheearthtoday.

TherearetimesinmysecretplacewhenIputeverythingelseaside,suchasmyreadingorrequests,andjustpausetoaskthisquestion,“Lord,whatareYoudoingintheearthtoday?WhatthemesareYouemphasizingrightnow?AmongwhichgroupsofpeopleareYoumovinginanunusualway?WhatdoYouwantmetoseeconcerningthedayandhourinwhichIlive?WhatismyroleinYourpresent activities?” Then I wait uponHim for insight and understanding. Oh,howmy heart longs to be fully alert and engagedwith the things that are onGod’sheartforthispresenthour!

“‘Behold,Iamcomingasathief.Blessedishewhowatches’”(Revelation16:15).Whenathiefvisits,hewilloftengiveoffsmallsignalsofhispresence—the turningofa latch, thesoundofa footstep,bumping intoanunseenobject,etc. Ina similarway, therewellmaybesubtle signs toChrist’scomingwhichonly thealertwillnotice.Thosewhowatch, if theyareattentive,mayactuallydiscernthesoundsofChrist’scoming.WhatablessingitwouldbetobefoundonactivedutyandalertatHiscoming!

“Letyourwaistbegirdedandyourlampsburning;andyouyourselvesbelikemenwhowaitfortheirmaster,whenhewillreturnfromthewedding,thatwhen he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed arethoseservantswhomthemaster,whenhecomes,willfindwatching.Assuredly,I say toyou thathewill girdhimself andhave themsitdown toeat, andwill

comeandservethem.Andifheshouldcomeinthesecondwatch,orcomeinthethirdwatch,andfindthemso,blessedarethoseservants.Butknowthis,that ifthemasterof thehousehadknownwhathour the thiefwouldcome,hewouldhavewatchedandnotallowedhishousetobebrokeninto.Thereforeyoualsobeready,fortheSonofManiscomingatanhouryoudonotexpect”(Luke12:35-40).

Thesecretplaceistheplacetofulfill thesewordsofChrist.There isnoreplacementoralternative.It’sinthegardenwithyourLordthatyougirdyourwaist for immediate action, and thatyou trimyour lampsuntil theyburnwithflamingpassion.Donotsleep,butwatchandpray.It’sthegreatsecrettobeingreadyfortheimminentreturnoftheLoverofyoursoul.

PartIIMakingItWorkSecretsoftheSecretPlaceInSectionI,weconsideredfoundationalprinciplesto

becomingestablishedinthesecretplacewithGod.Now,let’s look at some practical dynamics—“hands-on nitty-gritty”—thatwillhelpustomaximizethepotentialofthesecretplace.

15TheSecretofRadiationTherapyAllofus struggle toovercomesin.TheBibledescribes this struggleas

“striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4). Some strugglemore than others, partlybecause their history ofworldly living has caused the roots of sin to becomemoredeeply entrenched in their being.Regardless of the intensity of our ownpersonalstruggle,eachofushaswishedattimesthatwecouldgainvictorymorecompletelyoversinfulpatterns.

The pathway to victory over habitual sins is multifaceted and includesrepentance, renouncing of old patterns, prayers of agreement, accountability,forgiveness, self-denial, etc. However, I want to focus in this chapter on onesecret to overcoming sin that is sometimes overlooked or forgotten. I call it,“exposingyourselftotheradiationofGod’spresenceandword.”

Sinis likeacancer;God’spresenceis likeradiationonthatcancer.The longer you’re inHis presence, soaking inHiswordandbaskinginHislove,themorepoweryou’reingestingintotheveryfiberofyourbeing.

TheonlywaywechangeiswhenwecomeclosetotheLord.Hispresenceis the place of change.Distancingourselves fromGodalwaysproduces spiritual regression; proximity to God alwaysproduces spiritual progression. The purpose of the voice ofcondemnation is topushyouaway fromHispresence—thatwhich is theverysourceofyourvictory.Thepurposeof thevoiceof conviction is topressyouinto the face of Christ. You can distinguish between conviction andcondemnationbyconsideringwhichdirectionthevoiceisgoadingyou—towardorawayfromtheLord.

Godhasalwayslongedtodrawclosetoman,butwheneverHedid,peopledied.TheLaw(GenesistoDeuteronomy)unfoldsthepassionatestoryofhowan

altogether holyGodwith great longings forHis people tries to draw close tothem, only to face the recurrent frustration of having to kill them for theiroutright rebellion and transgression. The Old Covenant had a fatal flaw. Itrequired the people to keep their distance because of God’s holiness. If theycrossed the line, they would die. So many were dying in the wilderness thateventuallythepeoplesaidtoMoses,“‘Surelywedie,weperish,weallperish!Whoever even comesnear the tabernacle of theLORDmust die. Shallwe allutterlydie?’”(Numbers17:12-13).Godwasalsoawareoftheproblem,forHesaidtothem,“‘Iwillnotgoupinyourmidst,lestIconsumeyouontheway’”(Exodus33:3).AccordingtoDeuteronomy5:25-27,thepeopletoldMosestheywoulddieiftheycameclosetoGod,sotheyaskedMosestodrawneartoGodon their behalf. God’s response was, “‘They are right in all that they havespoken’”(Deuteronomy5:28).SoGodagreedwiththemandkeptHisdistance.Thisproducedaviciousdownwardcycle,however.Thepeoplehadtomaintaintheir distance in order to survive, but their distance fromGod caused them todeteriorate into further sin—which in turn required that they maintain theirdistance. This was a hopeless pattern that God had to remedy, and the onlysolution was the cross of Christ.Now, through the blood of thecross, sinful man is able to come into the immediatepresenceoftheholyGodandsubjecthimselftotheglorythat will change him. As we surrender to this glory, we are beingchangedintothelikenessofthegloryofChrist!Theamazingpartisthis—thatdespiteourweaknessandfailureandsinfulnesswearenowabletocomeintotheimmediatepresenceof thealtogetherHolyOne!Whataprivilege!Onlyafoolwould neglect or avoid this place of glorious change and delightful intimacy.God has killed Himself (literally) to go out of His way to bring us into Hispresence.

When we step into the presence of God, we are exposing ourselves toeternally powerful forces. Everything within us changes when we touch theradiatingglorythatemitsfromHisface.“FortheLORDGodisasun”(Psalm84:11). The sun provides heat, light, energy, and ultraviolet rays—radiation.WhenweplaceourselvesinthesunofHiscountenance,the radiation of His glory does violence to thosecancerous iniquities that we often feel helpless to fully

overcome.TimeinHispresenceisperhapsthemostpotentproceduretodealwiththechronicsinissuesthatplagueus.

Youdon’t knowyou’rebeing exposed to radiationwhen it first happens.People who get sun-burned don’t realize they’ve been exposed to excessiveradiation until after the damage is done. The effects of radiation are alwaysdelayed.ThesameistrueofGod’sglory.WhenyouspendtimeinHispresence,yourfirstthoughtis,“Thisisn’taccomplishinganything.”However,ifyouwillbelieve the truth and just devote yourself to mega-amounts of time in Hispresence,theeffectsofspendingtimewithHimwilleventuallymanifest.

Ihaveexperiencedthisfirst-hand,andIwouldtoGodthatyouwouldhearandbelievewhatI’mtellingyou.Powerfulthingshappeninsidewhenyouspendtime with God.When you’re in His presence for extendedperiods, the molecular composition ofyour soul getsrestructured.Youstarttothinkdifferently,andyoudon’tevenknowwhy.Youstarttohavedifferentpassionsandinterests,andyoudon’tevenknowwhy.God is changingyouon the inside inways you can’t cognitively analyze.Allyouknowis,sinfulaffectionsthatoncepulledatyoursoulnolongerhavetheirformerpoweroveryou.Thesecretissimplythis:largechunksoftimeinGod’spresence—lovingHimandimbibingHisword.

One last thought and this chapter is done. When Moses was on themountainwithGodforeightydays, intheimmediacyofGod’sfieryglory, theonlyreasonableexplanationforhisnotdyingfromtheradiationexposureis tosuggest that God still withheld from Moses the full strength of His glory.However,thestorywouldalsosuggestthatGodhelpedMosesto“buildup”anability to sustain such a tremendous exposure of glory. The principle is this:The more time you spend in His presence, the greateryour tolerance becomes for even greatermanifestationsofradianceandglory.CouldwesaythatyoubegintodevelopaSon-tan?ThosewhoexposethemselvestolargequantitiesoftheradiationofGod’sglorybecomecandidatesforevengreaterglory.“Fromglorytoglory.”

Makesyouwanttorunintothesecretplace,doesn’tit?!

16TheSecretofTimeAfriendrecentlytoldme,“Thesecretplacehasbeenthepointofgreatest

frustration and attack inmy personalwalk.” I know he’s not alone. Since thesecret place holds the keys to authentic kingdom overcoming, the enemywillcausehisstrongestassaultstobearuponthissinglepointofaChristian’slife.

Ourenemywilldoanythingtogetustocurtailtheamountoftimewedevote to the secret place with God. He will push, distract, harass, incite,oppress, entice, weary, lie, intimidate—whatever it takes. Make no mistake,whenyoudevoteyourselftoknowingGod,allofhellseemstoresurrectagainstyou.

The full potential of the secret place with Godrequiresonegreatoverarchingelement:time.Lotsof it.Themore exclusive timeyoudevote toHim, themoremeaningful the relationshipbecomes.Theprincipleof2Corinthians9:6reallydoesapplyhere,“ButthisIsay: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sowsbountifully will also reap bountifully.” The more time that you sow into thesecretplace,thegreaterthebountyyouwillenjoy.

Thereisathresholdtocrossintermsofuncoveringthefulljoyofthesecretplace.Untilyoufindthethreshold,youwillfindthatyou’reconsistentlypushingyourselftogetintothesecretplace,asthoughit’saburdeninsteadofajoy.Butonceyoucrossthethreshold,thesecretplacebecomesaplaceofdelightthatyouwillgladlyprioritizeoverothercompetingdemands.

Howdowefindthatthreshold?Bygivingmuchtimetothesecretplace.Ineverconsidertimeinvestedinthesecretplacetobewasteful;andevenifitis,Igladly waste it upon my Lord! Even when we feel like we’re spinning ourwheelsspiritually,everyhourinvestedisafillingupofthevial.Onedaythevialwill be full, and the Lord will take us through the threshold into anotherdimensionofdelightand intimacy.Butwe’llneverget therewithout investing

time.Another friend toldme she had feelings of guilt over not taking enough

time to be with the Lord. This is a very common feeling, but it is seriouslymisdirected. Feelings of guilt will nevermotivate anyone to spendmore timewithGod;inactuality,theywilldiscourageyouandmakeyoufeellikeafailure.Guilthasthepotentialtototallysnuffoutwhateversmallflametherepresentlymightbe.

Guiltisalwaysfoundedonsataniclies.SatanwantsyoutobelievethatGodis tickedwithyoubecauseyouhaven’tbeenmeetingyourdailyquotaof timewith Him. Hemilitates against the truth of God’s word which states that ouracceptance with God has to do with nothing but faith in Christ. God is veryunimpressedwith your performance, butHe is deeply impressedwithChrist’sperformance.WhenyouputchildlikefaithinChrist,Christ’sperformancerecordiscreditedtoyou.Faith inChristunlockstheFather’sheart toyou.Whenyoubelieve on His beloved Son, the Father’s heart explodes in affirmation andacceptanceanddelight—totallyindependentlyofyourdiligenceorlackthereof.

Godisyourgreatestfan.AsyourheavenlyFather,Heisconstantlycoaxingyou forward into the heights of spiritual victory.When you neglect the secretplace,He’snotdisappointedinyou,He’sdisappointedforyou.He sees thespiritual riches available to you, and His heart breaks when He watches yougetting bypassed.Hewants you to share in heaven’s best, andHe lookswithwistfullongingwhenyoushort-changeyourselfspiritually.

Someone said tome recently, “The greatest lie Satan attacksmewith is,‘Youdeserveabreaktoday!’”SomeofSatan’sliesaresostupidthey’reliterallyridiculous.As though time away from the secret place is abreak!It’snotabreak;it’saloss.YoumisseddrinkingdeeplyoftheSpirit’sfountain;youmissedbeingwashedandcleansedandrenewedinHispresence;youmissedgettingfedbytheilluminationofGod’sword;youmissedtakingthetime to calm your hectic heart and hear His precious voice; you missed theintimate communion of the secret garden. As the saying goes, “You wasrobbed.”

So instead of feeling guilty, we should feel ripped off! Whencircumstancesoremotionsaresuccessfulatrobbingyoursecret place, don’t get guilty—get indignant! Let

lovesicknessariseinyourbreast.“OhLord,IloveYousomuch;IamreallyupsetatthewayI’veallowedthecaresofthislifetocrowdYouout.Thishastostop, thingshavegot to change. I can’t livewithoutYou. I’m coming back!I’vegottohavemoretimewithYou.Youaremyvery life,mybreath.Oh, IloveYou,Lord!”Andthenexertspiritualviolencetogetyourprioritiesbackinline.

Onapracticalnote,manyof thosewhohaveuncoveredgreat joyin theirsecretlifewithGodhavefounditnecessarytodevoteaspecificportionofthedaytomeetingwithHim.Givingthemselvesinadisciplinedwaytoaconsistenttime slot hasbeenvery important in finding thehigher dimensionsof joy anddelight.Whenwerelegatethesecretplacetospontaneity,inretrospectwefindthatwedidn’tgiveitmuchtime.Gowithwhateverworksforyou—becausethepointistocarveoutentirechunksoftimethatwecandevotetolongandlovingmeditationonthebeautyandsplendorofChristJesusourLord.

Here’s another practical tip: Work your way up slowly tospendingmore timewithHim. If you’re doing ten minutes a dayrightnow,make it fifteenor twenty.Byadding incrementallyyouarebuildingyour spiritual stamina. Iwas oncewith a brotherwhowaswanting to devotehimself to prayer and study regarding a specific struggle in his life. I wasamazed,however,thataftergivinghimselftothestudyforafewminutes,hehadtoquitandmoveontosomethingelse.Hehaddevelopedvirtuallynospiritualstamina.Evenamerehalf-hourofstudyandprayerwastoomuch.Hehadacaseofspiritual“AttentionDeficitDisorder.”Itwastime,however,forhimtomatureinGodanddeveloptheabilitytospendmoretimeinthesecretplace.

Trainforitlikeanathlete.Noathleteexpectstorunamarathononhisfirsttimeoutafterbeingsedentaryformanymonths.Heknowshe’sgottobuilduphisendurance.Soeverydayheaddsalittlebitmoreuntilhe’sattheendurancelevel he desires. Similarly, you can build your endurance to the point wherespending large portions of time with Him becomes the great delight of yourheart.

WhenIthinkofrunningthisrace,IthinkofPsalm119:32,“IwillrunthecourseofYourcommandments,forYoushallenlargemyheart.”Arunnermustdevelopstrengthofheart.Ashepusheshimselftorungreaterdistances,oratafasterpace,theabilityofthehearttopumplife-sustainingbloodtothebodyisenlarged. I have asked theLord to enlargemyheart that Imight run a harder

paceofpursuingHim.We’renotfinishedwiththisthemeyet.Socometothenextchapter,Iwant

totalkaboutaspecificwaywecanplanmoretimealonewithGod.

17TheSecretofRetreatsNothing equals or replaces a daily, consistent secret life with God.

However,prayerretreatscanbehighlysignificantinourspiritualjourney to augment and complement our dailydisciplines.

Here are just a few of theways I have found personal prayer retreats toserveme:

•TheyintensifyandacceleratemypursuitofGod.•Theyrefreshandrenewmywearyspirit.•TheysharpenmyresponsivenesstoreceiverevelationfromGod.• They have been times of receiving divine guidance for specific

situations.•Godhashonoredthembyrevealinghiddenthings.•TheyhavebroughtclarityintoGod’swaysandworks.• WhenIhavefelt“stuck”spiritually, retreatshavehelpedme tocross

newthresholdsinGod.Iamagreatadvocateofprayerretreats,andinthisshortchapterIwilldo

myutmosttoconvinceyouofthestrategicplaceretreatscanholdinmovingusforwardingrace.Myaimisnotonlytoconvinceyou,buttomotivateyoutofitthemintoyourcalendar.

A friend ofmine,Kelly Jenness, has the practice of scheduling a prayerretreatonceayear.HeusuallyreservesaroomataChristianretreatfacilityorahotel,andtriestotimeit insuchawaythathecanspendthreefulldaysalonewithGod. Either he selects a long holidayweekend, or he takes a Friday offfrom his secular job in order to lengthen the weekend. These retreats havebecomeso fruitful inhiswalkwithGod thathe is completely soldon them. IhavewatchedmanyotherChristiansbeholdhisconsecration,admirethefruitinhislife,butneverbecomesoconvincedofthesignificanceofhisretreatsasto

adoptthepracticethemselves.Thisleavesmesadandnotjustalittleperplexed.Effective retreats will wisely include four elements: solitude, no

entertainment,fasting,andtheGospels.• Solitude:Groupretreatsareuseful intheirownway,butIamtalking

aboutsomethingtotallydifferent.Getalone.Thequieterthebetter.Getfarawayfromtheeverydaydemandsof life.Shutyourself intoyour room,except foradaily outdoor walk by yourself. At most, one phone call a day. Face thelonelinesshead-on.Youwillrealizehowsocialinteractionhasanesthetizedyourawareness of God. The violent separation from all distractions is vital tomaximizingyourretreattime.

• No entertainment: This means no TV, videos, radio, newspapers,computergames,magazines,etc.Partof the intensityof theretreatwillderivefromyourrefusaltonumbtheboredomofbeingwithnooneelseornothingelsebutGod.Youwilleventuallymovepasttheboredomthreshold,butinitiallytheboredomwillservetorevealyourtruehearttoyourself.

•Fasting:Fastinghasthedualbenefitoffreeingyoufromthedistractionoffoodpreparationandconsumption,andintensifyingyourspiritualpursuitbymeansofthegracereleasedthroughself-denial.Themoreaustereyourfast,thegreaterthebenefit.Awater-onlyfast ismoreintensethanajuice-onlyfast.Onpersonal retreats, I typically go on a water-only fast, with the exception ofreceiving the Lord’s Supper once a day. (Tip: Prepare wisely by weaningyourselfofcaffeinebeforetheretreatbegins;packsomeTylenoljustincase.)

•TheGospels:LetyourretreatbefilledwithmeditationsinawidevarietyofScriptures,butbyallmeansincludeandemphasizelargeportionsofreadingsin theGospels.Read the red.Let JesusHimselfhold thecentralplaceofyourheartduringthesepreciousmoments.Byallmeansbringameansofjournalingbecause the Lord is about to download into your heart at a rate you haven’tknowninalongtime.

YouwillprobablybeamazedathowGodwillhonoryourcommitmenttocarve a three-day retreat into your busy schedule, especially if it includes theabovefourelements.Topastorsand leaderswhoenjoy theprivilegeofhavingtheirfull-timeemploymentintheworkofGod,however,Iamrecommendingastepfurther.Byallmeans,startwithathree-dayretreat.Butworkyourwayuptoevenmore.Iwouldhighlycommendaseven-dayretreat,thenatenortwelve-dayretreat.Andforsome,evenmore.Here’swhy.

Chancesarethatthefirstoneortwodaysofyourretreatwillbefilledwithabove-average quantities of sleep. That’s okay, you’ll need the sleep to be

renewedandtoclearthecobwebs.Bytheendofthethirdday,it’scommontofeellike,“I’mjustnowstartingtogainsomespiritualmomentum.”Andyou’reright. I’vediscovered that the realmomentumdoesn’tkick inuntil the fifthorsixthday.Soforthosewhohavetheabilitytodevotelargerchunksoftimetoanannualretreat,IwouldstronglyurgeyoutoexperimentwithsevenormoredaysinsolitudewithGod.

I am saddenedwith the awareness thatmost of you reading thiswill notbelievethesewordsenoughtoactuallydothem.ButIamwritingforthosewhohaveearstohear.Ifyoucanreceiveit,Iamtruthfullypointingyoutooneofthegreatestsecretsofthesecretplace.Yoursecretlifecanbeignitedintonewlevelswith God through the strategic employment of prayer and fasting retreats atplannedintervalsthroughoutthejourney.

Fasting retreats havemade the difference inmy spiritual survival. That’swhy I’m so passionate about this. I stumbled onto this means of grace in anunexpectedway,andnowI’d like to“sell”allmybrothersandsisterson theireffectualpotential.

Neverdoneitbefore?That’sokay.Justjumpintothewaters.Youhaveanawesometeacher, theHolySpirit,Whoiswithyou.Hewillguideyouintoalltruth.Youdon’tneedanyman to teachyou; theSpiritHimselfwill teachyouand guide you into the kind of pursuit that fits perfectly for you. Grab yourannualcalendar,andplanitrightnowinthisupcomingyear’sschedule.

18TheSecretofJournalingIamfiercelycommittedtomaintainingaspiritualjournal,andit’sforone

all-encompassingreason:ThosewhoretainwhatGodgivesthemwillbegivenmore. Jesus said it this way, “‘For whoever has, to himmorewillbegiven’”(Mark4:25).

Idon’ttrustmybrain.Mymemoryislikeasieve.IfIdon’twriteitdown,there’sa99%chancethatI’llforgetit.SowhenGodrevealssomethingvaluabletome fromHisword, Idon’t trustmyself to remember it. Iwrite itdown.Hewaskind enough to enlightenmewithHis truth, andnow Imust be a carefulstewardof thatentrustmentbyretainingit,meditatinguponit,andconsideringhowthattruthmustimpacthowIlive.

Ikeepajournalforonesimplereason:Iamdesperateformore!AndIknowmorewon’tbegiventomeunlessIhaveproperlymanagedwhatHehasalreadygivenme.TheonlywayIcankeepreturningtothethingsHe’sgivenmeinthepastisbywritingthemdowninajournalinsuchawaythatIcanreferbacktotheminthefuture.

SowhenIspeakofa journal, I’mnot talkingaboutapersonaldiary. I’mnottalkingaboutmakingentrieslike,“Today,Susancameovertovisit.Wehadbreakfasttogetherandthenwenttothemall.”No,I’mtalkingofsomethingfarmore consequential and significant.Make your journal the placewhereyouchroniclethespiritualtruthsthatquickenyourspiritwhileyou’reinthesecretplace.WhenGodfeedsyouwithHismanna,writeitdown.Then,reviewitlater.Keepvisitingthattruthuntilit’swovenintothefabricofyourChristianexperienceandconduct.

Let’slookatthefullcontextofJesus’wordsabove.ThenHesaidtothem,“Takeheedwhatyouhear.Withthesamemeasure

youuse, itwillbemeasured toyou;and toyouwhohear,morewillbegiven.

Forwhoeverhas, tohimmorewillbegiven;butwhoeverdoesnothave,evenwhathehaswillbetakenawayfromhim”(Mark4:24-25).

IwasreadingthesewordsofJesusonedaywhilewatchingafootballgameonTV,“Forwhoeverhas, tohimmorewillbegiven.”SoIput it intofootballlingo:“Whoeverreceiveswhatisthrowntohimwillbethrowntheballagain.”The best receivers will get the most opportunities. If a receiver keepsdropping theball, thequarterbackwill stop throwing tohim.Inthesameway,ifwedropwhatGodgivesus,He’llstopgivingusmore.

Thephrase,“withthemeasureyouuse,”referstothemeasurewithwhichweactuponandliveoutthewordthatwehear.IfweembraceGod’swordtoourheartswithgreatzeal,endeavoringtonotonlybeahearerbutalsoadoeroftheword, thenHewillmeasure out to us further insightwith the same degree ofdiligence.

But the passage also holds a clearwarning. Ifwe are negligentwith theinsights God gives us, He will remove from our lives even that which wethoughtwehad.(Hewhokeepsdroppingtheballnotonlystopsreceivingmorepasses, but he gets pulled from the game.) So a journal becomes all themorecrucial for me. I am personally convinced that I cannot hold onto what Godgivesmeapartfromwritingitdown.SoifIdon’tfaithfullyjournalandintegrateintomy life those thingsGodgivesme,Hewill takeaway frommeeven thatwhichIdohave.Journaling,then,isavitalelementinbeingfaithfulbeforeGod.

IkeepajournalbecauseIamawareofmyaccountabilitybeforeGod.“‘Foreveryonetowhommuchisgiven,fromhimmuchwillberequired;andtowhommuchhasbeencommitted,ofhimtheywillaskthemore’”(Luke12:48).MayIbefoundfaithfulofallthatGodhasgivenme!

Furthermore, I am aware ofMatthew 13:12, “‘For whoever has, to himmorewillbegiven,andhewillhaveabundance.’”Spiritualabundanceisnotaguaranteetoallbelievers;itisassuredonlytothosewhoarefaithfulwithwhatthey receive.So an abundant life inChrist is not passivelyreceived,itisaggressivelytaken.

Letme tell you a bit aboutmy journal. It is kept inmy computer. Thisworksmuchbetterformethanapaperjournal.Aftertypingmyjournalentries,Iwilloftencategorizetheminmycomputeraccordingtotopicsorthemes.Thus,my journal entries become a portable library inside my laptop, an array of

resourcesonmanytopicstowhichIcanturnwhenstudyinganyofthosetopics.Perhapsyou’veguesseditalready,butIhaveleanedheavilyuponmyjournalinthewritingofthisbook(andmyotherbooksaswell).

I have made the vow of the psalmist my personal ambition: “I will notforgetYourword” (Psalm 119:16).WhenHe feedsmewith insight fromHisword, I use every thinkablemeasure to retain that truth inmy heart and soul.Here’smysecret:Iwriteitdown,andthenreviewiteverynowandthen.

19TheSecretofMeditating“This Book of the Law shall not depart from yourmouth, but you shall

meditateinitdayandnight,thatyoumayobservetodoaccordingtoallthatiswritten in it. For then youwillmake yourway prosperous, and then youwillhavegoodsuccess”(Joshua1:8).

What does it mean tomeditate in God’s word? Itmeans to slowwaydownthereadingpace,andtocontemplateeverywordandphrase, lookingfordeeper and fullermeanings. It’s throughmeditation thatweunlock the hiddenrichesofGod’sword.God’swordislikeamountainrangewithvastpocketsofjewelsandveinsofgold.Thesecretplaceisourtimetodig.Weuncovervariouslayersofrichunderstandingaswegodeeperanddeeper,ponderingeachword,and turning the phrases over and over. I always assume that every verse hasmore significance to it than I have yet discovered. Meditation is the art ofdiggingoutthemostthatwecanfromeachandeveryword.

The written word of God is revealed by the Living Word, through thepoweroftheHolySpirit.“FromHismouthcomeknowledgeandunderstanding”(Proverbs2:6).ThesourceofilluminationisGod’smouth.Hemustspeaktous.SoaswemeditateinHisword,wegetintheSpiritandthencryfromourhearts,“Lord,talktome!”WerealizethatwithoutHishelpwewillneverunlocktherichesofHismagnificentword.

Each word of Scripture can sustain the intensity of careful questioning.This focused intensity is seen inPsalm77:6, “Imeditatewithinmyheart, andmy spirit makes diligent search.” As we meditate in the word, our spirit isdiligentlysearchingforfreshinsights.

ThereissomuchmoredepthtoScripturethanwhatreadilymeetstheeyeatthefirstreading.Sometruthswillneverbefounduntilyoutakethetimetositand stare at the text, carefully considering its contents and implications.Apparent contradictions sometimes contain the greatest truths. Some portionshavemuchmorethanjustoneapplication.Theyactuallycontainlayersoftruth

thatareuncoveredalmostlikethepeelingofanonion.OneofthebestwaystomeditateinGod’swordisbyaskingquestionsof

thetext.Someofthemostcommonlyaskedquestionsare:Whoisthewriter,andtowhomishespeaking?Whatdoestheversesay,andwhy?Whatdoesitmean?Does the verse contain a spiritual principle?Howdoes this truth apply tomylife?

Intime,youwilldevelopyourownpersonalwayofaskingquestionsofthetext.OneofthemostimportantquestionsI’vecometoaskofaverseis:“WhydidtheHolySpiritordainthatitbewordedthisway?”Iquestionwhyitsaysittheway it does,whycertainphraseswereused, andwhyotherwordsweren’tused.Whenasentenceorphraseappearstomakenoapparentcontributiontothepassage,IwillgazeuponittoconsiderwhytheHolySpiritincludedit.Whenaverse seems tobepurposelyobliqueormysterious,mycuriositygets aroused.When a verse appears to be blatantly obvious, I become suspicious that theremaybedepthsoftruththereinthatIcouldalltooeasilyoverlook.

Herearesomeotherwaystoaskquestionsasyoumeditate.

•Context:Aphraseorverseisalmostalwaysunderstoodbetterbylookingcarefullyat

theversesthatprecedeandfollowit.Howdothepreviousversessetabrackdropfor this verse? How do the verses following bring clarity and fullerunderstanding?

•Wordmeanings:Someof thewords in theoriginalBible languagesofHebrewandGreek

carrymorethanonepossiblemeaning.Whatvariousshadesofmeaningdothesignificant words in this verse contain? Will other Bible translations providealternatemeanings?WillBiblereferencematerialssuchasaBibleDictionaryorLexicongivefurtherinsight?

•Cross-references:AConcordanceisextremelyhelpfulduringtimesofmeditationtoconsider

other verses that contain the same words, phrases, or concepts of the text athand.SomeBiblesare“ReferenceEditions”withcross-referencesappearinginverticalcolumnsorfootnotes.WhereelsedoesthiswordoccurintheBible,andhowdoesthatotherversebringilluminationtoourtext?

•Repetition:Whatwordsdeserveextracontemplationbecauseoftheirrecurrence?CanI

discovertruthstheScripturesmaybehighlightingbylookingforrepeatedwordsorconcepts?

•Symbolism:Whatwordpicturesarebeingused?Whatdothewordpicturesrepresent?

Are any of the symbols present in the text representative of deeper spiritualrealities?

TheonewhomeditatesinGod’swordwillslowlytransformtheinnerwellfromwhichhissouldraws.Jesussaid,“‘Agoodmanoutofthegoodtreasureofhisheartbringsforthgood;andanevilmanoutoftheeviltreasureofhisheartbringsforthevil.Foroutoftheabundanceofthehearthismouthspeaks’”(Luke6:45).Becauseofoursinfulness,allofushavedepositsof“eviltreasure”withinus.Butbymeditatingintheword,wearedepositing“goodtreasure”withinourinnerbeing.Theonlywaytointernalizegoodtreasureisbysquirreling it away diligently in the secret place ofmeditation.Good does displace evil. The deposit of goodness we haveabsorbedwill be evidenced through new patterns of speech and conduct. In aword,we’llbemoreChristlike.

Once you come alive to the delight ofmeditating inGod’sword, you’llbecomeaddicted.Thesecretplacewillbecomeyourfavoriteplace,evenmoresoin some regards than the congregation of saints, because it’s the place whereJesus feeds you personally. In church, you receive insights that have beenprocessedfirstthroughanotherhumanchannel.Thesweetestmorsels,however,are thosewhich Jesus gives directly to your own heart.When theHolySpiritcustom-fits the word to your life circumstances, the sustaining power of Hispersonalizedwordhastheabilitytocarryyouthroughgreattribulation.Thisisthetruefountainoflife!

Proverbs 16:26 describes the process whereby the Lord will get youaddictedtoHisword:“Thepersonwholabors,laborsforhimself,forhishungrymouthdriveshimon.”TheLordstartsbyfeedingyouwithHisword.Hiswordwill satiate your appetite like nothing else. But it also kindles an incrediblehungerformore.Onceyou’vetastedofhowsweettheLordis,you’reruinedforlife.You’vegottohavemore!SoyouwilldoanythingnowtoreceivethewordsofHismouth.Yourhungerskyrockets,andyouknowthere’sonlyonethingthatwillsatisfy.Youaredriventotheplaceofmeditationbyyourownhunger.BeingwithJesusinthesecretplace,gazinguponHimintheword,becomesyourall-

timefavoriteoccupationinlife.Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,whatever things arepure,whatever things are lovely,whateverthingsareofgoodreport,ifthereisanyvirtueandifthereisanythingpraiseworthy—meditateonthesethings(Philippians4:8).

20TheSecretofSimultaneousReadingBible reading, done in a spirit of prayerful submission to God, is

dramatically life-transforming. God’s word has the power to change us!Revelation1:3pronouncesablessingupon“hewhoreads...those thingswhicharewritteninit.”Allyouhavetodotobeblessedisjustreadthebook.ThosewhounderstandthistrutharepersonallycommittedtodailyBiblereading.

Additionally,weareassuredthat,“AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,and isprofitable” (2Timothy3:16). Inotherwords, everyportionof theBibleisprofitabletothereader.NoportionofScriptureshouldbebypassedoroverlookedbythosewhoareanxioustobeconformedtotheimageofChrist.HeistheLivingWord,andHisgloryistobefoundoneverypageoftheBible.

Therefore, it behooves us to make a point of reading the Bible in itsentirety.IhavehadapracticeformanyyearsnowofreadingthroughtheBible,andamfirmlycommitted to thispractice foronecompelling reason:Iwantevery single portion of God’s inspired word to have achanceatmyheart. I don’twant a single issue inmy soul to remainunmovedbecause Iwasn’t careful to exposemyself to the full breadth ofHiswisdom and revelation. I expectGod to surprisemewith insight fromwhat ImighthavethoughttobethemostunlikelyportionsofHisword.Iwantthefullpackage,soIreadthefullpackage.

SoBiblereadingformeismuchmorethansimplythefulfillingofadailyquota.“Whew,I’mfinallyfinishedwithtoday’sreading;nowIcangetonwithlife.”No,it’snothinglikethatforme.Timeinthewordistheplaceofchange,and I jealousy yearn to expose my heart consisently and routinely to everyliving,breathing,inspiredportionofScripture.

SomeoneoncesaidthatthemostreadbookoftheBibleisGenesis.That’s

because thousands of people annually adopt a New Year’s resolution to readthroughtheBible,theylaunchwiththebookofGenesis,andthentheylosealltheirmomentumsomewherebetweenExodusandLeviticus.Iunderstandwhat’shappening.Manypeopledonotunderstand the secret that I amabout to sharewithyou.

One of the greatest keys to maintaining momentum in your daily Biblereading, inmyopinion, is thesecretof simultaneous reading.What Imeanbythatis,insteadofreadingseveralchaptersinonebookoftheBible,readshorterportionsinfourdifferentBiblebooksonthesameday.Althoughtherearemanywaysthiscouldbedone,letmeillustratebyexplainingmypersonalregimenofBiblereading.

Idividemyreadingintofoursections:•GenesistoMalachi(exceptforPsalmstoSongofSolomon).•PsalmstoSongofSolomon•MatthewtoJohn•ActstoRevelationImark the places I’m readingwith four paper clips. The first paper clip

marks my Old Testament reading. Since my hope is to get through the OldTestamentbooksinayear,IdividethenumberofpagesintheOldTestamentbythenumberofdaysintheyear,andcomeupwithhowmanypagesIwanttoreadeachday.FormysizeBible,ifIreadfourpagesadayIwilleasilyreadtheOldTestamentinayear.Thenextpaperclipmarksmyreadinginthe

Psalms(Iaverageabouthalfapsalmaday.)Mythirdpaperclipmarksmyreading in theGospels—I readonaverage twopages in theGospelseachday.ThefourthpaperclipmarksmyreadingintheEpistles.Sincemyhopeistogetthrough theNewTestament every sixmonths, I have calculated that I need toreadtwopagesintheEpistleseachday.(Thenumberofpagesyoureadineachsectionwilldependuponyourownpersonalreadinggoals.)

EachdayI read inall foursections.Thisprovidesmanybenefits,not theleastbeingthatthevarietykeepsmeinterestedandengaged.

The first section, Genesis to Malachi, has some incredibly delightfulsections and some harder-to-read sections. By interspersing my O.T. (OldTestament)readingwithotherportionsoftheBible,Idon’tgetboggeddowninthetoughpassages.AndeverytimeIreadtheO.T.,Idiscoversomething:Thetough passages get just a little bit easier because I amslowly coming to understand themmore andmorewith

each reading. The Lord has an uncanny way of blessing us mostunexpectedlyjustwhenwethinkwe’reinthedreariestpassageimaginable.

When I come to the second section, Psalms to Song of Solomon,mypaceofreadingslowswaydown.Thesebookscontainthelanguageoflove,somostofmyprayertimeisspenthereasIslowlyandluxuriantlywendmyway through theprayersandpraisesof thepsalmists.Here iswhereIgivetheLordtheunabashedandopenaffectionsofmyheart.

AndIlovethethirdsection!It’sintheGospelsthatIbeholdmyBeloved,myLord. Iwatch howHemoves, howHe acts, howHetalks,howHethinks.MyheartachestoknowHimbetter, totrulybeholdHimthrough the power of the Holy Spirit. My primary motivation for absorbingmyselfintheGospelsderivesfromthewordsofJesus,“‘IfyouabideinMe,andMywordsabide inyou,youwillaskwhatyoudesire,and itshallbedoneforyou’”(John15:7).ByabidinginHimanddevotingmyself toHiswords,Iamknocking on the door of answered prayer. Here are to be found the keys tokingdompowerandauthority,adooruponwhichIknockdaily.

And the epistles of section four?They’reawesome! I never tire ofreading how theNewTestament authors articulate thewonder, beauty, power,kingdom,cross,grace,andcomingjudgmentsofourLordJesusChrist.Oh,theBibleisagloriousbook,andIjustlovetoreadit!

It’s thepursuitofChrist inHisword thatgetsmeup in themorning.Mytimeinthewordismylifesourceandmysanity.ThisistheplacewhereIreceivegraceforanotherday.Yes,IlovemydailyBiblereading!

Ihopeyou’recatchingthisawesomelittlesecret.You’llgainmomentuminreading through theBiblebydividingyour reading into threeor fourdifferentsectionsandreadingsimultaneouslyineachsectioneveryday.

Ifyoutakeonthisapproach,somethingelsewillbegintohappen.Atruthfound in section one will appear in your reading that day in section three; atheme from section two will be reinforced in section four. A verse from onesection will give freshness, new light, and expanded meaning to a verse inanother section. You’ll notice certain themes appearing in multiple places ofScripture. And insights will begin to explode within your heart as versesinterplaywitheachother.ThisishowScriptureinterpretsScripture.Thevistasofrevelationwillbegintoexpandyourheartandigniteyourpassions.Oncethisstartstohappenforyou,you’rehooked!Overtheedge.Gone.

21TheSecretofPrayingtheScripturesThe Bible is one massive Prayer Book. Virtually every page contains

prayer prompts. As you take time to soak in His word, not only is yourmeditation sweet, but you find yourself spontaneously expressing your heartbacktoGodinresponsetothetext.

PrayingGod’swordbacktoHimispowerfulforseveralreasons:God’s word itself “is living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), so whenwe

pray with God’s word on our lips, we know we are praying prayers that areliving and powerful. When the language of our prayers is shaped by theScriptures,wegainconfidenceinknowingthatweareprayingaccordingtothewillofGod—aconfidencethatmeans“weknowthatwehavethepetitionsthatwehaveaskedofHim”(1John5:15).

AsweprayGod’swordback toHim, the languageofHiswordbecomestheworkinglanguageofourdailydialoguewithHim.Apowerfultransformationbegins in your soul when your everyday conversation starts to reflect God-language.Nowyourtongueisbeingignitedbythefireofheavenratherthanthefireofhell(compareActs2:3-4withJames3:6).

•WeareequippedtoprayaccordingtothewillofGodinwayswewouldnothaveconsideredonourown.Thewordwilltipusofftothingswecanpray,profoundlywideningthebreadthanddiversityofourprayerlife.

•PrayingtheScripturesaddsadimensionofcreativityandsurprisetoourprayerlife,whichinturnsmakesprayermuchmorefascinatingandenjoyable.

If you’ve never prayed the Scriptures, let me try to get you hooked. Ifyou’llgoafterwhat I’mabout toshowyou,youwilluncoveroneof themostwonderfulsecretsinmakingyoursecretplacerelationshipwithJesusabsolutelydelightfulandfruitful.

Firstofall,though,weneedtohaveaproperdefinitionofprayer.Prayer,inthetruebiblicalsense,isthefullspectrumofhumanexpressionstoGod.Prayeristheall-encompassingtitletodescribetheentiregamutofexpressionsweoffer

up to God. Therefore, prayer includes praise, thanksgiving, adoration,intercession, worship, supplication, shouts of joy, lifting of hands, bowing,honor, exaltation, intimateaffection, repentance, surrender,dancing,mourning,contemplation,spiritualwarfare,prophesying,etc.SowhentheScripturesbegintopromptyourprayers,youcanexpectyourprayers tocoverawidegamutofexpressions.

Now let’s turn to a portion of Scripture and try this thing out. Let mesuggestwestartwithapsalmbecausethePsalmsarecustom-madeforthissortof thing, being that they are prayers already. I’m going to arbitrarily choosePsalm84(wecouldchooseanyofthe150Psalms).TurntoPsalm84,andIwillgiveyousomesuggestionsforprayingeachverse.

Each verse has major words in it that can be springboards for prayer.Chooseakeywordorakeyphrase,andlearntodevelopthatwordorthoughtinprayer before God. Pray those themes to God, calling on other portions ofScripturethatcometomindaccordingtothesametheme.Takeanywherefromonetotenminutesoneachverse,andpraythethemesofthatversebacktotheLord.Tryit.Workyourwaythroughsomeoftheseversesrightnow;let’sgetafeelforthisthing.

“HowlovelyisYourtabernacle,OLORDofhosts!”(Psalm84:1).•TelltheLordhowmanythingsyoufindtobelovelyaboutHim.•SinceHistabernacleisyourheart,givethanksforthelovelythingsHe

hasbeendoinginyou.•Histabernacleisalsothecongregationofthesaints;extolHimforthe

lovelythingsHeisdoinginHispeople,Hisbride.•WorshiptheLordastheCaptainofthehostsofheaven.(Asanexample,Iwill“pray”thatverseontothispage,printinginboldthe

wordsfrommyprayerthatareconnectingtoverse1:OhLord,howlovelyYouare!WhereverYouliveislovelybecauseYouarelovely!YoumakeeverythingthatsurroundsYou lovely.Oh,howI long todwell inYourhabitation,Lord. IjustwanttobewithYou,enjoyingYou,andbeingmadelovelybyYou.Iwouldrather be with You than anywhere else. The panorama of Your tabernacle isaltogether lovely to me, too. I consider the angels, the seraphim, the livingcreatures, the twenty-four elders, all gathered aroundYour throne and fixateduponYou.Littlewonder—Youareunsurpassedinbeautyandsplendor!OLordofhosts,Omightychampionofheaven,Ogreatwarriorofglory,IbowbeforeYourmajesty and greatness today.With great joy I appear beforeYou. Thankyou for the blood of Christ that grantsme this boldness toYour throneroom!

HoweternallyblessedIam,herewithYou.IworshipYou,OmightyGod!)“Mysoullongs,yes,evenfaintsforthecourtsoftheLORD;myheartand

myfleshcryoutforthelivingGod”(Psalm84:2).•ExpresstoHimhowmuchyouyearnandlongforHim.LetHimseethe

emotionsofyoursoulatthisverymoment.•RealizethatyoustandinthecourtsofthegreatKing;expresstoHim

thatyoustandatattentionbeforeHim,totallyavailabletoHim.• Withall yourheart andalso, literally,withyour flesh, cryout to the

livingGod.(As another example, here’s my prayer just now from verse 2, with the

words inboldface that are triggeringmyprayer:Ohhow I yearn forYou,myGod!EverypartofmyentirebeinglongsforYou.IlongforYouwithmysoul,mymind,myemotions,mybody,myspirit,myheart,myflesh,myeverything!IwantYoumore than anything else in all of creation. If I can just haveYou,Lord,Youwillbemyexceedinggreatreward.IfYoudon’trevealYourselftomeI’mgoing to faintwith longing. Iamso lovesick forYou that I amfaint fromlove.OhhowIlongforYou!IdesireYourcourtsbecausethat’swhereYoulive.IjustwanttolivewhereYoulive,fortherestofeternity.SohereIstand,cryingout toYou,myGod.WillYou lookuponmycry?WillYou beholdmy tears?Willyouconsiderthetravailofmysoul?WillYouhavemercyonme?YouaretheonlyGod,thetrueandlivingGod,andtoYoualonemysoulrises.Oh,whenwillYoucometome?)

“Even thesparrowhas foundahome,and theswallowanest forherself,where shemay layher young—evenYour altars,OLORDofhosts,myKingandmyGod”(Psalm84:3).

•TellHimhowmuchyouwanttobewithHim,continually—tothepointofbeingenviousofabirdthatcanmakeitshomeinthealtarsofGod.

•TellHimthatyourheartfindsitshomeinHim.•WorshipHimasyourKing.(I’mnotgoingtowriteoutanymoreexamplesofmyownprayers,I’msure

yougettheidea.ExpressyourownhearttoyourGodbaseduponthewordsofverse3.)

BlessedarethosewhodwellinYourhouse;theywillstillbepraisingYou.Selah”(Psalm84:4).

• ThankHim for the blessing underwhich you live, because you livecontinuallyinHispresence.

•Articulatethepurposeofyourhearttocontinuallyofferupsacrificesof

praisetoHim.It’snotjustsomethingyoudo;it’swhoyouare.•Takesome“Selah”momentstopraiseHimfreelyandspontaneously.“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on

pilgrimage”(Psalm84:5).• RemindHimofhowweakyouareandhowdependentyouareupon

Himforeveryounceofstrength.• TellHimagainthatyou’reapilgrim;you’rejustpassingthroughthis

land,insearchofaheavenlycitywhosemakerisGod.• ThankHim for the pathwayHe’s showing you in this pilgrimage. It

hasn’talwaysbeenthepathyouwanted,butit’sbeenforthegood.“As theypass through theValleyofBaca, theymake itaspring; the rain

alsocoversitwithpools”(Psalm84:6).•Eventhoughthey’rerarelyenjoyable,thankHimforthevalleysoflife.

TellHimaboutyourpresentvalleys.• Bacameans“Weeping”; allowyourheart to flow forth toHim,even

untotears.•ConfessyourfaithinHisleadership,thatHeisenablingyoutoturnthe

darknessofyourvalleyintoaplaceofspringsandpools—thekeytoyourvalleybecomingagarden.

“Theygofromstrengthtostrength;eachoneappearsbeforeGodinZion”(Psalm84:7).

• The valley may be a place of weakness, but thank God that He isleadingyouthroughthevalleytothenextmountainofstrength.

•RejoicethatGodisgoingtoturnthedarknessofyourvalleyintoaface-to-faceencounterwithHisglory.

“OLORDGodofhosts,hearmyprayer;giveear,OGodofJacob!Selah”(Psalm84:8).

•PouroutyourhearttoHim.TellHimhowdesperatelyyoulongforHimtohearyou.

• Worship theGodwho,evenasHewasfaithful toJacob,willalsobefaithfultoyou.Hewilldefendandsaveyou!

•RecounttotheLordhowHedefendedJacob,andaskHimforthesameblessings.

“O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed”(Psalm84:9).

• The shield may be a reference to loss of reputation because ofunansweredprayers;cryouttoGodtorestoreyourfortunesandvindicateyou.

•Realizingthatyouhaveananointingfromabove,beseechGodtolookuponyouandhavemercyonyou.

“For a day inYour courts is better than a thousand. Iwould rather be adoorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness”(Psalm84:10).

•ThisisagreatversetohelpyouexpresshowmuchyouloveHim.OnedayinHisoutercourtsismoredelightfulandexhilaratingthanathousanddayselsewhere.

• TellHim that your heart is not set onhigh and lofty things; you arehappywithjustbeingadoorkeeperforHim.

•CalluponHismercy,thatyoumightliveinHispresenceforever,andneverfallbacktotheranksofthewicked.

“For theLORDGod is a sun and shield; theLORDwill give grace andglory;nogoodthingwillHewithholdfromthosewhowalkuprightly”(Psalm84:11).

• Asyoursun,tellHimhowHeisthelightofyourlife,yourradiance,yoursourceofwarmth,theonewholightsyourpath.

•Worshipyourshield—theLordyourprotector.•ReceiveHisgraceandgloryrightnow.• Declare your ownership of the truth ofHis goodness;Hewill never

withholdHisgoodnessfromyoubecauseyouwalkuprightly.•TellHimyouloveHimsomuchthatyoulabor,inaccordancewithHis

grace,towalkuprightlyinallthings.“OLORDofhosts,blessedisthemanwhotrustsinYou!”(Psalm84:12).•ThankHimthatthisversedescribesyou!•TellHimhowmuchyoutrustHim.•WorshiptheLordofthewarringhostsofheaven,forheisreleasingHis

blessingstoyou.AsyoupraytheScriptures,don’tbeafraidofrepetition.Therepetitionof

meaningfulwords and phrasesworks powerfully to lodge them in your spirit,and causes truth to have its full impact in your heart andmind.WewantGod’sword to enterourhearts, grabourattentionwithitsimpact,enlargeandexpandourheartswithpassionatelonging,enter into the fabricofourspeechandactions,andbearfruituntoeternallife.

I hope you exercise yourself in praying the Scriptures until you’re sold!Onceyoucomealive to this secret, youwillwant to takeyourBible to everyplaceofprayer.You’ll take it toyoursecretplace;you’ll take it toyourhomegroup; you’ll take it to corporate prayer meetings. You’ll even find yourselfprayingthewordwhiledrivingyourcar!

WhatamightygiftGodhasgiveninHisword.Hehasgivenusawaytobypass the self-centered, human-based, pity-filled praying toward which oursouls want to gravitate. We can step into His mind, His thoughts, Hisexpressions,Hispriorities,andprayaccordingtoHiswillfromHiswordinthepoweroftheHoly

22TheSecretofFinishingSometimesour secretplace is interruptedby forcesbeyondour control.

Emergencies happen. And sometimes the day’s agenda demandswe depart inordertofulfillacommitmentinourcalendar—likegoingtowork.

Occasionallywe feel like, “I’mnot finishedyet!Lord, Iwantmore timewithYou!IamdefinitelygoingtocomebacktothissameplacewithYoubeforethisdayisover.Ineedtopickupwherewe’releavingoffandfinishmybusinesswithYou.”

The Lord understands when the demands of life pull us away from thesecretplace.Heisnotcondemningordispleased.Infact,Helovestobeholdthesincerity of your heart when you honestlywish you could take longer in Hispresence.

Havingmade thatdisclaimer, Iwant tosuggest there isanelement to thesecretplacesomehaven’tfoundyet.It’sthematterof“finishing”yourtimewithGodbeforemovingontotheaffairsoftheday.

Eachvisittothesecretplaceisaneventinitself.Manyhaveunderstoodtheneedto“breakthrough”—tokeeppressinginuntilyoucrossathresholdinyourown spirit, until you find freedom in your heart and a connectedness in yourspirit. We’ve known there is a “warm-up” time, and then there is a time ofintimacy and interaction. However, we haven’t alwaysunderstood that the secret place is not always completewithouttheproperfinishandfullcompletionofwhatGodintends.It’seasytoleavebeforeGod’sdonewithyou.

Here’saninterestingverseaboutJesus’prayerlife:“Nowitcametopass,asHewasprayinginacertainplace,whenHeceased,thatoneofHisdisciplessaid toHim, ‘Lord, teachus topray, as Johnalso taughthisdisciples’” (Luke11:1). Therewas obviously a point of completion and finish to Jesus’ time ofprayer because it says, “whenHe ceased.” In a technical sense,weknow that

Jesusprayedwithoutceasing;butwhenitcametoHissecretplace,therecameapointof timewhenHeceased.Therecamethetimeofcompletion.Infact, theNewAmericanStandardBiblerendersit,“afterHehadfinished.”

Oneofthesecretsofthesecretplaceisstayingwithituntilyou’refinished.Thewayyouknowyou’re finishedcan feeldifferentlyeveryday,but Iwouldsuggest that thedecisionofwhen the time is finished isnotprimarilyyoursbutGod’s.LetGoddecidewhenit’sover.GiveHimthehonorofdismissingyou.

Solomongaveus thesewisewords,“Donotbehasty togofromhis [theking’s]presence” (Ecclesiastes8:3). If it’s trueof earthlykings, then it’s evenmore relevant for thosewho draw near to the presence of theKing of kings.HavingcomeintoHispresenceboldlythroughthebloodofChrist,letusnotbehasty to leave.Letusstop,waitonHim,minister toHim,andcontinue inourservicebeforetheKinguntilHisreleasecomes.

ThosewholingerinHispresenceuncoverthegreatestjoysofHispresence.Thegreaterdimensionsofintimacydonotcomequickly.WecallonHim,andthenHegentlybeginstodrawusintotheembraceofunspeakablelove.

A “hit-and-run” approach will never do. Go ahead and “test drive” thissecret.Don’tquit tillyou’refinished.Giveyourself totheKinguntilHesendsyouforthintoHisharvest.TheintimacyofHischamberswilligniteyoursoul,andyouwillcarryHisfragrancetoalostworldwhodesperatelylongsforwhatyou’vefound.

23TheSecretoftheMorningON’TDOIT!WhatImeanis,don’tskipthischapter.It’stemptingtolookatthetitleof

this chapter and think, “I’m not even going to go there. I’m not a morningperson,andIdon’twanttoreadabouthowthemorningistheoptimumtimeforthesecretplace.I’vetriedit,anditdoesn’tworkforme.I’manightperson,andthat’smybesttime.”

That’sgreat! If night is your best time, give God your best! I don’tbelieveeveryone’ssecret lifewithGod is identical.Wearehighlyunique,andtheLord loves theparticular spice that comes from the fragranceofyourownindividuality. So give Him the portion of your day that works best for yourpersonality.

Formostofus, themorningrepresents“ourbest.”It’s the timewhen,forthe majority, our minds are clearest and most alert. It can also be the most“valuable”timeinthesensethatmanydemandswanttograbourattentioninthemorning.Now,Irecognizemanyofmyreadersworkmidnightshiftsorkeepavarietyofwakinghours.Therefore,asIreferto“themorning”intheremainderofthischapter,pleaseunderstandthatIam really referring to the “best” and “most valuable”timeofyourday.

Some of my friends are night people, but even they have told me thatmorningistheirbesttimeforthesecretplace.Onefriendsaidtome,“Iamnotamorningperson,butearlymorningisthetimethatproducesthegreatestrewardsforme.”

Another friendsaid,“Iamnotamorningperson,”but thensheadded,“InoticedthatwhenIhavemydevotionsinthemorningHiswordismorefreshtomeandIammoreobedienttoHisword.SoIhavestartedtodisciplinemyselftohavemyquiettimewithGodinthemorning.InoticethatIammoreequippedto

handle what gets thrown at me in the course of the day.” However, she alsoaddedthatsheusesthenighttimeforBiblereading.

I’veheardfrommorethanonepersonthatitishelpfultothemtohaveasettimeandsetplaceformeetingwithGod.Byestablishingconsistencyinboththetimeandplace,theyareabletogodeeperintheirrelationshipwithChrist.

It issupposedbysomethatwhenGodcametocommunewithAdamandEve“inthecooloftheday”(Genesis3:8),itwasareferencetothemorning.IsthemorningGod’sfirstchoice?It’sdifficulttobedogmatic.IsaacusedthequietoftheeveningtomeditatewithhisGod(Genesis24:63).Danielprayedmorning,evening, andmid-day.BothDavid and our Lord Jesus, however,modelled anearlymorningsecretlifewithGod.

David wrote, “Early will I seek You” (Psalm 63:1). The word “early”meansatleastthreethingstome:

•IwillseekHimearlyinlife,whileIamyoung;•IwillseekHimearlyonwhenproblemsfirstsurfaceinsteadofcoming

toHimafterexhaustingallmyotheroptions;•AndIwillseekHimearlyintheday.Davidalsodescribedhissecretplacewiththesewords:“OGod,myheartis

steadfast;Iwillsingandgivepraise,evenwithmyglory.Awake,luteandharp!Iwillawakenthedawn”(Psalm108:1-2).Davidwasresolute—“steadfast”inhisheart—aboutthepriorityofthesecretplace.Hehadaconstancyoffervency;hiszeal for seeking God was unabated and consistently hot. Even as God’s lovetowardDavidwassteadfast,David’sloveforGodwassteadfast.Heperformedhis“dailyvows”(Psalm61:8)bysteadfastlycommittinghimselftoseekingGodintheearlymorninghours,thetimewhenhewould“awakenthedawn.”

Jesusalsomodeledapatternofrisingearlytopray.“Nowinthemorning,havingrisenalongwhilebeforedaylight,Hewentoutanddepartedtoasolitaryplace; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). The context of that statement isfascinating. It’s referring to Sunday morning; the day before had been anextremelybusySabbath.Hehadtaughtinthesynagogue,healedPeter’smother-in-law,visitedwiththegroupoverdinner,andthenafter6:00p.m.onSaturdayevening (at the close of the Sabbath) Jesus was suddenly bombarded with amultitude of people who were swarming Him for a healing touch. Once theSabbath expired, Jesus was instantly mobbed. He healed their sick andministeredtothem,andwe’renottoldhowfarintothenightthemeetingwent.All we know is that the next morning, rising “a long while before daylight,”Jesustookoffforthesecretplace.Coulditbethattheintensityoftheprevious

evening’sministrygaveHimanevengreaterurgency tobewithHisFather inthemorning?Onethingseemsclear:Itwasn’tanespeciallylongnight.

EvenwhenHisbody cravedmore sleep, Jesus knewHistruesourceofrevitalizationwouldnotbeonHisbackbutonHis face. Jesus’ commitment to the secret placewas profoundlyprophesied by David in Psalm 110:3, “In the beauties of holiness, from thewombofthemorning,YouhavethedewofYouryouth.”Thesecretplacewas Jesus’ “womb of the morning.” It was the placewherelifeincubated,wherecreativitygerminated,whereinspiration gestated, where power perculated.When Jesusburstforthfromthiswombofhappyholiness,Hewasrevitalizedandenergizedin“thedewofYouryouth.”HeemergedfromthesecretplacefeelingyoungalloveragainandreadytofulfilltheFather’smandate.

Thus, Psalm 110:3 describes the three-fold nature of Jesus’ secret placerelationshipwithHisFather:

•Intimacy:“Inthebeautiesofholiness”indicatesproximityofpresence.

•Impregnation:“Fromthewombofthemorning”pointstoprocreativepowerthatproduces

life.

•Invigoration:“YouhavethedewofYouryouth”speaksofrevitalizationandrenewalof

strength.Jesusexperienced thisdynamisminHissecret lifewithGod,andyou

can,too!Notsurewhethertodomorningorevening?Whynotboth?Give

Himthefirstfruitsandandthelastfruitsofyourday.Hedeservesourbest!

24TheSecretofGettingDressedSatanreservessomeofhismostvehementattacksforthatmomentwhen

we step into the secret place—because he hates what happens when saintsconnectwith theirGod.Suddenlyoursins, failures,andshortcomingsbegin toplay before our eyes like a technicolor video.Many believers subconsciouslyavoidthesecretplacebecausetheydon’twanttofacethebarrageofshameandguiltthattheenemytypicallyhitsthemwithintheplaceofprayer.Sooneofthefirst thingswemustdo in themorning isclotheourselveswith theLordJesusChrist.WhenclothedwithChrist,noaccusationcantouchus.

TheScriptureshavewarnedus that it’sSatan’sstyle toaccuseus“beforeour God day and night” (Revelation 12:10). He doesn’t accuse when we’recontemplating compromise; but he does accuse us when we’re preparing tocomebeforeGod.Sothefirststeptoovercomingthehurdleofaccusationistorealizethatit’sparforthecourse.Theaccusertriestopullthisoneonallofus.It’sanoccupationalhazardofthesecretplace.

Satan’saccusationsfunctiononatleastfourlevels:•HeaccusesGodtous.SatanwillpointtothewayGodisfatheringus,and

hewillsay,“LookathowGod is treatingme!”(Hisaccusationsalwayssoundlike your own voice and your own thoughts, but they’re actually his thoughtsinterjectedintoyourmind.)“Ican’tbelieveGodismakingmegothroughallofthis.God is a tyrant. There is nothing good about thewayHe is treatingme.How can I possibly trust Him when He is handling me this way? He is notfulfillingHispromisestome.Idon’tthinkHeeverwill,either.”SatanwantsustoadoptanaccusatoryposturetowardGod.That’swhylovingGodinthemidstofyourpainissopowerfulspiritually,doingwarfaretoSatan’sschemes.

• He accuses us to God. He tells God, in our hearing, what abysmalfailuresweare.Herecountsallourshortcomings,intechnicolorandfulldetail.HepaintsusasbeinganembarrassmenttothekingdomofGod.GodisnotfazedintheleastbySatan’srevilings,butsometimesweare.Sometimeswefearthat

Godmightbeagreeingwithouraccuser.WebegintowonderifGodismadatus.Ifourheartsarenotestablishedingrace,wecanfeeldislodgedfromtheloveofGodforus.

•Heaccusesustoeachother.Hewillaccuseothersaintstome,causingmetodoubttheirwalkwithGod.IfSatancangetmetoquestionthemotivesofmybrothersandsisters,thenextstepistoconvincemetheyquestionthesamethingsinme.Thus,hedesignstocausebreachesofrelationshipinthebodyofChrist.

•Heaccusesustoourselves.ThisiswhatSatanisespeciallygoodat.Heisanexpertatberatingusforoursinsandweaknesses—especiallywhenwearedesiringtodrawclosetotheLord.

Eachoneofuswillfindourownuniquewayofdealingwiththeenemy’saccusations,butherearesomefairlystandardmeansofdefusinghislies.

• Confess and repent. Satan’s accusations carry a sting because theyusuallycontainacertainfractionoftruth.

Sogoahead,getviolent.Confessyour sin, call it in itsworst terms, andrepentofit.Sowhatifit’stheumpteenthtime?IknowwhoIam.IamnotasinnerwhostrugglestoloveGod;IamaloverofGodwhostruggleswithsin.IamprimarilyaloverofGod,notasinner.Thatismybottom-lineidentity.So,IwilldoviolenceonemoretimetoanyknownsinorcompromiseandconfessitfreelytoGod,receivingHisforgiveness.

•Getundertheblood.Oh,thankGodforthebloodofJesus!Hisatoningblood is altogetherpowerful, eternally effectual, and it alonehas thepower tocleansethedefiledconscience.ThebloodofChristismybasisforentryintothepresenceoftheKing.IcomeboldlynowtothethroneofgracebecauseIenterbyHisbloodthroughtheveilofHisflesh.IamwelcomeinthehighestcourtsofglorybecauseofChrist’sshedblood!

•Getdressed.WhatImeanis,putonthefullarmorofGodaccordingtoEphesians6.AsyoureadthisportionofScripture,IwantyoutonoticethatthereasonforputtingonthearmorofGodissothatwemightpray.

PutonthewholearmorofGod,thatyoumaybeabletostandagainstthewiles of the devil. Forwe do notwrestle against flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritualhostsofwickedness in theheavenlyplaces.Therefore takeupthewholearmorofGod,thatyoumaybeabletowithstandintheevilday,andhavingdoneall, tostand.Stand therefore,havinggirdedyourwaistwith truth,

havingputon thebreastplateof righteousness,andhavingshodyour feetwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace;aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaithwithwhichyouwillbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewickedone.Andtakethehelmetofsalvation,andtheswordoftheSpirit,whichisthewordofGod;prayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit,beingwatchfultothisendwithallperseveranceandsupplicationforallthesaints(Ephesians6:11-18).

Gettingdressedallstartswiththebeltoftruth.ThetruthofGod’swordisthe thing that will enable you to gird up your waist, to prepare you to run.Satan’sassaultiscomprisedofliesandhalf-truths.Speakthewordoftruth;winthebattleforthetruth!StandwithconfidenceinthetruthofwhoyouareinGod.

See yourself clothed in His breastplate of righteousness. You are therighteousnessofGodinChrist!Putoneachpieceofthearmor,oneatatime—theshoesofpeace,theshieldoffaith,thehelmetofsalvation,theswordoftheSpirit.

Noticethatthepassagecallsus“tostand.”Youdon’thavetogolookingforafight;juststepintothesecretplaceandthefightwillcometoyou!Suddenlyyou’rethrownintoawrestlingmatch.Thisisthetimetostandfirm.Standuponthe truth, comeunder theblood, and fight thegood fight.Stand firmuntil theenemyadmitsdefeatandleavesyouforatime.

When you put on the armor of God, here’s what you’re actually doing:you’re putting on Christ. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make noprovisionfor theflesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans13:14).Jesus isyoureveryarticleofclothing;youareclothedwithChrist.WhentheFatherlooksatyou,HeseesJesus.Andyouarestunninglyattractive toHim!Hefavors,yes,Heevenprefersyou!HeissopleasedtohaveyouinHisembrace.ThesecretplaceiswherewecelebratethefactthatHekilledHimselftowinourheartstoHimself.

Our clothing in Christ is now “tender mercies, kindness, humility,meekness, longsuffering,...love” (Colossians 3:12,14). This is howwe becomeclothedinthewhitegarmentsofRevelation3:5.Here’sthesecret:Whenwerealizewe’reclothedintheverygarmentsofChrist,ourconfidence level beforeGod soars to the heavens.Satan’saccusationscannotlodgewithinus,andtheyjustbounceoffourshieldoffaith.WeareacceptedbytheFather,andnowwecanenjoythepeacefuldialogueofintimacywithJesus.

Hitwithaccusations?Getdressed!

25TheSecretofSelf-DenialThenJesussaid toHisdisciples,“Ifanyonedesires tocomeafterMe, let

himdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscross,andfollowMe”(Matthew16:24).

Some might think Jesus is saying, “Since I have to suffer so much toprocureyoursalvation,Iwantyouguystosuffer,too.”ButJesusdidnotintendthis as a morbid invitation to pain; He meant it as a glorious invitation tointimacywithHim.

“Ifyoureallywant tobeclose toMe,”He’s tellingus,“then letMegiveyouthekey.Denyyourself,takeupyourcross,andfollowMe.”It’saninvitationtothehighestintimacy,butyetweoftenavoiditbecausewethinkthepricetagistoosteep.Whatwehaven’tunderstood, though, iswhatwe’rebuying. It’s likesomeoneofferingusabrand-newMercedesfor$20,andusbemoaningthefactthatthey’retryingtoextract$20fromus!Nexttowhatwe’rebuying,thecostisnothing!Similarly,self-denial issuchasmallpricetopayfortheincredibledelightsoflovingcommunionwithourLord.

Ifyoucanreceiveit,here’sthesecret:Self-denialcanserveasacatalyst to help propel you forward into greaterjoys ofintimacy in the secret place. Self-denial and intimacy go hand inhand.

Self-denialawakenstheflowoflifeandloveinthesecretplace.Denyingoneself isnot the sameas takingupone’scross.To takeup the

cross, at least in one sense, is to crucify the sinful passions of the flesh. Thecrosshastodowiththedeathoftheflesh,thecarnalman.Self-denial,however,hastodowithgoodandhealthypassions.Self-denialisthedeliberatecurtailingofhealthypassionsanddesiresforthesakeofpursuingJesusharder.

To clarify, here’s just a sampling of the many ways self-denial can beinvoked:

•Fastingfromorcurtailingintakeoffoodordrink;•Cuttingbackonsleeptime;•Bypassinggoodentertainment;•Sayingnotosocialinvitations/fellowship;•Lesseningtimegiventorecreation/exercise;•Takingatemporaryhiatusfrommaritalrelations;•Acceptingavowofcelibacy;•Spendinglesswhenyoucouldaffordmore;•Etc.None of the above activities are sinful. Practiced in moderation and

balance,theyaregiftsofGodthatwemightenjoyafulfillingandsatisfyinglife.Butsomepeoplewantmore thanahappy life.Theywant toknowJesus; theyaspiretoachievekingdomconquest;theydesiretoaccrueeternaltreasure;theylong for the outpouring ofGod’sSpirit in this generation. So they’re pressinginto the kingdomwith spiritual violence. Self-denial is Christ’s gift to us thatenablesustoturnupthefurnaceofourloveseventimeshotter.

Somespiritualbenefitsofself-denialinclude:

ClearerPerspectiveThemoreyoudenyyourself, themore thescales fall

fromyoureyes.Youwillbegintoseetheworldforwhatitis(wenaturallygetdesensitized to the filthof theworld system that surroundsus).Theworlddeniesitselfnothing,sowhenyouembraceself-denialyouaredoingsomethingother-worldly. Self-denial demonstrates thatwe do not love theworld nor thethingsintheworld.

Itwasthelackoffoodthatfinallybroughttheprodigalsontohissenses.“Butwhenhecametohimself,hesaid,‘Howmanyofmyfather’shiredservantshavebreadenoughandtospare,andIperishwithhunger!’”(Luke15:17).Inasimilarway, authentic spiritual fasting is a powerful asset in helping us to re-orientagaintotruekingdomvaluesandrealities.

AcceleratedChangeWhenyoubegintoseehowworldlinesshasinfectedyourlifestyle,graceis

releasedforembracingpersonalchange.ThesimpletruthisthattheLordJesushonors self-denial.He loves the passionate resolve and humility of thosewho

willinglyembraceself-denial,soHerewardsitwithgracetogainpersonalpurityandtrueholiness.Hegivesgracetothehumble.

In speaking of fasting, Jesus said, “‘And no one puts newwine into oldwineskins;orelsethenewwineburststhewineskins,thewineisspilled,andthewineskins are ruined. But newwinemust be put into newwineskins’” (Mark2:22). Jesus clearly taught that fasting plays a critical role in preparing oldwineskins toonceagain receivenewwine.Self-denialhasapowerful shapingeffect upon the soul, preparing us for the new wine of God’s fresh movingamongus.

PreparationForPropheticMinistryWhen something is practiced in excess, you cannot

haveavoicetothatwhilepractisingitinmoderation.Tohave a voice to the excessive, you must sanctify yourself from even thebalanced,healthyexpressionofthatpractice.

Jesusmodelledthisprinciple.ToaddressthegreedofthePharisees,Jesuswouldn’t even allowHimself to touchmoney. To address the tendency of thePhariseestoconcentrateonspecialgarments,Jesusworeaveryplaingarment.Toaddress their lovefor thebestplacesat feastsand in thesynagogues,Jesusdidn’t seatHimselfwith them.Jesus sanctifiedHimself from thegood and normal in order to have a voice into theexcessiveandimbalanced.

Thosewho carry a propheticmessage to the body of Christ usuallywillembraceself-denialonalmostadailybasis.Strategicformsofself-denialqualifyustobestewardsofapropheticmessagetothebodyofChrist.

AbilityToHearGodOneoftheprimebenefitsofself-denialisthewayitempowersustohear

moreclearlyfromGod.Answers,guidance,direction,insight—allseemtoflowmorefreelywhenself-denialisfreelyandwillinglyembracedwithgraceintheheart.

MikeBicklespeakssoarticulatelyaboutfastingbeingaformof“voluntaryweakness.”Voluntaryweakness,asheusestheterm,istheintentionalembracingof weakness for the purpose of uncovering greater grace. Self-denial has aweakeningeffectonthehumanvessel.Itmakesusmorevulnerable.Thosewho

embrace voluntary weakness have personal ownership of this great principle:“‘Mygraceissufficientforyou,forMystrengthismadeperfectinweakness’”(2 Corinthians 12:9). When we embrace weakness, His grace rushes in tostrengthenus.Thosewhoembraceself-denialwillbestrongerinhearingGod’svoiceandunderstandingHiswill.

Jesusconnectedthesecretplaceintrinsicallywithself-denial.Hesaid,“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad

countenance.For theydisfigure their faces that theymayappear tomen tobefasting.Assuredly,Isaytoyou,theyhavetheirreward.Butyou,whenyoufast,anoint yourhead andwashyour face, so that youdonot appear tomen tobefasting,buttoyourFatherwhoisinthesecretplace;andyourFatherwhoseesinsecretwillrewardyouopenly”(Matthew6:16-18).

Self-denialispracticedinsecret.ItisdonequietlyandexclusivelyforGod,tobeseenbyHiseyesalone.WhenpracticedinpuritybeforeourlovingFather,self-denialservestoawakentheflowoflifeinthesecretplace.

Want in on a secret? When your secret place needsrevitalization, embrace the grace of self-denial.Your heartwillbetouchedmorereadily,yourspiritwillsoarhigher,andyourawarenessofHispresencewillincrease.

26TheSecretofBoredomEvergetboredwhilepraying?

Ifwe’retobetruthful,everyoneofushasbeenbored in thesecretplace. Here’s the next little secret that this book is going to reveal withconsummateeloquence:Everybodygetsboredintheirpersonalprayer life and Bible reading. Even the twelve “apostles of theLamb”fellasleepintheplaceofprayer(Matthew26:40-45)!

Thereare somedayswhen I seem tohaveanespeciallygoodconnectionwithGod.OnthosedaysIoftenthink,“Whyisn’titlikethisallthetime?”Butinreality,therearealotofdeadpandaysmixedinwiththegreatones.

SomedaysIamsolookingforwardtomytimewiththeLord,onlytosleepright through theentire time.Other times I seemtobeawakeenough; it’s justthat there’s no wind of the Spirit blowing on this particular day for me. NomatterwhatIread,orhowferventlyIpray,thisoneseemsdestinedtobeadud.

AndI’mnotalone.WhenI talkwithothers, I realize this is thecommonexperience of weak human beings who, in their brokenness and frailty, arecontinuallyfallingshortofthekindofconnectionwithGodforwhichtheirheartyearns.“Thespirit indeed iswilling,but the flesh isweak” (Jesusspoke thosewordsdirectlyrelatedtoprayer,Matthew26:41).

So,whatshouldwedowhenwe’rebored?Doitanyway.Persevere.Dothetime.Grinditout.Bitethebullet.

Allow nothing to dissuade or detour you, boredom included. Sometimealong the way, we need to make a determined life decision: “I am devotingmyselfbyGod’sgracetothesecretplace,comerainorshine,gooddaysorbaddays,whenIfeellikeitorwhenIdon’tfeellikeit,whenit’seasyandwhenit’shard.”WhenyoufigureinGod’sgrace,youcandoallthingsthroughChristwhostrengthensyou.

The Lord responds to sincere cries of, “Help!” When we are feeling

especiallyweak, that’s the time to reach out toHim for the abundance ofHisgrace.“Likewise theSpirit alsohelps inourweaknesses.Forwedonotknowwhatweshouldprayforasweought,buttheSpiritHimselfmakesintercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered”(Romans8:26).JesuscalledtheHolySpirit“theHelper”(John14:16,26;15:26;16:7),becauseHewasgiventous to help us in our times ofweakness and need.Call on yourHelper! “HolySpirit,IneedYourightnow.Help!”HewillcometoyouraidbecauseHelovestohelpuspray.

WhenIfallasleepinthesecretplace,Idon’tallowtheenemytousethatagainstme.IjustseemyselfasHislittlechild,curledupinHislap,soatpeacewithHimthatIamrestinginchildlikesimplicityinHisarms.IimaginetheLordusingthattimetogazeuponmeandenjoythewarmthofournearness.Icouldhavefallenasleepelsewhere,butIchosetodoitinHisarms.

Iamwritingthischapterprimarilytodefusetheenemy’sschemetoburdenyouwithguilt andshameas regardsyour secret lifewithGod.He tries to tellyouthatyou’reafailureorahypocritewhen,inreality,you’rewalkingthesamepilgrimagethatthegreatestsaintsofhistoryhavetraversedbeforeyou.Toputitbluntly,sometimesprayerisboringandBiblereadingislikeeatingsawdust.

Buthere’sthegoodpart:OnedayofexhilarationintheHolySpiritisworthathousanddaysofstruggle!“ForadayinYourcourts is better than a thousand” (Psalm 84:10). It’s really true. Once GodtouchesyouwithHisSpiritandenergizesyouwith

Hisword,you’rehopelesslyhooked.Youdon’tcarehow long thisdesertmightlast,you’regoingtokeepwalkingbecauseyouknowontheothersideisanoasisofheavenlydelights.

Nowhere’s evenbetter news:Themoreyoupersevere in thesecretplace,theverynatureofyourrelationshipwiththeLordbegins tochange—andthebaddaysget fewerandfurtherinbetween!There’sathresholdtocrossinwhich,onceyoucrossit, the thrill of the secret place grabs your spirit and you gain unparalleledmomentuminconnectingwithGod.

Thepointis,ifyoustaywithit,eventuallyyou’ll“hitpaydirt.”Eventuallythebreakthroughwill come.Theremaybea lotofboringhoursbetweenhereand there, but don’t quit. The greatest things in life—those things that carryeternalvalue—alwayscomeatthesteepestprice.

Boredom?Smallpricetopay!

27The Secret of Feeling Attractive to

GodWhenyoucomebeforeGod,howdoesHelookatyou?Youranswerto

thatquestionisvitallyimportanttothesuccessofyoursecretlifewithGod,andthe accuser knows it. The accuser wants you to see a Father who is harsh,demanding, never satisfied with your performance, mostly disappointed withyou,andfrustratedwiththerateofyourspiritualgrowth.

If that caricatureof yourheavenlyFather is even close to the imageyoucarry on the inside, that false idea of howGod views youwill begin to driveyour emotional responses to Him. You will be wearied with trying to pleaseHim,andyourspiritwillnotsoarinthelibertyoflovingadorationthatHehasdesignedforyou.

NothingisdeadliertothesecretplacethanafalseideaofhowGodviewsyou;andnothingismorepowerfullyenergizingthanwhenyourmindisrenewedinthewordofGodandyoucometounderstandhowHelooksonyou.WhenyougainownershipofthefactthatGodissmilingonyou,thatHeisdesiringyourcompany,andthatHelongstobeintimatewith you, then the truthof that reality starts totouch your emotional chemistry, and you actually beginto feel attractive toGod! This attainment has the power to changeeverythingabouthowyourelatetoGod.

It all startswith understanding howGod feels about the cross of Christ.Revelation5:6describesJesusasaLambstandingbeforetheeternalthrone“asthoughithadbeenslain.”Inotherwords,thedeathofChristisasfreshtoGod’smindasthedayithappened.TimewillnevererasefrombeforeGod’seyestheimmediacyofthehorrorofCalvary,andthepowerfulatoningworkoftheblood

ofChrist.GodiseternallyandinfinitelypassionateaboutHisSon’scross!Thosewhoplacetheirfaithinthisgreatdemonstrationoflovecomeundertheintensefavor of God Almighty. Your faith in Christ’s sacrifice unlocks the infinitepassionsanddelightsofanexuberantGodwhoyearnstobejoinedtoyourheartin eternal affection. Because you have set your love upon theOnewhom theFatherhassetHisloveupon,younowhaveanautomatic“in”withGod.You’reHischild;you’refamily.

Whenyouknowyou’reattractivetoGod,youcomeintoHispresencewithboldness.You come intoHis presence thewayHewants you to,with a liftedface,withexpectanteyes,withadelightedsmile,withaneagervoice,andwithaburningheart.

He doesn’t enjoy you any less because you struggle. He knows yourweakness,Heseesyour failures,butyetHeownsyouasHischildandenjoysyou even when you fall! He loves it when you pick yourself up and keepsteppingforwardagainintoHisarms.Howcomfortingtoknowwecanbringtheentire package of our inadequacies and shortcomings into His presence andknow thatHe lovingly embraces us and delights in us!He enjoys us at everystageofthematurityprocess.

Psalm45:11tellsushowourbelovedLordfeelswhenHelooksatus:“SotheKingwill greatly desire your beauty.” This is how the King looks at HisbridewhohaslefteverythinginordertobejoinedtoherHusband.YouarestunninglybeautifultoJesus!WhenHelooksuponyourbeauty,Helongstohaveyouandholdyou,foreverandever.Whenyoucometothesecretplace, you are coming into the chambers of the King who finds you bothbeautiful and desirable. Not only do you long forHis presence, He longs foryours!

Maybe we could call this “the secret of appeal.” It’s the secret ofunderstanding thatHe finds us appealing. This understanding empowers us todesireHischambersonacontinualbasis.AswecomeintoHisgloriouspresencewe are changed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18), and the continualtransformation intoChrist’s image causes us to be—if it were possible—evenmore attractive to Him! As the bride adorns herself with “the beauties ofholiness” (Psalm 110:3), the lavish affections of a lovesick God are onlyintensified.What1Peter3:3calls“thehiddenpersonoftheheart”ismadeincreasinglybeautifulinthehiddenplace

of theMostHigh,where “the incorruptible beauty of agentleandquietspirit”isperfectedthroughintimacy.

It’shere that thebridebegins to cry, “Setmeas a seal uponyourheart”(SongofSolomon8:6).ThebrideissayingtoherBeloved,“CauseYourlifetobeboundupinmylife.CausetheprimaryaffectionsofYourhearttobefastenedupon me. Make me the center of Your universe. I don’t want You to feelanythingwithout includingme. Iwant to share every passionofYour heart. IwantYourthoughtstobecomemythoughts.IwanttobejoinedtoYouinlove.”

It’sacrytobecomeHissoulmate.Asoulmateissomeonewhonotonlyarrives at the same conclusions as you, butwho gets to those conclusions thesamewayyoudo.Theythinklikeyou.Theirlineofreasoningalignswithyours.Youhave the same thought processes and responses to life situations. Jesus isturningHisbride intoHissoulmate,and thesecretplace iswhere that love isincubatedandenflamed.

NotonlyareyouattractivetoJesus,butyouarealsoembracedpassionatelyby your heavenly Father! He describes you as “the apple of His eye”(Deuteronomy32:10;Zechariah2:8),whichmeansHeguardsandvaluesyouasyoudotheverypupilofyoureye.

Thedescriptionof Jacob’spreoccupationwithhis sonBenjaminparallelsourFather’spreoccupationwithus:

“Nowtherefore,whenIcometoyourservantmyfather,andtheladisnotwithus,sincehislifeisboundupinthelad’slife,itwillhappen,whenheseesthattheladisnotwithus,thathewilldie.Soyourservantswillbringdownthegrayhair

ofyourservantourfatherwithsorrowtothegrave”(Genesis44:30-31).They said of Jacob that “his life is bound up in the lad’s life.” Jacob

representsyourheavenlyFather.YourFather’slifeisalso“boundup”inthelifeofHisbelovedchildren.HeliveswhenHeseesthatyoulive;HethrillswhenHeseesyoufulfilled;Herejoiceswhenyouare liberated;Heiscontentwhenyouare at rest.He construed this awesome thing called “redemption” becauseHisheartisboundupinyours.YouarethecenterofGod’suniverse!

JesustestifiedtothistruthwhenHeprayedtotheFather,“‘Thattheworldmay know thatYou...have loved them asYou have lovedMe’” (John 17:23).Thinkofit!GodlovesusjustasmuchasHelovesHisonlybegottenSon!HefeelsthesamewayaboutusthatHefeelsaboutHisholy,spotless,selflessSon.Incredible!!

God feelsmuchmore deeply and passionately aboutme than I do aboutHim.Evenwhenmypassionsareburninghotandbright forHim, theydonotapproachtheintensityofHisloveforme.Here’sonewayI’venoticedthistobetrue.TheintensityofmyloveisverylimitedbecauseIcanonlythinkupononething at a time. Sowhen I work or go about the duties of the day, cognitivethoughtsofGodactuallydisappeartotallyfrommymind.MymindwillreturntotheLordafewhourslater,butforcertainperiodsoftimeI’mnoteventhinkingaboutHim.ButHeneverstopsthinkingaboutme.Hiseyesareconstantlyrivetedonme,andHismindisincessantlyfocusedonwhoIamandwhoHeismakingmetobe.WhenIreturntothoughtsofHim,theimmediatewitnessoftheSpiritis,“I’vebeenhereallalong,waitingforyou.Iloveyousomuch!”

HewaitsforyoutocometoHim!Hewaitsallnight long,watchingoveryou,waitingforyou to rise,hoping thatHemightbe the first thoughtofyourmorning. You don’t have to wonder if He wants you to come into the secretplace.He has beenwaiting for you, andHe’ll continue towait for as long asnecessary—be-causeHisheartisboundupinyourlife.

Mayyouhavegracefromabove to trulyowntherealityof thispowerfulsecret:Godfindsyouattractive!“Lord,mayIneveragainwithholdmyselffromYourembrace!”

PartIIISettingAMarathonPaceSecretsoftheSecretPlaceInSectionII,weconsideredsomeverypracticaltips

for making the most of the secret place. Now, let’s askourselves how we can prepare our hearts to make alifetime commitment to the secret place. We don’t wantmerelyaburstoffreshenergy,onlytohaveitdissipateinafewweeks.WewanttheresolveofpursuingGodinthesecret place every single day of our lives until we’recalledhome.

28TheSecretofDesperationFormanyyearsIwasverydisciplinedinmydevotionallife,determined

tospendtimedailyinthewordandprayer.IwouldreadthroughtheentireBibleinadifferenttranslationeveryyear.IwouldworshiptheLordinsongandwouldpraythroughalonglistofpeople.However,IneverdiscoveredthehighestjoysofthesecretplaceuntiltheLordtookmeonanunplannedjourney.Heallowedacalamitytohitmylifethattraumatizedme.Mylifecareenedoutofcontrol,andmyverysurvival(spiritually)wasatstake.Frantically,Ibegantoclawandpushmyway intoGod’sheart, scouring theBible cover tocover tounderstandHisways.ItfeltlikeIwasfightingforairlikeadrowningman.Toputitsimply,Ihadbeenmadedesperate.ItwasinthisdesperatepursuitofGodthatthesecretplacebegantoblossomformelikeadesertflower.Whatmadethedifferenceinmyownjourney?Inoneword,itwasdesperation.

Desperationwillturnyouintoadifferentperson.Adrowningmanhasonlyone thought on hismind—how to get air.Nothing elsematters to him. Life’spriorities become very simple. The hemmoraging woman of Mark 5:25 waswillingtopressherwaythroughthecrowdbecausetheonlythingthatmatteredwastouchingJesus.Desperationproducestunnelvision.WhenGodchasedawaytheSyrianarmyfromthecityofSamaria,theIsraelitesinSamariahadbecomesodesperatefromhungerduringthesiegethattheytrampledtodeaththeofficeratthegateintheirrushforfood(see2Kings6-7).

When you are made desperate for God, your pursuit of God takes on adifferentquality.When it’spersonal survival that’sat stake,youbegin to seekJesusinadifferentway.Yougetalookinyoureyethatappearshalf-crazedtoothers.You’rewilling togoanywhereordoanything.Nopricetag is toohigh.Youlookatotherpeopleandthink,“Iloveyou,Irespectyou,Ithinkyou’reaveryniceperson—butifyoudon’tgetoutofmywayI’mgoingtorunyouover.BecauseIhavegottotouchJesus!”

Banalsourcesofentertainment,suchastelevisionandmovies,havetogo.Invitationstopartiesarespurned.Othersstarttopullawaybecauseyou’renotasmuchfunasyouusedtobe.Butit’sirrelevanttoyoubecauseyou’redesperatefor God. Nothing else matters right now except touching the hem of Jesus’garment. Desperate people don’t struggle with the same distractions andhindrances as the general population. A desperate personwould never say, “Istruggle to find time for the secret place.” Or, “I get easily distracted byeverydaydemands.”Suchpettydistractionscouldneverhindersomeonewhoisdesperate.Thenormalhindrancesoflifedon’tevenfazeadesperateonebecauseofthesingle-focusedintensityofthepursuit.

When you begin to seek God with this kind of desperation, powerfulspiritualwindsbegintoblowaroundyourlife.You’resettingoffastorm!Thingsbegintochangeinsideyouatanunprecedentedrate.Angelicactivity(bothgoodand evil) surroundingyour life becomes intense, even thoughyoumaynot beawareofit.Yougaintheattentionofheavenandhell.Issuesthatsimmeredonlowformanyyears suddenlycome toahead, screaming for resolve.You findyourselfsurroundedbysuspicionandreproach.GodhasyouinHisacceleratedclass,andthespeedofchangeandtransitionsurroundingyourlifeisdizzying.

Andwhat’shappeningon the inside?You’recomingalive to thewordofGod!Hiswordisfeedingandsustainingyou.Newinsightsareelectrifyingandcarrying you. The closeness of His presence begins to intoxicate you. Therevelation of His love for you is redefining your relationship with Him. TheunderstandingofHisheartandpurposesisgivingyouawholenewperspectiveon thekingdomofGod.You’rebecomingaddicted to thegloriesof the secretplace!

Someonereadingthesewordsisthinkingrightnow,“Lord,howdoItouchwhat Bob is talking about right here?” I can only speak from personalexperience. There was nothing I could do to touch this desperation. I neededGod’sintervention.IneededHimtomakemedesperate.IcalledonHim,andHeansweredme. It all begins and ends in the heart ofGod. “For it is GodwhoworksinyoubothtowillandtodoforHisgoodpleasure”(Philippians2:13).

I’minvitingyoutoprayacrazyprayer—adangerousprayer.“Lord,makemedesperateforYou!”IfyouwillcryouttoHimfromthedepthsofyourheart,Hewillhearyou.Heknowsexactlywhereyou’reat,Heknowshowmuchyoucanbear,andHeisabletocraftananswertothatprayerthatwillproduceagreatcryofdesperationwithinyoursoul.Heknowshowtomakeushungry!

You need not fear the consequences of this prayer of holy consecration.

“Perfect love casts out fear.” Perfect love knows that anything coming fromGod’shand is forourgoodandbenefit, soperfect lovefearsnothing thatGodwouldgiveinordertoextractagreaterdevotionandconsecrationfromus.LetHim perfect you in His love so that you might throw wide your arms andembraceHisgood,acceptable,andperfectwill.

When we enter a season of distress, our first response is to cry out forrelief. However, God does not always bring immediate relief because Hedestinesthedistresstoproducedesperationwithinus.Thistruthremindsmeofarecent dialogue with a friend, Cindy Nelson. Cindy suffered in her body formanyyearsbutthenwassovereignlyhealed.SheisintenselygratefultoGodforherhealing,andnowministerstopeoplewholivewithchronicpain.However,her observations about her secret life with God since her healing were veryintriguingtome.Shehasgivenmepermissiontoreproduceheremailexactlyasshewroteittome:

“JustrecentlyIrealizedthatIlostthedesperationthatIusedtoseekGodwithbeforeGodhealedme.Irememberdependingoneveryword,everybreathfromGodtosustainme.IstormedthegatesofheaventohearfromHim.Tohearhope,strength,peace,somethingthatwouldassuremeofHispresenceandkeepme going.My needwas so great and I realized thatHe alone couldmeetmyneeds.IstillknowthisbutIhavebecomelessdependentuponHim.Irecentlyhad to repent. I don’t necessarilywant another tragedy inmy life to drawmeback to that desperation, (I certainly know better.) But I know difficult timesrevealone’sdependenceonGod.InsomerespectsI thinkmyquiet timeswithGodwerericherthancomparedtonow.Itisdifferent.LessintenseisreallytheonlywayIcandescribeit.”

Ihavereadthestoriesofbelieverswhowereimprisonedformanyyearsfortheirfaithwho,aftertheirrelease,weptoverthelossoftheintimacywithGodthattheyoncehadwhileinprison.TheLordwassoclosetotheminprison,andnowintheirfreedomeverythingwasdifferent.Theymissedtheformerintimacysomuchthatsomeofthemlongedtoreturntoprison!Whilenoneofusasks God for hardship, we can’t deny the fact thathardship produces desperation, which in turn producesintenseintimacy.

Iamnotsayinghardshipistheonlypathwaytodesperation.Godhasmanywaystoanswerourprayers.ButIamsayingthatoneof thegreatestsecrets tounlockingtheinnerlifewithGodisthroughdesperation.ThewisewillseekHim

withdesperatelonging.Hereistobefoundthepathoflife.

29TheSecretofMannaGatheringWhenyou’redesperate forGod,youbecomedependentupon thedaily

sustaining power ofHisword.Your source of survival is your dailymanna—feedingonthewordofGod.Weknowthemannaofthewildernesswasgoodforonlyoneday;ifkeptoverintothenextday,itwouldrot(Exodus16:12-31).It’sstilltruethatyesterday’sfeedinginthewordwillneversustainusfortoday.Oneof theprimaryfunctionsof thesecretplace is tobefedafresheachdayinHisword.

Proverbs 16:26 says, “The personwho labors, labors for himself, for hishungrymouthdriveshimon.”It’sourhungerforthewordthatdrivesusintothesecret place.Whenwe arehungry spiritually,we are energized to labor in theword.Alackofhunger isadangersign.Whensomeoneissick,oftenthefirstsymptom of their sickness is a loss of hunger. Those who lose their spiritualhungerneedamedicalexam,spirituallyspeaking.Isacanceroussindestroyingtheirspiritualvitality?Whatistrueinthenaturalisalsotrueinthespiritual.Bydrinkinglotsofwater(theHolySpirit),gettingplentyofrest(ceasingfromourown works), exercising ourselves in the word, avoiding junk foods (lousyreplacements), often our spiritual appetite can be restored. Spiritualhungerisabsolutelyessentialtospiritualhealthbecausewithoutitwewon’tbemotivatedtofeedonthemannaofGod’sword.

It’s vitally important that each one of us learn how to collectmanna forhimself.ThosewhoviewtheSundaymorningsermonastheirsourceofnutritionarecertaintobespiritualskeletons.Godneverintendedthatweliveoff thesecret lifeofourpastor;Hewantsus touncoverthelifegivingthrilloffeedingourselvesdailyinHisword.

Onceyoulearntofeedyourselfintheword,youarenolongerupsetwhenthe Sunday sermon doesn’t apply to your life. You weren’t looking for thesermon to be your source of feeding and life anyways. If something in thesermonfeedsyou,youreckonitabonus.You’renolongerdependentonotherstogiveyoumilkbecausenowyouarecuttingoffyourownmeat.

Many Americans have misplaced expectations of what Sunday morningchurchisallabout.They’relookingforaplacetobetaught in theword, tobefilledup,andaplacefortheirkidstobetaughtandstrengthened.ButoftentheyareexpectingoutofSundaymorningchurchwhatGodintendedforthemtogetin the secretplaceandat the familyaltar. (By“familyaltar” I am referring toparents sittingdowndailywith their children to instruct them in thewordandpray together, according to the commandment of Scripture.) When we placehigher expectations upon Sundaymorning church than it can sustain, we caneasilybecomecriticalorevencynicaltowardthebodyofChrist(adiseasewhichcanbeterminalandishighlyinfectious,especiallywithourchildren).

It’snot thatdifficult to learnhowtogathermanna.Justgetout thereandstartworking.PickupyourBible,andbegintolaborinit.Atfirstyouwillfeelclumsy,butkeeppersevering.Themoreyoulaborintheword,themoreadeptyou’llbecomeatgatheringthedailyportionthatwillsatisfyyoursoul.You learn to gather by getting out in thefieldandjustdoingit.

Asyoupersevere,youwilldiscoverthattheLorddesignedthesecretplacetosatisfyyourheartinatleastthreeways:

FeedingInTheWordOfthegodlyitissaid,“ButhisdelightisinthelawoftheLORD,andin

Hislawhemeditatesdayandnight.Heshallbelikeatreeplantedbytheriversofwater,thatbringsforthitsfruitinitsseason,whoseleafalsoshallnotwither;andwhateverhedoesshallprosper”(Psalm1:2-3).AswemeditateandfeedinthewordofGod,weareliketreesthatproducefruitbecausewehavenutrientsflowingintous.

DrinkingInTheSpiritJesus said, “‘But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give himwill

neverthirst.ButthewaterthatIshallgivehimwillbecomeinhimafountainofwaterspringingupintoeverlastinglife’”(John4:14).TheHolySpiritis

like the water that helps us swallow the manna of theword.FeedinginthewordmustalwaysbecomplementedwithdrinkingoftheSpirit.

CultivatingAKnowingRelationshipWithGod

Hebrews 8:11 quotes theOld Testament, “‘None of them shall teach hisneighbor, andnonehisbrother, saying, “Know theLORD,” forall shallknowMe,fromtheleastofthemtothegreatestofthem.’”Godwantstoleadyouintoa hidden place in Him where you develop your own unique connection withHim, and you come to knowHim totally independently of everyone else. Hewants you to develop your own secret history of communing with Him andknowingHim.Noman is to teach you how to find this knowing relationshipwithGod;theHolySpiritHimselfwillbeyourteacher.Allyoumustdoisshutyourdoor.

Oh,theawesomedepthsofcommunionthatwecanfindinthesecretplace—not tomention the ingesting of delightsome spirit food!Whenwe properlyfind these things in thesecretplaceand leadour families in these things, thenSunday morning gatherings can fulfill their proper role in our lives: a placewhereGodisglorifiedandministeredto,aplacewherewecanencourageandsupportothers,aplacewherethevisionforourcollectivebodyisarticulated,aplacewhere our unity is built, a place of corporate prayer, a placewhere theyoungandweakarestrengthenedandencouraged,andaplacewhereseekerscancometoChrist.

Just one more quick thought. I remember the days when I, as a pastor,wouldgleantheworddailyforpotentialsermonmaterial.Iwasalwayslookingfortruthsthatwouldfeedmycongregation.ButthentheLordarrestedmeandchanged how I come to the word. Now, I read the Bible just for me. I’m sohungry for Him that every day Imust be sustained by freshmanna from theword.IfIdon’tgetmymannafortheday,Igetalittlebitonthecrankyside.SonowIgathermannajustforme.Buthere’swhatI’vefound:WhenIsharewithothers the manna that has nurtured me, it feeds them as well! In fact, I’vediscoveredthatothersappearmuchmorefedwhenIsharewiththemthatwhichfirst sustained me. The secret is: Learn to gather your ownmanna.Thenyou’llhavesomethingtoshare.

30TheSecretofEnduringAswepoiseourselvesforthefullmarathonoftheChristianrace,notonly

mustwegatherourdailymanna,wemustalsogrowintheChristlikequalityofendurance.

WeallhavedesertseasonsinGodwheneverythinginourspirituallifeisdry,dusty,andvoidofinspiration.Theonlywaythroughistomakeadecisioninadvancethatnomatterhowtoughtheslogginggets,we’renevergoingtogiveuponourpursuitofGod.We’regoingtoabideinChristnomatterwhat.I’llletyou inonasecret:Thiskindof tenaciouscommitment toendurancewillopenthepathtothemostmeaningfuldimensionsofrelationshipwiththeLord.

Seasonsnot onlybreak themonotonyof sameness, they arenecessary toproductivity. Nothing can live in unbroken sunshine. Constant joy andhappiness, with no clouds on the horizon, produces drought. Night is asimportantasday;thesunmustbefollowedbycloudsandrain.Nonstopsunshineonlycreatesadesert.Wedon’tenjoystorms,but they’reanessentialpartofacompletelife,andthekeytovictorycomesinfindinghowtoweatherthestormsoflifeinsuchawaythattheydon’tdislodgeusfromoursecretlifeinGod.

It’seasytoendureinthegoodtimes.It’swhenthehardtimeshitthatourendurance isproven.When timesget tough, it’s tempting toneglect the secretplace.Jesus,however,manifestedpreciselytheoppositetendency.WhenHewashurting,He sought out the place of prayer.His time inGethsemane is a greatexampleofthis,ofwhichitwasrecorded,“Andbeinginagony,Heprayedmoreearnestly”(Luke22:44).WhenJesuswashurting,Heprayed.WhenHehurtrealhard,He prayed even harder.ThiswasJesus’ secret toenduringthehorrorofHissufferings.HepreparedHimselfthroughprayer to endure the pain. If we respond properly, distress canactually be a gift. Pain can provide tremendous impetus to pray—if we willallowittocatapultusintoGod’sfaceinsteadofpolarizingusawayfromHim.

PaulprayedtheColossianbelieverswouldbe“strengthenedwithallmight,according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy”(Colossians1:11).Oneofthegreatestchallenges,intheplaceofhardship,istosufferalongtimewithjoy.It’snotpossibleinhumanstrength!WhichiswhyPaul prayed that theymight be “strengthenedwith allmight,” for it takes themightofGodtorejoicethroughlongdurationsofpainfulhardship.Beingjoyfulin suffering is agodlyquality, forGodHimself is “patienceand longsufferingwith joy.”ConsiderhowmuchGodsuffersasHeshares thegriefof theworldand for how long He has thus suffered! And yet although His suffering isstronger thananyofus realize,He is also filledwithgreat joy.OnlyGodcansuffersomuchwithsuchjoy.

Whenwearecalledtoendurewithjoy,itisimperativewefindthesolaceofthesecretplace.Hereitisthatwearefilledand“strengthenedwithallmight”thatwemightsufferlong.Simplyput,godlyenduranceisimpossibleapartfromawell-nurturedsecretlifewithGod.

Hardship can be embraced with joy, in my opinion, only when weunderstandGod’spurposein thepain.“Mybrethren,count itall joywhenyoufall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith producespatience” (James 1:2-3). The only way to be joyful in trials is through“knowing”—knowingGod’spurposeinit.HowdowelearnGod’spurposesinoursufferings?ThesecretpursuitofGodinHiswordiswhatwillrevealpurposetous.AsweseehowHecarriedBiblesaintsalongthroughtheirhardships,webegin to see His heart for carrying us through to the same kinds of gloriousvictories.ThethingthatenabledPaultoendurehis“thornintheflesh”wasGodunfoldingHispurpose toPaul for the thorn.OncePaul sawpurpose,hecouldcooperatewithGod’sgrace.

Paulcoinedafascinatingterm,“thepatience...oftheScriptures.”It’sfoundinRomans15:4,“Forwhateverthingswerewrittenbeforewerewrittenforourlearning,thatwethroughthepatienceandcomfortoftheScripturesmighthavehope.” The original word for “patience” (Greek, hupomone) means,“constancy, perseverance, continuance, bearing up, steadfastness, patientendurance.”TheScripturesaremysourceofconstancy.Every time I return tothem, I am renewed inmy posture ofwaiting onGod alone.Not only do theScriptures bear me up and enable me to endure, but the witness of ofGod’spurposes and ways is consistent from Genesis to Revelation.When I see theunbrokenpatternofScripture,thatGodeventuallyrevealsHissalvationtothose

whoendure,Iamstrengthenedinhope.TheScripturesspeakofthepatienceofthesaintssofrequentlythattheScripturesthemselvesaresaidtobepatient!

TheBiblecommendsthosewhoseektounderstandthepathGodhassetforthem.“Thewisdomoftheprudentistounderstandhisway”(Proverbs14:8).ItisinthesanctuaryofHispresencethatwegainunderstandingintolife’senigmas(Psalm 73:17).The sanctuary ofHis embrace iswhereGodreveals purpose, which in turn empowers us to endurehardship with joy for we know He is working it alltogetherforgood(Romans8:28).

Oneof thescriptural symbols for thisprocess ispearl.Pearl is formedwithinanoysterwhichhasexperiencedthedistressofaforeignparticleofsandgettingstuckwithinitsshell.PearlrepresentstheeternallyvaluablechangeGodworkswithinusintheplaceofhardship.Thereisnothingelsethatchangesusquitesoreadilyandprofoundlyasadevotiontothesecretplaceinthemidstofgruelinghardship.

Thelonger the irritantresideswithin theoyster’sshell, themorevaluablethe pearl becomes. Therefore, the formative value oftribulation is sometimes directly proportional to thedurationofthecrucible.Thelongerthedistress,themorevaluablethepearl. It is theconfidenceof this realitywhichempowersus toperseverewithjoy.Whenweendureinlovethroughhardship,wequalifytoenterthegatesofpearl—for theonlyway toenter theeternalcity is through thepearlygatesof“treasureperfectedinhardship.”

TheapostleJohnprovidesagrippingexampleoftherewardofenduringinthesecretplace,eveninthefaceofhardship.Inhisoldage,Johnwasexiledto“the island that iscalledPatmos for thewordofGodand for the testimonyofJesusChrist”(Revelation1:9).Therecanbenoquestionthathestruggledinhis90-year-old framewith the rigorsofan islandprison.Hesuffered inhisbody,feltthepangsofloneliness,andinevitablyfeltlikehewasendingouthisdaysinpointless futility. Merely existing on this island was not his idea of a strongfinish in the race. However, instead of succumbing to self-preoccupation ordiscouragement,he“wasintheSpiritontheLord’sDay”(Revelation1:10). Inotherwords,hewasproactivelyenduringthehardshipbydevotinghimselftohissecretplaceloverelationshipwithhisBeloved.

WhatwasGod’sresponsetoJohn’senduranceandpatience?GodhonoredhimbygrantinghimanunparalleledrevelationofthebeautyandgloryofChristJesus (I am referring to the Book of Revelation). It was as though God wassaying, “I honor those who give their love to Me in the secret place whileperseveringinthefireofhardshipandsuffering.Irewardthembyempoweringthem to behold the light of the knowledge of the glory ofMymajesty that isfoundinthefaceofMywonderfulSon.”

Don’tevergiveup!TodaymaybethedaywhenHerewardsyourdevotionwithasublimerevelationoftheeternalgloryoftheMan,ChristJesusourLord!ThroughthemightofGod’sSpirit,anyhardshipcanbeenduredwith joyfortheextravaganceofsuchareward.

31TheSecretofConfinementLike John on the isle of Patmos, some saints are finding themselves in

places of restriction in this hour, and are struggling with all the emotionaltrappings that attend imprisonment and confinement. Feelings such ashopelessness, uselessness, despair, abandonment, rejection, reproach, lack ofunderstanding, loneliness, vulnerability, etc. With such a host of emotionsassaulting the prisoner’s equilibrium, it’s difficult to maintain an unswervingconfidence in the simple secret of this chapter: When you’re inconfinement,Godisclosertoyouthanyourealize.

TheLordassurestheafflictedsoul,“‘Iwillbewithhimintrouble’”(Psalm91:15).Whenyou’vebeentroubledbycircumstances that twistandpressyoursoul,beassuredthatyourLordisclosertoyouthanever!

David said of the Lord, “He made darkness His secret place” (Psalm18:11). When the lights of understanding go out and you’re plunged intoemotionaldarkness,youareactuallybeingissuedaninvitationintoGod’ssecretplace.It’sinthedarknesswhereGodmeetsinsecretwithHischosenones.

The Lord’s prison is generally characterized by social isolation andloneliness. Friends drift away, and relationships that once ministered life andgracetoyouaredistantorestranged.Yourabilitytofunctionisgreatlycurtailed,andyoufindnojoyinthesmallamountofmovementthatyourchainsgrantyou.Thisconfinement,however,hasbeenorchestratedbyyourLover.YourheavenlyHusbandwillallureyou into thewilderness (asperHosea2),HewillcomfortyouwithHispresence,andHewillrenewyouraffectionsforHisgoodnessandglory.Itishere,inthepainoflonelinessandaimlessness,thattheLorddesignstoigniteadepthofloverelationshiplikeyou’veneverknown.Before,youweretoobusytofinditorcareaboutit.Now,you’resodeterminedtounderstandthenatureofHishandinyourlifethatyou’repressingintoHimwithabandonmentanddesperation.

InHis kindness,He dries up every other fountain that has nurtured yoursoul,thatHemightbecomeyouronlyfountaininthequietnessofthiscell.It’shere you will learn to own the reality of Psalm 87:7, “All my springs are inYou.”Insteadofbeingenergizedbyprojects,youwillnowbecomeenergizedbyaPerson.BeingwithHimandinHimwillbecomeyourcriteriaforsuccess.

David spokeof the intimacyof theprison: “Youhavehedgedmebehindandbefore,andlaidYourhanduponme.Suchknowledgeistoowonderfulforme;it ishigh,Icannotattainit”(Psalm139:5-6).Beinghedgedbehind,Davidcannotstoporquitbecauseheisbeingherdedforward.Beinghedgedbefore,hecannotaccelerateorpushahead,hecanonlymoveforwardatthepacetheLordsovereignlysetsforhim.Hecan’tworkupmomentum,andhecan’tquit.Then,he’sunder themightyhandofGod,whichmeanshecan’tmove to the leftorright either.He is amanwithout options.And his evaluation of this place ofconstraint,restraint,andharnesseddirection?Davidcouldhavebeentemptedtoviewthisashighlyconstrictiveandcontrolling,butinsteadhecalleditsuchhighknowledgethathecannotattainit!TheShulamitedescribeditinthisway,“Hislefthandisundermyhead,andhisrighthandembracesme”(SongofSolomon8:3).SheviewedtherestrictionsasthelovingembraceofHisarms.Insteadoffocusingontheimmobility,theprisonerisfocusingonthegloriousintimacyofbeingheldsofirmlyintheLord’shands.Theconfinementisactuallyagift!

Not only is this prison a place of intense intimacy,but it isalsoaplaceofrevelationalimpartation.Jesussaid,“‘WhateverItellyouinthedark,speakinthelight’”(Matthew10:27).Intheplaceofdarkness,Godis sayingmore to you than you realize!WhileHemight not be talking aboutwhatyouwantHimtotalkabout,Heisdesiringtodownloadtoyouthethoughtsand intentsofHisheart. If you listen andhear in thedarkness, onedayyouwillspeakinthelightwhatHewhisperedtoyourheartinthedark.

Areyouinaprisonofsorts?JustgiveHimyourlove!TheScripturesays,“Afriendlovesatalltimes”(Proverbs17:17).EvenwhentheLordismysteriousinHisways,HisfriendsstillloveHim.Andinthequietnessofthatlove,anewdepthofintimacyiscultivatedandestablishedintheheartthatwillcarryyouforlife.Youwilllearnthat“Faithfularethewoundsofafriend”(Proverbs27:6),forHe loved you enough to wound you, that He might woo you into a greater

connectionwithHim.Here’s one of the secrets of darkness:He imprisons those He

loves in order to awaken them in the secret place tomaturebridalaffections.Don’tdespiseyourchains,fortheybindyoutotheheartoftheOneyoulongfor.YouaretheprisoneroftheLord.

32TheSecretofWaitingThesecretplaceisatimemachine,transportingusfromourtimezoneto

His. Here we step into the eternal and begin to view all of life from theperspective of the Ageless One who is without beginning or ending of days.Fromthisvantage,waitingonGodtakesonanentirelydifferenthue.

ThecloseryougettoGod,themoreyourealizeHe’sinnohurry.Thereis no frenetic hurrying in heaven, only calculatedpurpose.“Whoeverbelieveswillnotacthastily”(Isaiah28:16).ThosewhostepintoGod’stimezonewillnotallowurgentmatterstopressthemintoactingtooquicklyandgettingaheadofGod.

Lord,helpmetowriteaboutthepowerfulsecretofwaitingonYou!Manyofusapproachoursecretplacewithachecklistofactivities,andwe

“checkthemoff”mentallyoncethey’recompleted:

üConfessionofsinsüWorship,praise,thanksgiving

üBibleReadingüMeditation

üIntercessionüJournalingThen,oncewe’vecompletedeverythingonourlist,ourtimeinthesecret

placeisfinished.Butisitreallyfinished?Thereisyetanotherelementtobeincluded—waitingonGod.

Oneof thebest descriptionsofwaitingonGod is found inPsalm123:2,

“Behold,astheeyesofservantslooktothehandoftheirmasters,astheeyesofamaidtothehandofhermistress,sooureyeslooktotheLORDourGod,untilHehasmercyonus.”TowaitonGodistostareatHishand.Westare at His hand for two primary reasons: to serve and minister to Him inwhateverwayHishandmightsignalustofulfill;andtowaituntilHemovesHismightyhandonourbehalf.WaitingonGodisnotwatchingtelevisionuntilGodchooses to move; waiting on God is attentively gazing upon Him withundistractedfocusuntilHehasmercyonus.AnduntilHeacts,wejustwaitonHimandloveHim.Iwouldsayitthisway:WhilewaitingforGod,waitonGod.

Someone once said, “We should seek His face and not His hand.” Idisagree.WeseekHis faceandHishand.Weseek the intimacyofHis face,butwealsoseekthepowerofHishand.It’snoteither/or; it’sboth/and.WesolongforthereleaseofHispowerthatwegazewithraptattentionuponHimuntilHemovesonourbehalf.

Waiting onGodmay be themost difficult of all the spiritual disciplines,andperhapsthat’sthereasonsofewtrulypracticeit.JustsittinginHispresenceand gazing...it can be agonizing to uswho have become accustomed to beingbombardedwithdataandstimuli.WelacktheattentionspantowaitonGod.ButHeknowsthat,so inHiskindnessHedesignsscenarios thatwillhelpus learnhow to wait on Him.Once we press through and cross theboredomthreshold,weopentothejoysandadventuresofwaitingonGod.

TowaitonGodsuccessfully,wemustcometoderivemore fulfillmentbybeingwithHim thanbyworking forHim.When being with Him fully satisfies us, we can wait for as long asnecessary—just as long asHe stayswith us. This is why Jesus couldwait toministeruntilHewasthirty.HewastotallysatisfiedinHisrelationshipwithHisFather, soHewaswilling towait even thoughHewas ready tominister longbeforeagethirty.Ithink

Jesus could have just as easily waited until He was ninety to begin HisministrybecausethepresenceandaffectionofHisFathermadeHimcomplete.

SomeofthegreatestassurancesofScriptureareofferedtothosewhowaitonGod.

Forsincethebeginningoftheworldmenhavenotheardnorperceivedbythe ear, norhas the eye seen anyGodbesidesYou,whoacts for theonewhowaitsforHim(Isaiah64:4).

Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; andthereforeHewillbeexalted,thatHemayhavemercyonyou.FortheLORDisaGodofjustice;blessedareallthosewhowaitforHim(Isaiah30:18).

Regarding the latter verse, I have heard some teach, “You’rewaiting forGod,butGod’swaitingforyou!”Whilethatmaybetrueinsomeinstances,itisnotthetruthofIsaiah30:18.Whenitsays,“TheLordwillwait,”itdoesn’tmeanthatGodiswaitingforyoutodosomething; itmeans thatGodisstrategicallydelayingHismiraculousvisitationbecauseHehasgreaterthingsinstoreforyouthanyou’veevenaskedfor.ButtogiveyouthefullnessofwhatHehasplannedforyourlife,Hewillusetheseasonofwaitingtoprepareyouasavessel,andalso topreparecircumstancesaroundyour life so thatyouwillbeable to stepforwardintotheproperspherewhenHisreleasecomestoyou.He’swaitingsothatHecancrownyouwithanevengreaterblessing.

Many today commonly embrace the idiom, “It is insanity to keep doingwhatyou’vealwaysdoneandexpectdifferentresults.”Whilethatstatementmaybetrueinsomearenas,itisnottruewhenitcomestowaitingonGod.Waitingon God is so powerful that the enemy will do everything in His power todissuadeyoufrommaintainingyourwatch.Hewilltellyouthatyou’reinsanetokeepwaitingonGodinthemidstofyourpressingcircumstances.He’lltellyouthatwaitingonGodischangingnothing.ButthosewhoknowthewaysofGodareawareofJoseph’s testimony:Even thoughyoumaywaitonGodformanyyears, thereisadaycomingwhenGodwillchangeeverythinginamomentoftime!Hemaytakeseeminglyforevertogetaroundtoit,butonceGodmoves,Hecanchangeeverythinginaday.

OneofthegreatestincentivesofwaitingonGodisfoundinPsalm104:4,“Whomakes...Hisministersaflameoffire.”Theoriginalwordfor“ministers”(Hebrew,sharat) speaks of someonewhowaits on, who serves,ministers,attends.Sosharathintsofintimacy,referringtothoseservantswhoserveinclosestproximitytotheking.Andhere’swhatGoddoeswithHisministers whowait onHim:Hemakes them a flame offire!He ignites themwith thepassionsofHisheartandenflames them with zeal for His face and for His

kingdom.God’s flaming zeal empowers us to wait on Him. Some of God’s most

powerful angels, who burn with zeal for Him, are described in the book ofRevelationasstandingat theirpost—where they’vebeenstandingandwaitingfor centuries—until the time when God signals their release (Revelation 8:2;19:17).Theyareenflamedwithzealsotheycanwait.GodissettingyouablazewithHis fiery passions in this hour in order that youmightwait uponHiminholypassionandfieryecstacy.

Take toheart thecounselofKingDavidwho, afteryearsofproving thistruthinhisownlife,leftalegacyofwisdomforallmenandwomentofollow.Receiveitfromamanwhoknew:“WaitontheLORD;beofgoodcourage,andHeshallstrengthenyourheart;wait,Isay,ontheLORD!”(Psalm27:14).

33TheSecretofTearsOneofthegreatestgiftsyoucanbringtoyourKingisthegiftofabsolute

sincerity.I’mtalkingaboutapurityofheartthatsays,“Lord,I’mcomingtoYoubecauseYoureallyarethecenterofmyuniverse.YoutrulyareallthatIlivefor.My heart is totally and fully set uponYou.” Nothing surpasses the delight ofbeingabletosingsongsoftotalconsecrationwithabsoluteabandon.

Feelingsofsincerityarequicklydefusedwhenweallowthefleshtodefileour conscience.Noearthlypleasure isworth adefiled conscience.Feelingsofguilt arise when we feel hypocritical before God—when we’ve spurned Hisovertures inorder togratify thedesiresof theflesh.OhwhatdelightwhenwecancomeboldlybeforeHisthronewithacleanconscience!Eventhoughwe’renotyetperfectedandeventhoughwestrugglewithweakness,ourheartsreachforHimwithimpassioneddesire.

Icallthis“sweetsincerity.”Thissincerityofhearthassettledtheissueonceand for all: Jesus truly is thegreat loveofmyheart.This sincerity is “sweet”becausewhenyouknowyou’re totally sincere incoming toGod,you feel thesweetnessofHisreciprocatinglove.Thisiswhen“love[is]withouthypocrisy”(Romans 12:9). I have personally foundmy awareness of His presence to bestrongestwhenIhavehadgreatyearningofheartforHim.Whenmysoullongs for Him in sweet sincerity, even to tears, myawarenessofHisreciprocatingaffectionsisheightened.

True lovemust function in total sincerity, void of duplicity or adulterouspassions.Thisiswhywemustfindthosemeasuresthatevokeoursenseofsweetsincerity before the Lord. Now, here’s the beauty of it:When love iswithouthypocrisy,thesweetnessofthissincerityisoftenaccompaniedbytears.

Ofthesevenpsalmsthatrefertotears,threeareattributedtoDavid’spen.

ThemanwhohadanabsolutelysinceresecretlifewithGodwasamanoftears.Davidcried, “Donotbe silent atmy tears” (Psalm39:12), as thoughhis tearscommendedhissinceritytoGod.Clearlytearsarenotforwomenonly.Anotherpsalmist expressed the sincerity of his cry by pointing to his tears: “My tearshavebeenmyfooddayandnight,whiletheycontinuallysaytome,‘WhereisyourGod?’”(Psalm42:3).

There’s something about tears that is pure and unfeigned. I suppose it’spossible, in a technical sense, to fake tears (as actors learn todo),but let’sbehonestaboutit:Nobodyisabouttofaketearswhilepraying.Whenitcomestothesecretplace,tearsareeitherhonestorthey’reabsent.

So the presence of tears is a profound statement to your departedBridegroom.Tearsareliquidwords.Tearssaymorethanwordsoftencan.Whereas words can sometimes contain the pretense of plastic platitudes,tearscomestraightfromtheheart.

Have you known tears? You are blessed. Do you struggle to find tears?Thenaskforthem.It’sarequestHewillgraciouslyfulfill.

We cry because we desire or because we’re in pain; so tears are thelanguageofdesire.WedesireHim,eventotears.Ifwelackthatdesire,Hewillcultivate it within us by seemingly withdrawing from us in His mercy. It’sfamine thatmakesushungry; it’sdrought thatmakesusthirsty.Deprivationproducesdesire.

Donotdespise thepain thatgaveyou tears.Pouroutyourheart toHim;Godisarefugeforus!Thosewho“lovemuch”stillwashtheLord’sfeetwiththeirtears(seeLuke7:36-48).

Weeping and tears have always gained the Lord’s attention. Davidunderstood thiswhen hewrote, “Putmy tears intoYour bottle” (Psalm56:8).NotonlydoestheLordnoticeourtears,HeactuallybottlesandstoresthemasaneverlastingwitnessinHispresence.

TherearetwokindsofsicknessintheBiblethatproducetears.ThefirstismentionedinProverbs13:12,“Hopedeferredmakes theheartsick.”WhenthehopeofGod’sdeliverance isdeferred, theheartgrowssick.Thisheartsicknessproducesagroaningfromthedepthsofthespiritandisexpressedintears.Theseare the tears of the brokenhearted, and they are not despised by God.Heartsicknesscries,“OhGod,visitme!Cometome inYourpowerandfulfillyourwordinmylife!”

TheothersicknessthatproducestearsisseeninSongOfSolomon5:8,“I

chargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyoufindmybeloved,thatyoutellhimIam lovesick!” Lovesickness is the consequence of our Lord’s restrained self-revelation,who revealsHimself to us dimly as through a veil or a darkglass.When the heart is awakened to the beauty of the King and the eyes long tobeholdHim,butHerevealsHimself inbuta fractionofHis fullness, thesaintbecomessickwithlove.Lovesicknesscries,“ShowmeYourglory,Lord!Iwantto seeYou, Iwant toknowYou!”Heartsickness is theproductofunrequited power; lovesickness is the consequence ofunrequitedlove.Davidarticulatedbothpassionswhen,duringhisyearsofhidinginthewilderness,hecried,“SoIhavelookedforYouinthesanctuary,toseeYourpowerandYourglory” (Psalm 63:2).Heartsicknessweeps, “Show me Your hand!” Lovesickness weeps,“ShowmeYourface!”

Iamtoldthestoryofacertainyoungmanwhowasseekingabreakthroughinhislifeinacertainarea,buthadexhaustedallheknewtodotogainspiritualbreakthrough. He wrote General William Booth (founder of The SalvationArmy)foradvice.TheGeneralwrotebacktwosimplewords,“Trytears.”

WilliamBoothhadlearnedthesecret.Theinnerchamberofprayergainsitsimpetusfromtheliquidpoweroftears.DoyoulongforagreaterrealityinyourwalkwithGod?Trytears.

34TheSecretofHolinessWhomayascendintothehilloftheLORD?OrwhomaystandinHisholy

place?Hewhohascleanhandsandapureheart,whohasnotlifteduphissoultoanidol,norsworndeceitfully(Psalm24:3-4).

LORD,whomayabideinYourtabernacle?Whomaydwell inYourholyhill?Hewhowalksuprightly,andworksrighteousness,andspeaksthetruthinhisheart(Psalm15:1-2).

Nothingcompareswiththequintessentialprivilegeofstandingbeforethethrone of God. It is the greatest of all honors and the highest of all delights.DemonsenvythefavoryouhavewithGod,andangelsgapeinwonderatyourstatus in God’s presence. And it’s all because you have embracedHis call toholiness! You have purified your heart, cleansed your hands, sprinkled yourconsciencewithHisblood, andhavemadeyourself readywithwhite robesofrighteousdeeds.

TheLord has said, “Hewhowalks in a perfectway, he shall serveme”(Psalm 101:6). This is not referring to sinless perfection, but rather to ablamelesslifestylethatisnotsubjecttoreproachorcriticismbythosewholiveclosest to you.The reward of this consecration is the exhilarating intimacy ofstandingcontinuallyinHispresence.Thispursuitofholinessisnotaburdenbutrather a profound privilege.Happy holiness is one of the quietsecretsof thekingdom—apurityofheart thatopens thepathwaytothegreatestheightsofcommunionwithGod.

Holinessisnotaninherentqualitywecarry;itisaderivedqualitythatwetakeon.Holinesshasbutonesource,theHolyOne.Holinesshastodowithproximity to the throne.The seraphim are called “holy ones,”notbecauseofwhotheyarebutbecauseofwheretheyare.Theyare“holyones”becausetheyliveintheimmediatepresenceoftheHolyOne!Iamholy

onlytotheextentthatIabideinHisholypresence.Iusedtodefineholinessmorebywhatwedon’tdo,butnowIdefineit

morebywhatwedodo.HolinessisfoundindrawingneartotheholyflameoftheTrinity.There,anythingunholyisburnedlikestubble,andallthatisholyisenflamedandmadehotter.

“FortheLORDGodisasun”(Psalm84:11).AsmySun,theLordismylight,mywarmth,theonearoundwhommyliferevolves,andHeistheonewhobringsforthfruitfromthegardenofmylife.HisSpiritwatersmylife,Hiswordnourishesmylife,andHisfaceisthepowerthatcausesthefruitofmygardentogrow. As a planet revolves around the sun, I wantmy life to revolve aroundChrist.Iwanttobeaplanet,notacometthatswingsbyevery300hundredyearsonlytoreturntothedarkness.AndIdon’twanttobeaPluto,hangingoutonthefurthestfringe.Iwanttobeclose—blazingwiththesameholyfirethatradiatesfromHisface.

Tounderstandholiness,weneedtolookatthefirsttimetheSpiritiscalled“Holy Spirit” in the Bible. From the very beginning, the third person of theTrinitywascalled“theSpiritofGod”(Genesis1:2).HewasneverrevealedasHoly Spirit until amost unfortunate incident in the life of a remarkableman.DavidwasheavilyanointedoftheSpirit,andasapropheticpsalmisthelivedinthedimensionoftheSpirit.(HewrotebothPsalm24andPsalm15,quotedatthebeginning of this chapter.)ButDavid took a hard fall into sin.He committedadulterywithhisneighbor’swifeandthenkilledhisneighbor.Grippedwithfear,hethenlaunchedabigcoverupcampaigntohidehissin.Butduringhisseasonofdenial, something terriblehappened tohim—theSpiritofGod liftedoffhislife.HewasaccustomedtohavingsongsoftheSpiritflowfromwithin,buttheflowstopped.Hisprayerlifebecametriteandunfulfilling.Heknewsomethingwas terriblywrong. Then, along cameNathan the prophetwho pointedly toldDavid of his sin.When David repented, he acknowledged he hadmissed thepresenceofGod’sSpiritwhichhadbecomesopreciousandsofulfillingtohim.YearningforareturntotheformerintimacywithGod,Davidpled,“Donotcastme away fromYour presence, and do not take YourHolySpirit fromme”(Psalm51:11).ThiswasthedesperatecryofamanwholearnedfrompersonalexperiencethattheSpiritofGod,aboveallelse,isholy.Hedwellsonlywiththosewhoseheartsaredirectedtowardholiness.HolymenliveinthepresenceoftheHolySpirit.Onceyou’veknownthisintimacy,yourealizethatnothing

isworthlosingit!Holiness ismuchmore than simplyclean living.Holiness isa life

lived before the throne of God. The Scripture says of John theBaptist that “Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man”(Mark6:20).Johnwasnotsimplyjust(clean).Hewasmuchmorethanthat;hewasalsoholy.HewassetaparttoGod,carryingthepresenceofGod,amanofheavenlivingonearth.JohnlivedinthepresenceofGod—whichiswhyJesuscalledhim“theburningandshininglamp”(John5:35).Justandholymencausekingstofear.They’renotjustpure;theyalsoburnwiththeflamethatemanatesfromtheirfieryabodearoundthethrone.

Holiness is to prayer as fire is to gasoline.When a holyman orwomanprays, explosive things happen.Wedon’t pursue holiness for thesakeofpower,wepursueholinessforthesakeoflove.Butthose who pursue holiness out of affection for Jesusbecomeveryinfluential inthecourtsofheaven.James5:16links holiness and prayer: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous manavails much.” Things change on earth when a holy man or woman, with acultivatedsecret life inGod,prayswithpassionandurgencyto theLordheorshehascometoknowandlove.

GodissocommittedtobringingusintothisholinessthatHeiswillingtodo“whateverittakes”togetusthere.TheBiblepointsoutthatthemainpurposeofGod’schastening inour lives isprimarily“thatwemaybepartakersofHisholiness”(Hebrews12:10).IfwewillrespondproperlytoHisdisciplines,theywillinevitablyleadusviathepathwayofrepentancetotrueholiness.Whenthechastening first comes, it feels like God is trying to kill us. But if we willpersevereinlove,crucifixionandburialisfollowedbyresurrection!

I want to close this chapter with this powerful truth: Holinessproduces resurrection.As certainly as chastening produces infirmityandbrokenness,holinessproducesresurrection,deliverance,andhealing.

ItsaysthattheLordJesuswas“declaredtobetheSonofGodwithpoweraccordingtotheSpiritofholiness,bytheresurrectionfromthedead”(Romans1:4). In other words, it was Christ’s holiness that precipitated Hisresurrection. This truthwas prophesied inDavid, “ForYouwill not leavemy

soulinSheol,norwillYouallowYourHolyOnetoseecorruption”(Psalm16:10).ThatverseappliesinitiallytoDavid,whowaschastenedbyGodalmosttothepointofdeath,butthenwasresurrectedbecauseofhisholiness.Butthisisactually theHoly Spirit speaking ofChrist Jesus,who did not see corruption.Jesus’ body experienced rigormortus, but it never experienced corruptionbecauseHerosebeforedecaysetin.

ItwastrueofDavidandofChrist,andit’salsotrueofyou!Youcan’tkeepholiness buried forever.Even if you feel dead and buried under theweight ofGod’s disciplining hand, devote yourself to His holy presence. Regardless ofyour shattereddreamsanddeferredhopes, live in the secretplaceof theMostHigh.Itisthesecretofyourredemption.AsyouloveHimfromyourgrave, you are setting powerful spiritual forces intomotion.Josephwasburiedinprison,butbecauseofhisholinesstheycouldn’tkeephimburiedforever.Thelongeryoutrytokeepaholymanburied,themoreforcemust be exerted to keep him there; and themore force that’s exerted tokeep him buried, the higher his resurrection will eventually be. Keep Josephburiedtoolong,andhe’llrisetotheheightsofthepalace.

Thegrave could hold theHolyOneonly until the beginningof the thirdday.Death’sgripgaveway,andHolinessrosetothehighestplace:

ThereforeGodalsohashighlyexaltedHimandgivenHimthenamewhichisaboveeveryname,thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthosein heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that everytongueshouldconfessthatJesusChrist isLord, tothegloryofGodtheFather(Philippians2:9-11).

Practice the holiness of His presence, O weary saint. It’s in-evitable—holinesswillriseagain!

35TheSecretofBuyingGold“I counselyou tobuy fromMegold refined in the fire, that youmaybe

rich”(Revelation3:18).

Whatisthisgoldthatenrichesus?It’sthegoldofauthentically-produced

godlycharacter;it’sChristlikeness.Weallwanttobeconformedmoreandmore into the likeness of Jesus, but there is no cheap way to become moreChristlike. Godly character is not given to us; we buy it. We buy it withoutearthlymoneybutyetatasteepprice.

Tode-mystifythisthing,letmedescribeveryclearlytheprocesswherebywebuy“goldrefinedinthefire.”Firstcomesthefire.Byfire,Iamtalkingabouttribulation or affliction or distress or calamity or persecution. In the last daysthereiscomingagreatescalationoffire.Youdon’thavetowonderorimaginewhetheryou’re in the fire.When the firehitsyour life,youwillknow it!Youwilllosecontrol,yourpainlevelswillskyrocket,andyourdesperationforGodwillintensify.Yourfleshwillwanttocollapseandgiveup,butsinceyourspiritisalivetothebeautiesofChrist, thefirewillbeusedofGodtodriveyouintothefaceofChristlikeneverbefore.Insteadofgivingup,you’llrunevenharder!Yourprimarysourceofsanityinthemidstofthefirewillbeyoursecretplace,where theSpiritwill soothe your tortured soul and thewordwill sustain yourhopeandfaith.

Asyoupress into thewordwhile in the fire, thewordwillbegin to readyourmail.Itwilllocateyou.Itwilldrawaplumblineinyourlife,andyouwillbegin toseeareasofyourheartandsoul thathavebeenoutofalignmentwithGod’swaysandwill.Asyouseethosethings,youaresodesperateforGodyougladly and diligently do businesswithHim, repenting and considering deeplyhowtochangeandadoptnewpatternsofthought,behavior,andmotive.Asyouembrace the changes that God’s Spirit inspires within you, you are actuallybecomingmore likeJesus.Or toput itanotherway,you’rebuyinggold in thefire.

It says we “buy” this gold because the pricetag is steep. The price isendurance.IfwecontinuetopressintoGodinthesecretplace—whenourlegsare crying out that they cannot take another step and when our lungs arescreeming at us to relax the pace—then we will buy this gold. We will bechangedintotheimageofChristinthemidstofthefire.Wewilllosethingsintheprocess,butwhatwegainwillbesopreciousthatwewillconsiderall thatwelosttoberubbish(Philippians3:8).

Whenyou’reinthefire,it’simportanthowyoucometotheword.Beforethe firehitmy life, Iwouldcome to theword to findgood fodder to feed theflock Iwas pastoring; after the fire hitmy life, I came to theword to be fedmyself.

James 1:22-25 likensGod’sword to amirror.We are usingGod’swordproperlywhenwecometoitandallowittomirrorbacktousthethingsweneedtoseeandchangewithinourselves.Thewordwasneverintendedforustocometo it for a thirdparty.Itwaswritten thatwemight lookinto itforourselves, see the standardsofChrist reflectedbacktous,andembraceSpirit-empoweredchange.

Thefirehasawayofmakingyouadoerofthewordandnotjustaheareronly.YoubecomedesperateforawordfromGod,andthenwhenitcomes,youcling to it like it’s your very life source. When the fire hits your life, yourconcernisnotwhetheryourneighborislookingintothemirrorofthewordandthenforgettingaboutit;yourconcernisprimarilythatyoulookintothewordand not forget. But then something amazing happens. When you share withothershow thewordmirroredyourown shortcomings andhowyoubecameadoerofthewordinthemidstofthefire,yourwitnesswillhaveaprofoundeffectuponyourhearers.Theywillbefedbyyourwitnessofwhathasfedyou.

Thesecretplaceistheonlywayyou’llsurvivethefire.Andthesecretofthethingis,God’swordflowingintoyouwillnotonlyenableyoutosurvive,itwill empower you to overcome and buy eternal treasure. The secret place isGod’sATM,theplacewhereyougainaccesstothecoffersofheaven.Godhasgreatunderstandingintothispowerfullittlesecret,whichiswhyHeismercifulenoughtosendthefireinanswertoyourprayers.IfyouwillcrytoHimfromthedepthsofyourbeing,Hewillsendexactlytherightkindoffireyouneedatthismomentinyourjourney.ThisfirewillpressyouintothemirrorofHiswordthatyoumightbegintobuythegoldof“refinedcharacter.”

Just yourdiligence to carefully read this book is doing somethingwithinyou.Youarebeingfilledwithhopeandenergizedwithfreshpurpose.Youaregaining renewed impetus to press into God. Your weakened knees and limphandsaregainingstrength,andyou’reacquiringnewmomentuminyourpursuitofGod.You’regettingit.You’rerunningintothesecretplace!

36TheSecretofInvitingHisGazeTheLORD is inHis holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven;His

eyesbehold,Hiseyelidstestthesonsofmen.The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves

violenceHissoulhates.UponthewickedHewillraincoals;fireandbrimstoneandaburningwindshallbetheportionoftheircup.FortheLORDisrighteous,Helovesrighteousness;Hiscountenancebeholdstheupright(Psalm11:4-7).

Godscrutinizesmankindwithfocusedintensity.Hecaresintenselyforusand about us.He studies our responses andweighs our attitudes.He is vitallyconcernedoverourwelfareandiscommittedtojudgingusjustlyforeverywordanddeed.

WecandonothingtoavoidHisgaze;however,itispossibletoinviteHimtoanevengreaterattentivenessofourlives.Whywouldwewanttodosuchathing?SimplybecauseHisgaze is reflectiveofHis favor.When, in theabovepassage, it says, “His countenance beholds the upright,” you can replace theword“countenance”with“favor” (seePsalm44:3).He lookswith favor upontheupright.Toputitanotherway,ifHelikesyou,Helooksatyou.

TheLordhassaidtous,“‘ButonthisonewillIlook:onhimwhoispoorandofacontrite spirit, andwho tremblesatMyword’” (Isaiah66:2).When Iread thosewordsmyheartmoveswithinme, “That’sme,Lord, I’mpoor andcontrite,andItrembleatYourword.Oh,thatYouwouldlookuponmeinthisway!”

God is on a holy search. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and frothroughout thewhole earth, to showHimself strongon behalf of thosewhoseheart is loyal toHim” (2Chronicles 16:9).God is looking for theperfect andloyalheart,andwhenHefindsit,Hiseyesceasetheirsearching,andtheyboredown with great fascination and excitement upon the one who loves Him so

devoutly.ThosewhocomeundersuchintensescrutinygaingreatfavorfromtheLord. He releases abundant portions of mercy, faith, grace, compassion,revelation,wisdom,might,anddeliverancetothosewhoseheartisloyaltoHim.

Wise believers—those who have come to value thetrue treasuresof thekingdom—willpant for thiskindofattention. They’ll stand and wave and cry, “Here, Lord, I’m over here!Come,Lord,andsetYourgazeuponme!”Reclusingtothesecretplaceislikepainting a huge bull’s eye on yourself. You’remaking a statement to heaven,“Lord,hereIam.Havemercyuponme,andvisitme.LiftupthelightofYourcountenanceandlookuponme,OLord!”

Nowhere’sthetrickypart:withHisfavorcomesHisfire.WhenHelooksuponyouforgood,itiswitheyesablaze.Hisfieryeyescan’tbuttestyou.God’sfire is heartwarming and impassioning, but it’s also calculatedly volatile anddangerously consuming.When God’s fire explodes in your life, you can restassuredHeisbeholdingyouveryclosely.Heissquintingatyou,searchingyouwithHis eyelids, testingyour every response.He is testingyou to see if yourheartwillremainloyaltoHimthroughthescrutiny.Ifyoupersevere,HedesignstoshowHimselfstrongonyourbehalf(2Chronicles16:9).

The saint who is walking this thing out with God can appear ratherambivalent.Atfirstheiscryingout,“Searchme,OGod,andknowmyheart;tryme, and know my anxieties” (Psalm 139:23). But then God’s fire hits—whooooooossh! Quickly the saint changes his tune, and his prayer soundsmorelikethatofJob:

“Whatisman,thatYoushouldexalthim,thatYoushouldsetYourheartonhim,thatYoushouldvisithimeverymorning,andtesthimeverymoment?Howlong?Will You not look away from me, and let me alone till I swallow mysaliva?HaveIsinned?WhathaveIdonetoYou,Owatcherofmen?WhyhaveYousetmeasYourtarget,sothatIamaburdentomyself?”

(Job7:17-20).WedesireHisgaze, but thenwhenweget it,wedon’twant it anymore!

“WillYounotlookawayfromme,andletmealonetillIswallowmysaliva?”TheLordispatientwithus,however,andHegivesustimetoprocessandadjust.Overtime,thesaintslowlybeginstorealizethatthealternativeisfarworse.

Oh, the horror of God turning His eyes away from us! It was an awfuldeclaration of judgment when God said, “‘I will hide My face from them’”(Deuteronomy 32:20). Lord,we cannot even begin to imagine such darkness!

No,Lord,donotturnawayfromus!EventhoughitmeansthefireofYoureyes,look upon us for good. Our hearts are returning to our first prayer whichwereallymeantallalong.Lookonus,visitus,cometous,Oconsumingfire!

IhavehadsuchsweetmeditationinconsideringtheintenseconcentrationofGod’sattentionuponourlives.Heismorefocusedonme,eventhoughIamone among billions, than I could ever be capable of reciprocating.WhenmymindwandersfromaconsciousfocusupontheLord,andIamdistractedbytheaffairs of everyday life, upon returning to Christ in my thoughts comes thisawesomerealization:Hewasthereallalong,waitingformythoughtstoreturntoHim!Heisneverdisconnectedordistractedawayfromme,notevenforasplitsecond. Themomentmymind turns toHim,His Spirit immediately connectswithmyspiritandourfellowshipcontinues,unbroken.Iaminaweofthistruth:Heneverstopsthinkingaboutme!Histhoughtsaremorethanthesandsoftheseashore(Psalm139:18),andHeknowsthateveryoneofthemisforapeacefulandhopefulfuture(Jeremiah29:11).Suchknowledgeistoowonderfulforme.

“‘ForIwillsetMyeyesonthemforgood,andIwillbringthembacktothisland;Iwillbuildthemandnotpullthemdown,andIwillplantthemandnotpluckthemup’”(Jeremiah24:6).

WhatcanIsaytosuchkindness,Lord?Hereismysimpleprayer:“Lookuponmeandbemercifultome,asYourcustomistowardthosewholoveYourname”(Psalm119:132).

There is a place of rich affection where, in the quiet of our garden, weinvokethegazeofourBeloved.(Thesecretofthischapteristuckedawayrighthere.) We have knowledge, we understand what we’re saying, but we say itanyways.“FixYoureyesonme,altogetherLovelyOne!”SucharesoluteheartgainsHis extravagant response, “‘Youhave ravishedMyheart,My sister,Myspouse; you have ravished My heart with one look of your eyes’” (Song ofSolomon4:9).Eyeslocked,heartsburning...thisisthesecretplace.

37TheSecretoftheCrossPsalm91:1pointsdirectlytothecrossofJesusChrist:“Hewhodwellsin

thesecretplaceoftheMostHighshallabideundertheshadowoftheAlmighty.”You can not draw closer to the shadow of GodAlmighty than when you arehuggingthecross.Thecross’sshadowisthesaint’shome.

Thecrossisthesafestplaceonearth.Itistheplacewherethemostviolentwindswillwhipyoursoul,butalsowhereyouwillenjoythegreatestimmunityfrom Satan’s devices. By embracing the cross, you are dying to everymechanism in your soul that Satan can use against you. The highest painproduces the highest freedom. There is no strategy against crucified saintsbecausetheydonotlovetheirlivesevenuntodeath.

Wemustreturntothecrossintentionallyandcontinually.Weknowthatweare crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), but self has an uncanny way ofcrawlingoffthecrossandassertingitself.Thecrucifixionoftheself-lifeisnotan achievement but a process: We die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). AsGethsemane’sgardenofprayerpreparedJesustoembraceHiscross, thesecretplace iswherewe reiterate our “yes” to the Father to suffer according toHiswill.

Inourdailypilgrimagetothesecretplace,wewrapourselvesaroundHisrugged tree, gaze upon His wounds, and once again die to ourselves.Weaccept the nails in our hands that curtail our freedoms,andwesurrendertothenailsinourfeetthatimmobilizeusand restrict ouroptions.We allow the suffering of the flesh tocleanseusfromsin(1Peter4:1).Withdignity,webearthehonoroffillingupinourfleshwhat isyet lackingwithregard to theafflictionsofChrist (Colossian1:24).

Manypeopleseethecrossastheplaceofpainandrestriction,andthatis

true.Butitissomuchmore!Thecrossistheplaceofabsolutelove.ThecrossistheFathersayingtotheworld,“ThisishowmuchIloveyou!”ThecrossistheSonsayingtotheFather,“ThisishowmuchIloveYou!”Andthecrossis thebridesayingtoherBridegroom,“ThisishowmuchIloveYou!”

The cross is consummate passion poured forth.When Christ calls us toshareHiscross,Heinvitesustothehighestintimacy.ThewoodthatholdsHishandsnowholdsourhands.ThenailthatbindsHisfeettothewillofGodcriss-crossesthenailthatimpalesourfeettothatsamewill.Herewehang,twoloverson opposite sides of one cross, our hearts almost touching except for theseparatingwood.Thisisourmarriagebed.“HereIgivetoTheemylove.”

AsyouhangwithHimhere,even thoughyourvision iscloudedandyoucannotseeHisface,yetifyoulistenyouwillhearHisvoice.WithsevenwordsHewouldguideyouthroughthisdarknightofyoursoul.

“Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheydo”(Luke23:34).Jesus begins by showing you the way of forgiveness toward those who

havewrongedyou.Thiswill be the first great hurdle youmust cross, for youhave trulybeenviolated.Youhavebeenwoundedin thehouseofyourfriends(Zechariah13:6).But forgiveness is theonlywayyouwillmove forward intoGod’spurposes.

“Assuredly, I say to you, today youwill bewithMe in Paradise” (Luke23:43).

Whileyouragonyisfreshandraw,theLordassuresyouthatyournameiswritten in heaven, and for this alone you can rejoice. The assurance of Hiseternalcompanionshipcarriesyouinthismoment.

When Jesus therefore sawHis mother, and the disciple whomHe lovedstandingby,HesaidtoHismother,“Woman,beholdyourson!”ThenHesaidtothedisciple,“Beholdyourmother!”(John19:26-27).

Thechurch(representedbythewoman)isactuallytoldbyJesustolookatyou in your suffering. “Beholdyour son!”Other believerswill lookuponyouwithreproach,misunderstanding,perplexity,andinnerjudgments.AndthenHesaystoyou,“Beholdyourmother,thechurch.”Thisisatimeforyoutolookatthe church and see her as you’ve never seen her before. You will gain greatwisdom in this season if you will behold the church without any root ofbitternessinyourheart.Whatyouseenowwillhelpyoutoserveherintimestocome.

“MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveYouforsakenMe?”(Matthew27:46).You have just endured Jesus’ three hours of silence on the cross, in the

darkness.Now,Jesusdirectsyoutothisprayerofdereliction.Youfindyourselfcrying to God from the honest depths of your soul. You ask all the “why”questions.EventhoughyouknowHeissoveryclosetoyou,itseemsthatGodhasforsakenyou.Thehighestintimacyismixedwiththedeepestabandonment.Youdonotunderstandwhythecrucibleseemsinterminable.

“Ithirst!”(John19:28).RatherthancursingGodinyourdarkness,youthirstforHimandlongfor

Himmorethanever!Youhavecomethroughthecrucifixionandyoustandattheendofitandsay,“IstillwantYou,Lord!Youaremyverylife!”

“Itisfinished!”(John19:30).This is themomentyou’vebeen longingfor, that timewhenJesuswould

indicate that the trial is completed, finished.TheworkofGod intended in thecrucibleisfinallycomplete.

“Father,‘intoYourhandsIcommitMyspirit’”(Luke23:46).Jesusgentlycoachesyou toabandonyourself completely to thehandsof

your beloved Father.As you lay down your life,He takes theprofound death that has worked itself in you andtransforms it into resurrection life. You are joined toChristinHisdeath,Hisburial,andHisresurrection!

UnparalleledaffectionisreservedforthosewhosharethiscrosswiththeirBeloved.Thisisthesecretplace.HereexchangedarethefathomlesspassionsoftheEternalGodwithHisselectpartner.“‘Greaterlovehasnoonethanthis,thantolaydownone’slifeforhisfriends’”(John15:13).ShesharesinHislife,Hisdeath,andHisresurrection.“Forifwehavebeenunitedtogetherinthelikenessof His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection”(Romans6:5).Theydoitall,together.Nothingcanseparatethesetwo—neitherdeath nor life nor height nor depth. Their hearts are forever entwined in thepassionstoryoftheuniverse.Heishers,andsheisHis(SongofSolomon6:3).This is extravagant love—no length spared, no part withheld—for the crossempowers total abandonment. Every “yes” of this secret place fuels renewedexchangeofexclusivedevotion.Anythingforlove!

Comeaside to thedesolatehillofcrucifixion.Say“yes”oncemore.Feelthecramping;sighandgroan.JoinyoursufferingSavior.DrinkofHiscup,allofit.AnddiscoverthesecretofeverlastingloveintheshadowoftheAlmighty.

I take,Ocross, thyshadowFormyabidingplaceIasknoothersunshinethanThesunshineofHisfaceContenttolettheworldgobyToknownogain

norlossMysinfulselfmyonlyshameMygloryallthecross.(ElizabethC.Clephane,PublicDomain)

38TheSecretofRestAndHesaid to them,“Comeasidebyyourselves toadesertedplaceand

restawhile”(Mark6:31).

The journeygets longforallofus.Everyoneofus,withoutexception,needstofindthatplaceofcomingasidetoberefreshedintheplaceofrest.

Jesus said that He came to give us rest (Matthew 11:28), and yet weChristians are some of the most worn out people on the planet. Hebrews 4clearlystatesthereisarestthatremainsforGod’speople,butit’sverypossibletomissit.God’srestisavailablebutnotguaranteed.There’ssomethingwemustdotoenterthisrest(Hebrews4:11).

Thosewhoneglectthesecretplacealwaysseemtostrugglewithstressanddemands. Their lives tend toward a constant flurry of incessant activity. Jesusdesigned that there be a portion of our day whenwe just STOP.Stop thefrenetic pace, get off themerry-go-round, and calmourheartsintheloveofGod.

God’srestisuncoveredthroughadiligentpursuitofthesecretplace.TherestofGodcanbefoundonlyinceasingfromallourownworksandlearningtojust “be” in the presence of the Lord (Hebrews 4:10). Here is our source ofrejuvenation,revitalization,invigoration,andrenewal.

God instituted the Sabbath (one day of rest out of seven) for severalreasons, but one of the most compelling reasons is found in Exodus 31:13,“‘Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: “SurelyMy Sabbaths you shallkeep,foritisasignbetweenMeandyouthroughoutyourgenerations,thatyoumayknowthatIamtheLORDwhosanctifiesyou.”’”Godwassaying,“Whenyousetasideadayeachweekforworshipandrest,youareafragrancetome,separate(sanctified)fromallthepeoplesoftheearth.Alltheotherpeoplesworkhard,sevendaysaweek, trying togetaheadandestablish their lot in life.Butyouaredifferent.YouhavefaithtobelievethatIcanblessyoumoreinsixdays

oflaborthantheheathencangleaninsevendaysoflabor.YourhonoringoftheSabbath is proof toMe that you believe inMy provision, and it’s a stunninggarment thatsetsyouapart fromthestrivingsofallotherpeoplesof theearth.YourrestinMylovingkindnessmakesyoubeautifulinMysight!”

TheSabbath is to theweekas the secret place is totheday.WhatImeanis,evenastheSabbathwasanappointeddayofrestinthecourseofahardworkingweek,thesecretplaceisanappointedplaceofrestin the course of a busyday.Our commitment to the secret place sets us apart(sanctifiesus)beforeGodfromtheunbelievingwhodonothonorGodatallintheirday.WhenwetakeanhourtocommunewithourLordandberenewedinHisrest,wedemonstrateourfaiththatGodcanempowerustobemoreeffectivein23hoursofSpirit-filledservicethanthe24hoursthattheworldhaswithoutHisindwellingpresence.

WhatcouldbemoreenergizinginthecourseofabusydaythantostopandgazeuponthegloryofHisenthronedmajesty?Lookat theeffect thisgloriousemployment has upon the living creatures in heaven’s throneroom: “The fourlivingcreatures,eachhavingsixwings,werefullofeyesaroundandwithin.Andtheydonotrestdayornight,saying:‘Holy,holy,holy,LordGodAlmighty,whowasand isand is tocome!’” (Revelation4:8).Howis it that theydonot rest?Are theynever tired?No, theydonotwearyofgazingupon thebeautyof theLord for they are living in the place of eternal rejuvenation. Instead of tiringfromtheirservicetoGod,theyareactuallyenergizedandmadealivebyit.

Theycherishthissecret,andwouldtoGodthatwewouldlearnit!Itistheunderstanding that spending time in His presence does not diminish ourproductivityinlife,butratherbecomesthewellspringfromwhichflowsSpirit-empoweredeffectivenessandfruitfulness.Itistheonlyabodeoftruerest.

Thankyou,Lord,forprovidingawayforustosurrendertheburdensandstressesof everyday life andbe renewed inYourpresence.ThankYou for theprivilege of burning with fiery affection before the glory of Your ineffablesplendor.ThankYou for the rest that empowers us to complete themarathon.ThankYou,Lord,forthesecretplace!

PartIVSeekingADeeperRelationshipSecretsoftheSecretPlaceInSectionIII,welookedatsecretsthatwillempower

us to endure to the very end of the race. And now wecometothebestpartofthisbook!Inthisfinalsection,wewill explore valuable truths that have the potential toigniteustonewdimensionsofintimacywithChristJesus.

39TheSecretofPursuingTrueRichesThe spirit of wisdom has given us the highest counsel, tucked away

quietlyinthebookofProverbs:Getwisdom!Getunderstanding!.Wisdomistheprincipalthing;therefore

getwisdom.Andinallyourgetting,getunderstanding(Proverbs4:5,7).The secret place is pursued by those with an eye for enduring spiritual

treasure. Time spent elsewheremight enable us to earnwealth on the earthlyplane,butfromaneternalperspectivetherearethingswevaluesomuchmore,suchaswisdom,understanding, and theknowledgeofChrist.WisepeopleareseekersofGod!

Whenwe seek to “getwisdom,”we are pursuing JesusHimself becausewisdom is a Person (1 Corinthians 1:30). We are also pursuing Holy Spiritfullness, for wisdom is a Spirit (Isaiah 11:2). Joseph andDaniel are grippingexamplesofmenwho, through theirpursuitof theHolySpirit,displayedsuchremarkablewisdomthat thegreatestkingsof theearthbrought theminto theircouncils(Genesis41:38;Daniel5:11).Theydiscoveredthatwisdomtrulyis tobevaluedabovegoldandsilver.

What does it mean to be a person of wisdom and understanding? TheansweristobefoundinPsalm14:2,“TheLORDlooksdownfromheavenuponthechildrenofmen,toseeifthereareanywhounderstand,whoseekGod.”Thelast twophrasesof thisversearea“Hebrewparallelism”; inotherwords,bothphrasesmeantheexactsamething.Thus,“anywhounderstand”meansthesamethingas“anywhoseekGod.”Therefore,“tounderstand”means“toseekGod.”People of understanding seek God. Those with even half a brain will devotethemselvestoanabandonedpursuitofGod.Peoplewhodon’tseekGodsimplydon’t get it.They’redull andobtuse, playing the fool (see thepreviousverse,Psalm14:1).

People of understanding—God seekers—have come to understand thenatureoftruespiritualtreasure.Thewiseknowwherethe“realmoney”is!By

looking at what Jesusmeans by “true riches,” I hope I can stir your heart topursuethegreatestrichesofthekingdom.

Jesustalksaboutthese“trueriches”whenHesays,“‘Thereforeifyouhavenotbeenfaithfulintheunrighteousmammon,whowillcommittoyourtrustthetrue riches?’” (Luke 16:11). In the surrounding verses, Jesus is calling Hisfollowerstoresponsiblemanagementoffinancialresources.Heissayingthatifwearenotfoundfaithfulinourhandlingofunrighteousearthlymoney,thenGodwill not entrust us with true riches. So the question is, what are those “trueriches?”Aretheypositionsofinfluenceandministryeffectiveness?Aretheytheentrustment of oversight over eternally precious human souls? Those answersholdportionsoftruth,buttheyarenotthehighestanswer.

The highest answer is found later on in the New Testament when Paulwroteunderdivineinspiration,“ForitistheGodwhocommandedlighttoshineoutofdarkness,whohasshoneinourheartstogivethelightoftheknowledgeof the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure inearthenvessels,thattheexcellenceofthepowermaybeofGodandnotofus”(2Corinthians4:6-7). Sowhat is “this treasure” towhich Paul refers? It is, “thelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist.”Simplyput,thetreasureistheknowledgeofChrist.This isaffirmed inColossians2:3whenPaul, speakingofChrist,wrote, “Inwhomarehiddenallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge.”Sothe“trueriches”ofLuke16:11arethewisdomandknowledgeofChrist.

Jesus disdains earthly riches. But He extols the true eternal riches ofknowingGod.Whenwearefaithfulwithunrighteousmoney,wequalifyfortherevelationofthebeautyofthegloriousSonofGod,theManChristJesus.

True riches are the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God theFather,God theSon, andGod theHolySpirit. Ifwehaveevenamodicumofsensewithinus,wewillpursuetheknowledgeofGodwithabandonment.Andthat’swherethesecretplacecomesin!It’shere—withthewordopenbeforeus,withhearts tenderizedby theSpirit,andwithaspiritualappetite thatpants forthe foodof heaven—thatwepeer into thebeauties of holiness in order to seeHimmoreclearlyandknowHisways.OursoulsechothecryofMosesoflongago,“‘Nowtherefore,Ipray,ifIhavefoundgraceinYoursight,showmenowYour way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight’”(Exodus33:13).

The Lord’s kindness has promised, “I will give you the treasures ofdarkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the

LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 45:3).Originally, this was a promise to Cyrus that he would uncover the hiddentreasures thatwereburied inEgypt’spyramids.Applied tous today, this is theLord’sassurancethattherearegreatrichestobeminedinthesecretplacesoftheMostHigh.Ferretout thenuggetshiddenin thedarkrecessesofGod’srichly-ladenword!

Lord,helpustovaluethetreasuresthatarehiddeninYou,andgrantustheappetite to seekYouaccordingly.Giveus the spirit ofwisdomand revelation,that the eyes of our understandingmight be enlightened, thatwemight knowYou!

“Therefore Ialso.donotcease togive thanksforyou,makingmentionofyou inmyprayers: that theGodofourLord JesusChrist, theFatherofglory,maygivetoyouthespiritofwisdomandrevelationin theknowledgeofHim,the eyesofyourunderstandingbeing enlightened; that youmayknowwhat isthehopeofHiscalling,whataretherichesofthegloryofHisinheritanceinthesaints,andwhatistheexceedinggreatnessofHispowertowarduswhobelieve”(Ephesians1:15-19).

40TheSecretofBeholdingJesusSome readers come to the Bible to gain insight or to learn truths and

principles.However, coming to theBiblewithyourheadcan leaveyourheartuntouched.ThereissomuchmoretogainfromtheScripturesthantruthaboutGod.YoucangainGodHimself!The true richesare tobe found inbeholdingandknowingtheLordJesusChrist.

ThePhariseesmadeadeadlyerrorinhowtheyapproachedtheScriptures.TheydissectedScripture cognitively, but theydidn’t seek theheart behind thetruthsrevealed,andthustheycametoknowtheBookbutnottheAuthor.ThisiswhatJesusmeantwhenHesaidtothem,“‘YousearchtheScriptures,forinthemyouthinkyouhaveeternallife;andthesearetheywhichtestifyofMe.Butyouare not willing to come to Me that you may have life’” (John 5:39-40).EverythingintheScriptureswasscreamingatthePharisees,“SeeJesusasyouread,seeJesus!”,buttheymissedit.

TheScriptureshavealwaysbeenintendedtodirectourheartstoaPerson.Paulsaidthat“thepurposeofthecommandmentislove”(1Timothy1:5);thatis, theentirepurposeof theOldTestamentwas toenflametheheartsofGod’speople for thebeautyofHis face.Theygot hungup, however, ondogmaandcreedandmissedthelivingrelationshipthatGodlongedtohavewiththem.

Jesus’ words to the Pharisees raise a frighteningpossibility:WecanreadtheBibleavidlyandnevergettoknow theLord.Even though Jesus is pointed to on almost every singlepage, it’s possible to read the words and never develop a burning-heartrelationshipwithHim.JesuswassayingweoughtnotcometotheScripturestogainknowledgeaboutaBook; rather,weought to come to theScriptures togainknowledgeaboutaPerson.TheLivingWorddesires tomeetus in theWrittenWord,ifwewillbutcometoHiminthereading.

Here’s the secret: Your reading in the word can be adynamicandlivingencounterwiththepersonoftheLordJesusChrist!Don’tcometothewordoutofasenseofrotedutytoknockoffyourdailyquotaofchapters;don’tcomemerelytomasterspiritualprinciplesor togleanclever insights; come togazeupon themajestyandmysteryof thealtogetherLovelyOne,theOnewhohascapturedyourheart!Hewaitsforyoubehind the veil,watching to reward thosewho pant and yearn forHim as forspringsoflivingwater.ComewithacryinyourhearttoseeHimandknowHim.Witha tinybreathofHisSpiritonasinglewordofScripture,HecansetyourheartracingwithfreshrevelationofHispowerandglory.

WhenJesusjoinedupwiththetwodisciplesontheroadtoEmmausafterHisresurrection,HebegantoexplaintothemhowHewasthecentralthemeoftheScriptures.Imaginethegloryofthisencounter—JesusrevealingJesustothehuman spirit from the written word! Little wonder that those disciples laterrecalled,“‘DidnotourheartburnwithinuswhileHetalkedwithusontheroad,andwhileHeopenedtheScripturestous?’”(Luke24:32).It’stheopeningoftheScripturesconcerningChrist to the thirstysoul, through thepowerof theHolySpirit,thatgivestheburningheart.Thisisthegreatpursuitofthesecretplace!

Jesuschided theSadduceeswith this indictment,“‘Youaremistaken,notknowing the Scriptures nor the power of God’” (Matthew 22:29). Thissuggestionsthreesadpossibilities:

•WecanknowtheScripturesbutnotthepowerofGod.•WecanknowthepowerofGodbutnottheScriptures.•WecanknowneithertheScripturesnorthepowerofGod.Myheartcriesout,“IwanttoknowYou,Lord!IwanttobeholdYouin

YourScriptures.IwanttoknowYouandthefullnessofYourpower!ManifestYourselftomeinYourword,OmyLord!”Itisbecauseofthisheart-crythatIrun into the secret place. I long for Him so much that I am lovesick withunfulfilleddesires.“Oh,whenwillYoucometome?”

My experience has been that I don’t get to know Jesus better in prayer.PrayeriswhereIexpressmyloveaccordingtohowIhavecometoknowHim.Prayer is love exchanged. But if I am to come to know Himbetter, ImustapproachHiswordandbeholdHimthere.To know more of Christ requires revelation, and

revelationusuallyrequiresmeditationintheword.“Butweall,withunveiledface,beholdingasinamirrorthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasbytheSpiritoftheLord”(2Corinthians3:18).

Oh,howwelongtobeholdHim!Iconsider,withacertainkindofenvy,thelivingcreatureswhodonotturnfromfacingstraightaheadnomatterwheretheygo (Ezekiel 1:12-17). Whether they go up or down, left or right, forward orbackwards, their faces are constantly facing straight forward—at the throne!They have the glorious privilege of ever gazing upon the beauty of theKing.Lord,thisishowIwanttolivemylife,too.Thatnomatterwhere

I go and what I do, my face might be fastened upon the throne andbeholdingtheradianceofmybelovedLord.

ThemoreIseeofJesusinHisword,themoreIrealizethatHeisnothinglikeme.ButwhenIseeHiminHisuniqueness,thisistheverythingthatdrawsmemostpassionatelyintoHisheart.I’vediscoveredthatIamnaturallyattractedtothatwhichisdifferentfromme(asthesayinggoes,oppositesattract).JesusisstunninginHissingularbeautyandmatchlessmajesty.Andoh,whataprivilegeIhave—tocometothesecretplaceandgazeuponHimintheScriptures,foreverfascinatedwiththeadventureofgrowingintheknowledgeofHimwhodiedforme!

41TheSecretofStandingWhen you retreat to the secret place, you are standing in the Spirit

togetherwithallthesaintsontheseaofglassandgazingupontheOnewhoisseatedonthethrone(Revelation15:2).Eventhoughyoureyesareveiledsoyoucan’t see Him with the natural eye, you are still standing directly before thethrone!ThehighestprivilegeofallcreationistostandbeforethelivingfireofGod’spresenceandburnwithholyaffectionsforyourFatherandKing.Standinghere is your eternal destiny, and you can taste a bit of heaven on earth byshuttingyourdoorandstandingbeforeyourGodinthebeautyofholiness.

Your scheduledoesn’twant to letyoustandhere;workdemandsmilitateagainst you standing here; hells wars against you standing here. But you areawakenedtothebeautiesofholiness,andnowyoulongtocomeasideandstandinHispresence.Justtostand;andhavingdoneall,tostand!

To stand, despite the warfare; to stand, despite the resistance; to stand,despite the hassles; to stand, despite the weariness; to stand, despite thedistresses;tostand,despitethetemptations;tostand,despitepersonalfailureandcollapse; to stand, despite the grief; to stand, despite the loneliness; to stand,evenwhenchained;justtostand!

To stand, because of the cross; to stand, because of the Lamb; to stand,becauseofHisaffections;tostand,becauseofHisacceptance;tostand,becauseof His mighty power within; to stand, because of fountains of living waterflowingupfromtheinnermostbeing;tostand,becauseofHissurpassingbeautyandgreatness;tostand,becauseofHiseternalpurpose;tostand,becauseofHiseverlastingmercies;tostand,becauseoflove;justtostand!

ThejobdescriptionfortheLevitesisstillapplicabletoustoday:“AtthattimetheLORDseparatedthetribeofLevitobearthearkofthecovenantoftheLORD,tostandbeforetheLORDtoministertoHimandtoblessinHisname,tothisday”(Deuteronomy10:8).Oneofourprimeresponsibilities

(andprivileges!)istostandbeforetheLordtoministertoHim. In the secret place we simply stand. No great agenda, no mightyambitions,norushtomoveontothenextthing.WejuststandbeforeHimandloveHim.

ThereareseasonswhenGodcallsustosimplystand.Wemightprefertheadrenalinofchasingdownagreatcause,butsometimesGodcallsustostopallactivity and just stand. Sometimes He gives us no choice. Occasionally,circumstanceswillconstrainusbeyondourabilitytosteeradifferentcourse,andwe become prisoners to the chains that bind us to God’s will. Incapable ofextricatingourselvesandmovingontothenextthing,allwecandoisstandandburninholyloveforourKing.

It is commonly said, “Don’t juststand there,do something!” Whencircumstances inour lives are careeningoutof control, thegreat temptation—whenyoudon’tknowwhat todo—is todosomething. “God can’t steer astationary vehicle,” they say, “So start moving out onsomething, and letGoddirectyourcourse.”

Thatmaybethewaytogoinsomesituations,butI’vefoundthattheLordhasbeenworkingdifferentlyinmylifeinrecentdays.Heinvertedthatcommonsayingandgaveittomethisway,“Don’tjustdosomething,standthere!”Itcamelikethis:“Whenyoudon’tknowwhattodo,don’tjustdosomething!WaitonMe,standbeforeMe,ministertoMe,until.UntilIspeak.When

Ispeaktoyou,thenyoucanmoveoutinresponse.ButuntilIspeak,juststandthere.”

SoliketheLevitesofold(Deuteronomy10:8),IbearHispresenceonmyshoulders,IstandbeforeHimtoministertoHim,andIblessothersinHisnameasHestrengthensme.“IhavesettheLORDalwaysbeforeme”(Psalm16:8).SoIwillstandbeforeHim,gazeuponHisbeauty,andblessHimwhileIhavemybreath.

TostandbeforeGodinthisway,wecanlearnsomethingfromtheangels.Forexample,lookatGabriel.WhentheangelGabrielcametotellZechariasthathe would father John the Baptist, it was Gabriel’s second appearance inScripture.Actually,Garbriel is seen three times in theBible.He appeared thefirst time toDaniel, and then almost 600 years later he visitedZecharias, andthen he came toMary six months later to announce her impregnation by the

HolySpirit.WhenGabrielcametoZechariaswithGod’smessage,Zechariasdidnot believe hiswords. In response to Zecharias’s unbelief, Gabriel rose up toreinforcethecertaintyofhismessagebydeclaring,“‘IamGabriel,whostandsinthepresenceofGod’”(Luke1:19).

“Sowhatdoyoudo,Gabriel?”wemightask.“IstandinthepresenceofGod.”“Yes,weunderstandthat,butwhatdoyoudo?”“Actually,IstandinthepresenceofGod.”“Yes,yes,Gabriel,weunderstandthat!Butwhatwe’reaskingis,whatdo

youdo??”Gabriel would say, “That’s what I do! I stand in the presence of God. I

stand there,beholdingHismajestyandsplendor,burningwithHisholy flame,andwaituponHimuntilHespeaks.IfHesaysnothing,Ijuststandthere.WhenHegivesmeaword,thenImoveouttofulfillit.ButmostlywhatIdoisIjuststandbeforeGodandwaitonHim.”

BetweenDanielandZechariasisa600-yearperiodduringwhichwehearnothingfromGabriel;thenbetweenZechariasandMarywasa6-monthperiod.Thatwas thebusyseason!WhatdidGabrieldobetweenassignments?He juststoodthere.

I’ve discovered that sometimes God is wasteful. He watches while youcultivateyourgiftsandtalentsandministryabilities,untilyoubecomeafinelytunedpieceofministrypotential.You’rereadytodoexploits!AndthenHetakesthewell-oiledministrymachinethatyou’vebecomeandplacesyouontheshelf—andHesays,“Juststandthere.”

This is what God did with Elijah. Elijah had this expression, “‘As theLORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand’” (1 Kings 17:1). Elijahclaimed,“IstandbeforeGod,that’swhatIdo.”SotheLorddecidedtotesthisclaimbyputtinghimunderhouse arrest for threeyears. In thewidow’shomeduringthefamine,hecouldn’tstickhisheadoutthedoorbecauseeverynationonearthwaslookingforhim.Hewasstuckinthishot,stuffy,bleaklittlehouse.No friends, no visiting prophets, no other voices to comfort or give himperspective.Andthefood?Frycakesforbreakfast,frycakesforlunch,andmoreofthesameforsupper.IcanimagineElijahthinking,“Lord,whydoYouhaveall thisministry potential holed up in thiswidow’s house? Imean, in the lastthreeyearsIcouldhaveraisedupawholegraduatingclassintheSchoolOfTheProphets.Wewouldbetakingthenationsbyforce!Butno,hereIstandandrot!”ButElijahdidn’trespondthatwaybecauseGodhadalreadytaughthimtostand

beforeHim.Sowhenthetimeoftestingcame,ElijahwasabletopersevereandjuststandbeforeHisGodandministertoHim.

The Scriptures show us that God has mighty angels who stand in Hispresence,insomecasesforhundredsofyears,andwaitforHisbidding.Withalltheir strength and might, God just has them standing around the throne andwaiting on Him! If it were a matter of strength, God has all the strength inheavenHeneeds!AndthentheHolySpiritwhisperedtome,“Idon’tneedyourstrength.”Itwasn’tthestrengthoftheeternalSonthatboughtourredemption;itwas the fact thatHewascrucified inweakness thatbroughtus salvation.Goddoesn’t need our strength; He needs our availability.He’s just lookingforustostandinHispresence,gazeuponHim,loveHim,andfulfillHiswordwhenHespeaks.

Areyoubetweenassignments?ThenjuststandbeforeHim,enjoyHim,andletHimenjoyyou!

42TheSecretofBodilyLightWe know that Jesus came to give us light in our spirit, soul, and

understanding.Pleaseconsiderwithme, though, thetruththatHealsocametogiveuslightinourbody.Here’swhereJesustalkedaboutit:

“Noone,whenhehaslitalamp,putsitinasecretplaceorunderabasket,butonalampstand,thatthosewhocomeinmayseethelight.Thelampofthebodyistheeye.Therefore,whenyoureyeisgood,yourwholebodyalsoisfulloflight.Butwhenyoureyeisbad,yourbodyalsoisfullofdarkness.Thereforetakeheedthatthelightwhichisinyouisnotdarkness.Ifthenyourwholebodyisfulloflight,havingnopartdark,thewholebodywillbefulloflight,aswhenthebrightshiningofalampgivesyoulight”(Luke11:33-36).

It’sfascinatingthatJesusspokeofourbodiesasthoughtheycanbefilledwitheitherlightordarkness.TheimplicationsofthistrutharevitallyimportanttoourvictoryandjoyinChrist,andintenselyrelevanttooursecretplace.Ihaveonlyatinybitofinsightintothistruth,soIhopeinthischapterthatImightwhetyourappetitetosearchitoutfurther.

ThereisaplaceinGodwhereourbodiesarefulloflight, where all darkness has been eradicated from ourbodies.This is a place of incredible freedom from temptation. Temptationoftenfindsitspowerinthefactthatitisabletoappealtodarkareaswithinourbody.Whenthebody is fullof light,bodilysins lose theirpoweroverus,andwewalk ina fantasticdimensionofvictory.(WhenIspeakofbodilysins Iamreferring tosins thatwecommitwith our bodies, such as drunkenness, gluttony, fornication, masturbation,viewingpornography,illegaldrugusage,murder,stealing,lying,slander,coarselanguage,etc.)

Howdowegetgreater light intoourbody?Jesusclearlytaughtthat lightcomestothebodythroughtheeye.Agoodeyewillbringlightintothebody;abadeyewillkeeplightout.Thewholethinghastodowiththeeyes.

Ifwe come to the secret placewith a clear and healthy eye, the light ofGod’swordwillpenetrateeveryfacetofourlives,ourbodiesincluded,andwewill become filledwith light in everypart of ourbeing. It is vitally importantwhatwe look at! Ifwe peer into the law of liberty (God’sword),wewill befilledwithilluminationandclarity;ifwelookatthingsthatdefile,wenotonlyfill ourminds with garbage, but we also allow darkness to get established inportionsofourbody.

Guardyoureyes,dearlybeloved!GiveyoureyestoreadingHiswordandbeholding His face. Then, when temptation comes, your body will not befightingagainstyourspirit.Yourbodywillbe inalignmentwith the light,andthe tentacles of lust and greed and angerwill not be able towrap around andenslaveyou.

I was reading a Christian magazine awhile ago in which a reader waswritingabouthisstruggleswithhisthoughtlife.Hewascryingforhelptoknowhowtodobattleagainstlust.Theeditor’sglibresponsewasbasically,“Lightenup; you’re too hard on yourself. There are healthy ways to enjoy beautifulwomen without wanting them.” I was dumbfounded. The editor’s offhandedresponse didn’t even begin to equip the brother for warfare against his innertorment.How I couldhavewished for thisbrother tohear, “Checkyoureyes!Whatareyou lookingat?Areyouspending timegazing into thewordofGodthatyoumightfillyourbodywithlight?”

Whenoureyeisbad,wecancometoGod’swordandstillnotseeanything.Wemustdomorethanstoplookingatthewrongthings—wemust put salve on our eyes so thatwemight see the right things.“‘Anointyoureyeswitheyesalve,thatyoumaysee’”(Revelation3:18).Whatis this eye salve? I believe the salve Jesus referred to is the applicationof thespiritualdisciplinesinourlives—fasting,prayer,studyofScripture,almsgiving,forgiveness, etc. “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening theeyes”(Psalm19:8).AsweapplyourselvestoGod’swordinadisciplined, focused way, our eye will slowly begin toheal and clear up and will begin to allow the light ofChristintoourbodies.

Butvictoryoversinisnotthegreatestrewardofabodyfilledwithlight.Offargreater significance is the intimacywe findwithChrist!Whenourbody isfilledwithlight,ourbodyhascomeintofullalignmentwithGod’skingdomandpurposes. There is nothing within our bodies that is resisting His will. ThisdimensionofcooperationwithGod’spurposesgreatlystrengthensoursenseof“sweet sincerity” before the Lord, and the soul gains great confidence in theLord’sembrace.Withoutimpediment,youarenowaclearchannelofgrace.

Whenyoucome toworship theLordwithabody fullof light,youdon’tneeda“warmup”periodbeforeyou finallyengagewithGod.No,youareon“constanthot”;youarecontinually“fervent inspirit”(Romans12:11);youarereadyatamoment’snoticetosoarintheSpiritwithyourBeloved.

The Lord began the teaching on bodily light by stating howHe handlesthosewhosebodies are filledwith light.He said, “‘Noone,whenhehas lit alamp,putsitinasecretplaceorunderabasket,butonalampstand,thatthosewhocomeinmayseethelight’”(Luke11:33).Jesuswassayingwhenoureyeisgood and our whole body is full of light, we begin to shine with a radiancebeyondwhatwemayevenrealize.We’reablazewithtruth,likeashininglamp!TheLordsayswhenHehassetyouonfirewiththatkindoflight,Hewillnotburyyourlifeinaplaceofobscurityandhiddenness.No,Hewillplacethatkindoflightonalampstand,“‘thatthosewhocomeinmayseethelight.’”

When your body is filled with light, you will knowgreater victory over bodily sins, you will touch deeperdimensions of intimacy with Jesus, and you will begrantedaplaceofgreaterinfluenceinthebodyofChrist.Oh, this is a powerful secret! Put a guard on your eyes! Reserve them forbeholding the glory ofGod and looking intoHiswonderful word. Then yourentirebeingwillradiatethelightandgloryofGod!

43TheSecretofJustLovingHimGodgaveHisonlybegottenSon,andJesusdiedanexcruciatingdeath,all

forlove.ThecentralreasonforthiswholethingbetweenGodandmanislove!Hedidn’tdietoenlistyourstrengthinHisarmy;Healreadyhasall thepowerHeneeds tovanquishevery foe.Hedidn’tdie foryoubecauseHewas lonelyand looking for companionship, for He is surrounded in glory by multipliedmillions of creatures. He didn’t die for you because He was bored and hadnothingbettertodo.Hediedforoneall-encompassingreason,thatHemightmanifest thegraciousnessofHisgloriouslovetous,andinturnreaptheextravagantaffectionsofalovesickbride.Hediditallforlove.

Loveistheprimarystapleofthesecretplace.Soyou’lloftenfindyourselfspendingmostofyourquiettimeinthesimpleexchangeofaffection.You’llfindathousandandmorewaystosay,“IloveYou,”andHe’llamaze you with the creativity and energy with which He’ll reciprocate Hispassionsforyou.

Start your daywith just lovingHim.Your requests canwait; yourBiblestudyingcanwait;yourintercessionscanwait.Beforeanythingelse,giveyourlovetoyourLord.LetHimknowthatloveisthegreatmotivatorofyourheart.“I’m here, Father, because I love You. You are the center of my universe! IhallowandreverenceYourname.IenjoybeingwithYou.”

TheLordhasputHis requirementswithineasy reachofeveryoneofus,regardlessofsocialclass,age,personality,giftings,etc.AllHeasksforislove.Eventhementallyhandicappedareusuallycapableofloving.Loveisthegreatequalizerinthekingdom,puttingusallonthesameplayingfield.Noonehasanadvantageoveranotheringivingandreceivinglove.

Don’tcometoJesusandtrytobeintellectuallystimulatingtoHim.There’s

nothing you could say thatwould causeHim to respond, “Wow, that’s a neatinsight!”YoumayaswellabortallattemptstobecerebralwithJesus;Hesimplydoesn’ttrytoengageusatthatlevel.JustcomeandloveHim.He’slookingforheartfeltsincerity,forvisceralpassion,forauthenticrelationship.Nomatterwhatkindofadullardyouthinkyoumightbe,youcanlove.AndHelovesyou!HeenjoysallofusequallywhenwejustloveHim.

The secret place iswherewe seek to become a better lover ofGod.Wepractice the languageof love;wesurrender to theSpiritof love;wesearchforwaystogiveevenmoreofourheartstoHiminlove.Thishasnothingtodowithyourpersonality.Nomatterhowemotionalornon-emotionalyourtemperament,youcanlove.Andyoucangetbetteratit.“Lord,givemeachildlikesimplicitythatdelightsinyoursimplestblessings.”

ThetimesIenjoymykidsmostarewhentheyareenjoyingmycompanyorexpressingtheiraffectiontome.Whentheydoso,it’sneverwithfancywordsorcareful decorum. They might even be clumsy or unsure of how to expressthemselves.Itmightbethesimplestexpression,ormaybejustakisswithoutanywords whatsoever, but it melts my heart. Lord, grant me the freedom to bechildlikeinYourpresence.

AsyouexpressyourlovetotheLord,youmayfindyourselfinstinctivelywanting to sing to Him. That’s what the secret place is all about! It’s theplace where you can express yourself to your Friendwithoutinhibition,knowingthatHedoesn’tgetdistractedwith your pitch or vibrato or rhythmicmeter;He looksstraightatyourheartandreceivesyoursongasthefinestsolo. There’s an intrinsic bond between music and love. Listen to a radiostation,andyou’lldiscoverthat95%oftheworld’ssongshavetodowithlove.Musicandlovegotogether.That’swhymusicandsingingaresuchanaturalpartof our secret life with God. Let the Spirit carry you away on the winds ofworship, open the inner chambers of your soul, and sing in the Spirit to yourBeloved(Ephesians5:19).LearntosoarinthesongoftheLord!

AsChristdwellsinourheartsthroughfaith,wearerootedandgroundedinlove(Ephesians3:17).AsyougiveyourselftolovingyourLord,youareputtingdownrootsintotheloveofGod.It’stheconfidenceofHisloveforyouthatwillcarry you through the storms of life. Satan wants to blow you over with thewindsofadversity,butyouhavebecomeestablishedandrootedinloveasyou

havepursuedalivingrelationshipwithChristthroughfaith.Nothingcanunsettleyoubecauseyouarenowestablishedinlove.Eventhoughtheloveofmanywillgrowcold(Matthew24:12), itwillnotcomenearyou, foryouare rooted inalovethatwillneverletyougo.

Oh,dear friend,areyouestablished in theFather’s love?AsHisword isopen before you, and as you give your heart toHim, letHim begin to lavishuponyoutheinfiniterichesofHiseternallove.Helovesyouwithaneverlastinglove (Jeremiah 31:3)!He has literally killedHimself to be onewith you.Hisloveissobreathtakingandintoxicatingthatwhenyouarefilledwiththislove,the Scriptures testify that you are being filled with all the fullness of GodHimself (Ephesians 3:16-19). What a glorious adventure, to explore themagnificentrecessesoftheboundlessloveofChrist!

One of the most powerful assurances that I carry in my heart is Psalm91:14, “Because he has set his love uponMe, therefore Iwill deliver him.” Ihave chosen to setmy loveuponHimeveryday, regardless of circumstances,becauseIknowthatHeisworkingeventhedifficultcircumstancestogetherforgood.AsIcometothesecretplaceanddailysetmyaffectionsuponHim,IamestablishedintheconfidencethatHewilldeliverme.

Irememberafive-yearperiodofdarknessduringwhichallIcoulddowasfallonmyfacebeforetheLordandsay,“IloveYou.”

I couldn’t do any spiritual warfare; I couldn’t do any intercession; Icouldn’tfightanybattles.AllIcoulddowaslove.Inretrospect,InowrealizeIwas exercising themost powerful form ofwarfare possible. Love is themostpowerfulforceintheuniverse.WhenyousimplyreleaseyourlovetoyourLord,youaresteppingintothedimensionwhereGodworksonbehalfofHislovedones. Ihopeyou’re latchingonto this awesome secret. Just loveHim!Open the alabaster jar of your heartandpouryourselfuponHisfeetinlovingadoration.You’llunlockthepassionsofheavenandbe lifted intonewdimensionsofblessedcommunionwithyourLoverandFriend.

44TheSecretofBeingKnownSomeoneonceasked,“DoyouknowGod?”Butthere’saquestionthatis

far more important: Does God know you? The issue on the great day ofjudgmentwillnotbewhetheryouknowGodbutwhetherGodknowsyou.

Manywill claim to knowGod in the day of judgment. Theywill say toHim, “Lord, Lord, I know You! I have prophesied in Your name, cast outdemonsinYournameanddonemanywondersinYourname.IateanddrankinYourpresence,andYoutaughtinourstreets.IswearIdoknowYou!”

But tosomeof themHewill reply,“Idon’tknowyou,andIdon’tknowwhere you’re from. In fact, Ineverknew you. Depart from Me, you whopracticelawlessness!”(SeeMatthew7:21-23andLuke13:25-27.)

No words could possibly be more terrifying to hear! How horrifying tothinkyouknowGod,onlytodiscoverthatHedoesn’tknowyou!Theissuesatrisk here are of eternal consequence. There can be no more fundamentallyimportantquestionthanthis:WhatmustIdotobeknownbyGod?

The answer has everything to do with my secret life with God.Hewantsmetoenterthesecretplace,sitbeforeHim,removeeveryfagadeandmaskofpretense,andrevealtoHimtheinnermostsecretsofmyheart.HewantsmetounveilmyfacebeforeHim(2Corinthians3:18)and letHimsee the realme.Thegood, thebad, theugly—allof it.Hewantsme to loveHimwithoutwithholdinganypartofmybeing.Hewants a relationshipwithme that is based in total transparencyandhonesty.IamchangingmoreandmoreintotheimageofChrist,butduringtheprocessIallowHimtoseethenakedtruthofmybrokennessandcarnality.

“But,”someonemightcounter,“IthoughtGodknowseverythingaboutusanyways!”

True,Hedoes.But justbecauseHeseescertaindark rooms inourheartsdoesn’t mean we’ve invited His light into those dark rooms. The humantendencyistohideandcoverup.IfwetrytohideourtrueconditionfromHim,notonlydowedeceiveourselves,butwealsoholdourselvesbackfrombeingknown byHim.WhenHe saysHe knows us,Hemeans thatwe have invitedHim into every part of our thoughts, motives, desires, and actions.When weinviteHimin,HereleasesHisgracetoempowerustoovercomesinfulpatternsthathadpreviouslyseemedunconquerable.

JudasIscariotservesasacompellingexampleofamanwhowasincrediblyclose toJesusbutyetdidn’tallowJesus into thesecretsofhisheart.Hehadamajorproblemwith stealing,butHe refused toconfess it andbring it into thelight.Jesusgavehimmultipleopportunitiesoverathree-yearperiodtoopenup,but Judas repeatedly chose to hide, hide, hide. Eventually Satan was able toreach into that stronghold in Judas’s life and yank him to his destruction.Judas illustrates the terrifying truth that it’s possible tospendlotsoftimeinthepresenceofJesusandstillnotbeknownbyHim.

Jesus can handle the confessions of our actual struggles; what He can’thandleiswhenwehidethemandpretendtheydon’texist.Thesecretplaceisnoplace for secrets. It’s the place for total honesty and full disclosure.Whenwerevealourstruggles,Hereleasesthegracetohelpuschange.ThisishowweletHimknowwhowereallyare.

Nowhere’stheawesomepart:WhenweconfessourstrugglestoHim,Helavishes uswith acceptance and ownership.He says, “Since you’rewilling toshowMeyourinnerugliness,IamwillingtoconfessyoubeforeMyFatherandclaimyouasMyown!”Wow!IfearedthatHemightrejectmeifHeknewtherealme;asitturnsout,HeacceptsmewhenIletHimseetherealme.Hisgracetruly is amazing! His acceptance is so incredible that itinspiresme to open every single crevice ofmy heart toHislovingeyes.

Andthat’swhere the intimacy is!Thegreatest intimacy is found in themutualgivingofourselvesradicallytoeachother.ThecrossdemonstrateshowradicallyHegivesHimselftome,andmyembracingofthecrossismygivingmyselfbacktoHimwithlavishabandonment.NotonlyamIhonestwithHim;I

search for ways to give evenmore ofmy heart to Him. It’s the search forincreasingself-disclosurethatcausesmyrelationshipwithHimtobedeepenedandenriched.

Someone once said, “Prayer demands a relationship in which you allowsomeoneother thanyourself toenter into theverycenterofyourbeing, toseethere what you would rather leave in darkness, and to touch there what youwouldratherleaveuntouched”(authorunknown).

Isn’titgreattobetrulyknownbyHim?AsBillGaitherpennedthesong,“The one who knows me best loves me most!” He knows me, and Heunderstandsme.

One reason we find such delight in surrendering our lives to Christ’sleadership is because He nevermisunderstands us. All of us have known thefrustration of feeling or thinking one way about a certain issue, but havingsomeone else totallymisinterpret our thoughts or intentions and thus judge uswrongly.ThatneverhappenswithJesus.Healwaysknowsexactlywhatwe’rethinkingandwhatismotivatingus.ThisisonereasonthetwelvedisciplesfoundJesus’ leadershipsocompelling—becauseHewasable toaddress the issuesoftheirheartswithtotalaccuracyandcompleteunderstanding.Heknewthemlikeanopenbook,andHisabilitytoprovidecompassionateleadershipinthepowerof that knowledge endeared them to Him forever. They felt completelyunderstood, evenwhen theywerewrong and being rebuked for it. Jesus bothknew them implicitly and loved them unconditionally. Oh, the blessedness ofbeingknownbyGod!

HowcanwebeknownbyGod?Theanswerisgiventousmostsimplyin1Corinthians8:3,“ButifanyonelovesGod,thisoneisknownbyHim.”WhenweopenourheartstoHiminlovingabandonment,Heembracesusandknowsus.What a joyful privilege—to have a knowing relationshipwithGodAlmighty!Thankyou,Jesus,forthegiftofthesecretplacewherewecangiveeachotherthislove.

45TheSecretofIntimacyFirstThefirstthingisthegreatestthing:toloveGodwithallone’sbeing.It’s

the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38), and it’s the first thing in ourlives (Revelation 2:4). Intimacy with God must be our first priority beforeanything else, even before our works of service. The second commandment(lovingothers,whichareourworksofservice)“islike”thefirstcommandment,accordingtoJesus,andyetJesusclearlycalledit“second”(Matthew22:39).It’sanextremelyclose secondanddifficult to separate from the first, andyet it issecond.

It’svitallyimportantthatwekeepfirstthingsfirst.WhenourloveforGodgetsourfirstandbestattention,thenwewillfunctioninthespiritualwholenessnecessary to execute the second commandment. When our priorities becomeinvertedandwebeginplacingmoreemphasisonlovingothersthanlovingGod,weareheadedforcertainburnout.Theonlywaytoavoidaneventualcollapseistokeepreturningtoourfirstlove.

TheHolySpirit isprofoundlycommitted torestoringthefirstcommandmenttofirstplaceinourlives.Wemustbeestablished in our primary identity beforeGod. It’s so important to be able tosay, “This iswho I am.” I amnot primarily aworker forGod; I am first andforemostaloverofGod.TheHolySpiritisvisitingmanyofusinthishourandturningthetablesofourprioritiesandunderstandingsupsidedown.Hismandateis to establishourprimary identity as loversofGod.Bythe timeHe isfinished inour lives,wewillbe loverswhowork ratherthanworkerswholove.

The secret place must have top priority in our calendars and schedulesbecauseitistheplacewheretheincubationofintimacyisfacilitated.Youcan’tgarnerintimacyontherun.Youmuststop,pullupatable,layoutthebreadand

the cup, anddinewithHimandHewithyou. It’s great to enjoyHis presencewhiledrivingtoworkinthemorning,butifyourcommutetoworkisthetotalityof your secret place, then youwill lack depth of connection in your intimacywithJesus.TheresponsesofHisheartarelavishlyexplosivewhenwegiveHimourfirstandbestenergies.

Speaking from personal experience, I knowwhat it’s like to get the twogreatest commandments invertedwithout even realizing it. There came a timewhentheLordpulledmeupshortandinHiskindnessshowedmehowmylifeprioritieswereimbalanced.Hesaid,“Bob,youcometoMeliketoagasstation.”Now,Iconsideragasstationtobea“necessaryevil.”Idon’tliketofillupwithgas,Iliketodrive.ButIknowthatifI’mgoingtodowhatIreallywanttodo(drive),thenI’vegottofillupwithgas.TheLordwassaying,“Bob,youcometo theplaceofprayer inorder toget filledup.Youdon’tcome toMebecauseI’mthefirstloveofyourheart;youcometoMetogetrechargedsothatyoucango out and pursue the first love of your life.”You see,my first lovewas theministry.Ilovedtodrive!Iwantedtoseesoulssaved;IwantedtowinmycityforChrist;Iwantedtochangetheworld.IwasmotivatedmorebywhatIdidforGod than by beingwithHim. I claimed, “Allmy springs are inYou” (Psalm87:7), but in fact what sustained me most was the “rush” of ministryaccomplishments.AndIdidn’tevenrealizeituntiltheLordshowedittome.

When I saw this, Iwent intowrithing pain. I fell beforeHim and cried,“Lord, I’m sorry, this isn’t how Iwant it to be. I don’twant to have a fillingstation relationshipwithYou! Iwant somuchmore! Iwant to beYour lover,Yourbride.IwantYoutobethenumberoneloveofmylife.Iwantthesecretplace tobewhat I live for. Iwant to enjoybeingwithYou somuch that theyhavetodragmeoutofthesecretplace!”

IsensedtheLordresponding,“Yes,son,Iknowthat’swhatyouwant.Andthat’swhyI’vecometoyouandshownyouthetrueconditionofyourheart.I’mgoingtoallureyouintothewilderness(Hosea2),andthereIwillawakenyoutoadepthofloverelationshipbeyondanythingyou’veknowninyouryoungandbusyyears.”

TheLordhasmanyways tobringus toproperpriorities. Inmycase,Hesimplyremovedmyministry.Ohhowithurt!Icriedout,“Lord,whydoesthishurt somuch? You haven’t removed Your presence frommy life; all You’vedoneisremovemyministry.AndIaminincalculablepain.Whydoesithurtsomuch?”ItwasinthiswaythattheLordshowedmehowmuchtheministryhadbecome the fountain of my soul. When He removed it, I was granted an

opportunitytofindanentirelynewbasisforrelatingwithHim.IbegantolearnwhatitmeanstocometoHimsimplyforthejoyanddelightofwhoHeis.

He doesn’t remove everybody’s ministry in order to teach them thisvaluable lesson. In same cases, He simply starves out our fulfillment in ourlaborsforHim.We’restilldoingthesameministry,butitnolongerfulfillsus.The ministry becomes dry, dusty, lifeless, and laborious. We find ourselvesdreadingwhatonceenergizedus. It’s thesameneteffect: theLord is trying toshowushowwehavederivedsustenancefromourworksofserviceinsteadoffromthekissesofHismouth.

HewantsusaddictedtothewineofHislove(SongofSolomon1:2),butit’s so easy to become addicted to the wine of ministry. Ministry can beintoxicating.Thereisacertain“high”thathappenswhenthegraceofGodflowsthroughyouandministerstothebride.WhenherfacelightsupwiththegloryofGod,youfeelasenseoffulfillmentandsignificancebecauseGodhonoredyourobedience and blessed others. Furthermore, you had the privilege ofwatchingGodusethegiftsandtalentsyou’vecultivated.Yourinnerresponseislike,“Thisisit!ThisiswhatIwascreatedfor!I’vefoundmyniche.Thisismycallingandministry.NowIknowmyplace in thebody.Serving in thisway isgivingmesuch a wonderful feeling that I want to do it again!” It’s not wrong to enjoyministeringtoothers,butit’ssoeasyforthistobecometheaddictivewinethatintoxicatesandfulfills us, and thewineofHis love takes secondplace to this“newwine”we’vetastedcalledministry.

So the Lord comes to us, like He did to the Ephesians who were sosuccessfulinministry,andHesays,“I’mcallingyoubacktoyourfirstlove”(seeRevelation2:4).Hewantsustobepeopleof“onething”:thepassionatepursuitofHisface.Davidsaid,“OnethingIhavedesiredoftheLORD,thatwillIseek:thatImaydwellinthehouseoftheLORDallthedaysofmylife,tobeholdthebeautyoftheLORD,andtoinquireinHistemple”(Psalm27:4).Davidchasedafter“onething”—thefaceofGod;Paulsaid,

“ButonethingIdo”—whichwasthepursuitof“theupwardcallofGodin

Christ Jesus” (Philippians3:13-14);MaryofBethanydiscovered that,“Onethingisneeded,”andJesusaddedthatshehad“chosenthatgoodpart,whichwillnotbetakenawayfromher”(Luke10:42).There’sonlyonething thatis reallynecessary,and that is tositatJesus’ feetandhearHiswords.David’s

one thing was Paul’s one thing was Mary’s one thing. It’s the firstcommandment in first place, the pursuit of a lovingrelationshipwithourdazzlingBridegroom.

All of hell willmilitate against your becoming aman or woman of onething. Circumstances will go haywire; your to-do list will mushroom; thedemandsonyourlifewillescalate.Satanwillemploywhateverdevicewillwork—anything tokeepyou frombecomingapersonofone thing.Because if youfindthisattainment,youwillbecomeapassionatefirebrandforGod,setablazewithfierybridalpassionsforyourLord,andyouwillbeadangerousweaponinthehandofyourGodforendtimeexploits.Thegreatestdimensionsofkingdompower will be touched by those who are truly ignited and energized by theirpersonalloverelationshipwiththeLordJesus.

Ask yourself this question: Am I ever relieved when my prayer time isover?Formetheanswerwas,“MoretimesthanIcaretoadmit!”Thereweresomany times Iwas relieved to be finishedwith the filling-up process so that Icouldgooutanddrivethemachineryofmyministry.ButtheLordhasbeenkindtome,and

HeisteachingmethesecretoflovingHimfirstandderivingmyfulfillmentandsenseofsuccessfromtheaffectionsHegivesmeinthesecretplace.WhenI’masuccessinHisarms,theministrycangowell,oritcangonotsowell;I’masuccessontheinsideeitherway.ThusIamstabilizedbythepowerofaninnerlifewithGod,ratherthanbeingjerkedaroundemotionallybythevicissitudesoftheministry’supsanddowns.

In closing, look atMatthew 5:15, “‘Nor do they light a lamp and put itunder a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in thehouse.’”TheLordwantstosetyouablazewithzealforthefaceofChristsothatyoumightshinewiththelightofarelationshipthatenjoysintimacyfirst.Ifthisfireofloveispureandbright,theLordwillsetyouonalampstandsothatyoumightgivelighttotheentirehouseholdoffaith.Butifthelightofyourlifeisn’tpure—ifit’senergizedinpartbythewineofministry—thentheLordwillplaceyourlightunderabasket.Someofthemostgiftedministrieshavebeen placed under a basket and been limited to alocalized sphere ofinfluence because the Lord was notwilling to export the impurity of their love to the entire

bodyofChrist.MayyoulearnthesecretoflovingJesusfirstandforemost,thatHemightseefittoplaceyourlamponalampstandandmakethesimplicityandpurityofyourdevotionanexampletothegreaterhouseholdoffaith.Amen.

46TheSecretofBridalIdentityOnedayasIwasdrivingdownthehighwayatabout50m.p.h.,Inoticed

twoturtledovesstandingintheroadaheadofme.(Turtledovesusuallyareseeninpairsastheymateforlife.)Ithoughttomyself,“ThosebirdsbettergetofftheroadorI’llhitthem.”Sureenough,bythetimetheystartedtomoveitwastoolate,andTHWAP!!Therewerefeatherseverywhere.Ihitthemboth.Ithoughttomyself, “Stupidbirds.Theyshouldhavemovedsooner.” Itwas later I learnedsomething about doves: they have no peripheral vision. They can only seestraightahead.Thepoorbirdsdidn’tevenseemecoming!Bythetimetheysawme,itwastoolate.

The heavenlyBridegroom likens us to a dovewhenHe says, “You havedove’seyes’”(SongofSolomon1:15).ToHim,wearea likeaturtledovethatlacksperipheralvision.Sohere’swhatyourLordsays toyou,Hisbride:“Youhavedove’seyes.YouhavetunnelvisionforMeonly.You’renotdistractedwithotheraffectionsanddesirestotherightortheleft.YourgazeisuponMeonly,and I love that!” You are His bride, and you have eyes for One only, yourBeloved.

HerearetwoofthemanyplaceswheretheBiblereferstoGod’speopleasabride:

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out ofheaven fromGod,prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation21:2).

Thenoneofthesevenangelswhohadthesevenbowlsfilledwiththesevenlastplaguescametomeandtalkedwithme,saying,“Come,Iwillshowyouthebride,theLamb’swife’’(Revelation21:9).

ThebridalimageryofacosmicweddingappearsfrequentlythroughouttheentireBible,startinginthebeginningwithAdamandEveandendingwiththelast chapter of theBible.Themessage is very clear and consistent:Weare

the bride ofChrist, beingprepared for a greatweddingcelebration in the age to come,whenwewill be joinedforever in great affection to our Bridegroom, the LordJesusChrist.

BelieversfulfillthefeminineroleintherelationshipaswecommunewithourLord.He initiates,we respond;Hegives,we receive;He impregnates,webringtobirth;Heleads,wefollow;Heloves,wereciprocate;Herules,wereignwithHim.Menwhostrugglewithseeingthemselvesasabrideshouldrememberthat the sisters amongusmust also see themselves as sonsofGod.TheBiblecallsusbothabrideandsonsbecausebothimagespointinanincompletewaytothebeautyof theperfection towhichwearecalled.Werelate to theFatherassons;werelatetotheLordJesusasabride.

Generally,thesistershaveaneasiertimewiththesecretofthischapter—learning to relate toJesusasHis lovesickbride.But thebrotherscangain thissecret,too.NewdimensionsofintimacyandresponsivenessopentouswhenweembraceourbridalidentityandrelatetoJesusasourBridegroom.

WhenJesuslooksatus,clothedinwhitegarmentsofrighteousness,repletewithgoodworks,matureinaffections,makingourselvesreadyforourweddingday,HisravishedheartsoarswithdelightanddesireforHisespousedvirgin,Hisbride.He can hardlywait till that day—neither canwe! In themeantime,wecourteachotherwithlove,attention,wordsofaffection,honor,anddelight.

The secret place is the king’s chamber (SongofSolomon1:4), the placewherewenurtureourgrowingloverelationship.

ThisiswhereHespeaksoverus,declaringhowbeautifulandfairweareinHissight.WerespondbyopeningourheartstoHimwithgreaterabandonment,praising the glorious attributes ofHis beauty and character, and receiving thelavish affections ofHis heart.Oh, the exchange of love in the secret place ismostglorious!Hesureknowshowtocaptureaheartandkeepit!

Jesusdidn’tdietomarry“amazonwoman,”abattleaxeofabridethatissotough that she intimidates with her hulking strength and imposing demeanor.Nor did He die to marry a workhorse who will tirelessly labor to fulfill HishouseholdchoresandgleanHisfields.Hediedforlove.HediedtomarryabeautifulbridewhowillwalkwithHim,talkwithHim,dream with Him, laugh with Him, strategize with Him,

andrulewithHim.Whenmybridecamewalkingdowntheaisletowardmemanyyearsago,

alldressedinwhite,withaglowaboutherface,letmetellyouwhatIwasnotthinking.Iwasnotthinking,“She’sgotgoodteeth.Shebakesameanpie.Shecooksgreatfood.She’lldomylaundryforme.She’llchangethediapersformykids.She’llkeepmyhouseclean.”Here’swhatIwasthinking:“Herecomesmylover!”Yes,whenwegotmarried,Marciknewthatshewouldmanageourhomeand rear our children and prepare meals and do laundry; but we didn’t getmarriedforanyofthosereasons.Wegotmarriedforlove.

It’s true that we’re soldiers, and we are involved in high-level strategicwarfare,andtheLordisdependingonustofightthegoodfightoffaith.Andit’strue that we’re laborers in His vineyard, working assiduously in the harvestfields to bring all of thewheat intoHis barn. But Jesus didn’t die towin forHimself an army or a labor force;He died for a bride.We don’t come to thesecretplaceasasoldierlookingforbattleplans,eventhoughHewillunfoldHisplans to us while we’re there; nor do we come as laborers looking to gainstrength for the day’s labors, even thoughHewill strengthen us for the tasksbeforeus.WecomeprimarilyasHisbride,toenjoyHisembraceandtolavishupon Him our love.The secret place is a celebration of ourhighestidentity—His

bride!It’stheplaceofintimateloveexchange.TheapostleJohnwasshownthecrythatwouldgripbelieversattheendof

theage:“AndtheSpiritandthebridesay,‘Come!’Andlethimwhohearssay,‘Come!’Andlethimwhothirstscome.Whoeverdesires,lethimtakethewateroflifefreely”(Revelation22:17).AlthoughmanymetaphorsareusedforGod’speople—e.g.,weareHisbody,Histemple,anarmy,etc.—thelastmetaphorthatthe Bible uses to reveal our identity is that of “the bride.” I believe this is apropheticdeclaration that at the endof the ageGod’speoplewill come into afullerownershipoftheiridentityasthebrideofChrist.Whileeveryimagehasits limitations, themostcompletemetaphorofour identity is thatof thebride.Jesus is returning for a bride consumedwith bridal affections for her belovedBridegroom!

Knowing thatabrideandbridegroomjust love tobe together, letmeaskyouaquestion.DoyoueverwastetimewiththeLord?WhenIaskthatquestion,I’mthinkingofMaryofBethanywholavishedherinheritance(thecostlyflask

offragrantoil)upontheLord,andwasreviledbythediscipleswiththewords,“Whythiswaste?”(Matthew26:8).Theyviewedhereffusivedisplayofloveaswasteful.ButJesusvalidatedher love,establishing the truth that it is fittingattimestobewastefulbyextravagantlypouringourselvesoutuponHim.Soagain,doyoueverwastetimewiththeLord?WhatImeanis,afteryouhavedoneyourBible reading, and after you have praised and worshiped, after you havepresented your requests and interceded, and after you have been filled andrenewedintheHolySpirit,doyoueverspendjustalittlemoretimewithHimonlyforthesakeoflove?Youdon’t“need”tospendanymoretimeinthesecretplaceforyourownsake,butyouchoosetostaytherejustto“waste”sometimeinHispresenceforHissake—becauseyou’realovesickbride,andyoujustlongto bewithHim.What dignity andhonor theLord Jesus has ascribed to thosewhochoosetowastetheirlivesandloveonHim.

Manyofuslivewithfeelingsofguiltregardingthesecretplacebecausewelose focusonour identityasChrist’sbride.Spending timewithHim isnotanobligationoraduty;it’sthethrillandlongingofoursoul.Whenwe’reabletobewith Him, we’re overjoyed; when other tasks pull us away from thatcompanionship,wefeelonlyasenseoflossandfrustration.Andanevenkeeneranticipationofournexttimetogether!ThesecretplaceisnotwhereweperformoursacreddutyasabelieverbutwherewerevelinthedelightofbeingwiththeOneoursoulloves.

LookwithmeathowthebrideofChristisdescribedinherfullness:“Andhewhotalkedwithmehadagoldreedtomeasurethecity,itsgates,anditswall.The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And hemeasured the citywith the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth,and height are equal” (Revelation 21:15-16). This passage is to be connectedwithEphesians3:17-19wherePaulspeaksofthelength,breadth,andheightofChrist’slove.JohnseestheLamb’swifeashavingthesamedimensionsofloveastheBridegroom—alovethat isequallyfullandcompleteinlength,breadth,andheight.

•Length:EvenasChrist’sloveplungedtothedepthsofman’ssin,thisbride’slove

reaches down to the lowest reaches of humanity to lift them up to glory. NolengthissparedtoexpresstheintensityofthisChristlikelove.Shewillnotloveherlife,evenuntodeath,forthesakeofthegospel.

•Breadth:

EvenasChrist’slovereachesacrosseverystrataanddivisionofmankindtoencompass people of every language, color, background, etc., so this love ofChrist through the bride touches all peoples. Her heart is so enflamed as toembraceeverypersonforwhomChristdied.

•Height:Here are the glorious heights of her perfected love—the unspotted

affectionsofadazzlingbrideforherBelovedwhoisexaltedaboveeveryothername.Thepurityandgloryofherpassionsriseasamajesticmountainofregalsplendor.

Wow, don’t theymake an awesome pair?! Together, clothed in stunningperfection, fullycompatibleandequallyyoked together ineveryway, theyarethelovestoryofheaven.Forever.

47TheSecretofClingingI cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! (Psalm

119:31).

As“theweakervessel,”oneofthethingswefeeldeeplyasthebrideofChristisourhelplessnessandvulnerabilityapartfromHim.Especiallyintimesofdifficultyortrouble,whenwereallyfeelourneedforHim,wewillclingtoHimasapersonwhocan’tswimmightclingtoalifevest.

During crisis seasons, the secret place becomes oursourceofsurvivalaswecomeasidetoclingtoHimandcry out for help. There are times when I’m especially clingy. I’vewondered, “Lord, are you displeased that I am clinging to you so desperatelyrightnow?”TheanswerI’vesensedis,“No,IloveitwhenyoudependonMe.WithoutMeyoucandonothing,butyoudon’talwaysownthatreality.IloveitwhenitfinallysinksinthatyouneedMemorethanyourverybreath,andyouclingtoMewithallyourmight.”

Therearetimeswhenmysoulisbeingblownaboutwithwinds,andIdon’teven understand the nature of the warfare. If I knew where the warfare wascomingfrom,orifIknewhowtodefendmyself,itwouldbealoteasier.ButI’llfindmyselfcaught ina swirlofemotionsanduncertainties,and Iwon’tknowwhattodonext.TheonlythingIknowtodointhosetimesistogetawaytothesecretplace,tremblebeforeHiminmyvulnerability,andclingtoHimdesperately.

I used to think that Christian maturity meant that we got stronger andstrongeruntilwewereanintimidatingforcetobereckonedwithbythepowersofdarkness.But the imageofmaturity that’sgiven forus inScripture isquitedifferent fromthat:“Whois thiscomingupfromthewilderness, leaninguponher beloved?” (Song of Solomon 8:5). Here we see the bride who has been

perfected in love through the seasoning of thewilderness, andwhat quality ismoststrikingabouther?SheisdependinguponherBelovedforhelpwitheverystep!ExperiencehastaughtherthatsheneedsJesus’helpinliterallyeveryareaofherlife,sosheleansonHimandclingstoHimwithdesperatedependence.

There aremany timeswhen I get up tominister before agroupof saintsthatIfeel“wobbly.”I’mgropinginmyspiritabouthowtoproceed,strugglingtodiscerntheLord’swillfortheministrytimeathand.IhavefoundthestrongerI feel inmyself, theeasier it is tomoverightpastGod.TheweakerI feel, themoredesperatelyIreachouttoHimfordirectionandinsight.Therefore,whenI’mweaker,IusuallyfollowHimmoreclosely.SosometimesIjuststandbeforethe people and teeter. And cling to Him! As I cling to Him, I find He isamazingly faithful to direct my steps according to His will. In my times ofgreatestweaknessIhavediscovered,“ForbyYouIcanrunagainstatroop,bymyGodIcanleapoverawall”(Psalm18:29).

You won’t mind so much clinging to Him in publicifyou’vealreadybeenclingingtoHiminprivate.ThesecretplaceiswhereweestablishourselvesasclingerstoHisside.

When we lose our “clinginess” to Him, we become prey to all sorts ofdeceptionsandpitfalls.SpeakingofJesus’relationshiptotheJewishleaders,theScripture says, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chiefcornerstone” (Psalm118:22).Thebuilderswere theJewishpriestsandscribes.Theywere schooled and trained, haddone their internships, andwere capablebuilders forGod.Butdespite their expertise, they rejected thevery stoneGodestablished as the chief cornerstone. The same temptation faces leaders today.It’spossibleforus,afterallourtrainingandexperience,torejecttheverythingGodhasdeterminedtouseinacentralwayinthishour.Attentionallbuilders:Weneedtomaintainaconstantawarenessofourownineptitude.ApartfromaclingingrelationshiptotheLord,wecaneasilymissthestone of truth God is establishing among His peopletoday.

SomethingelseIclingtointhesecretplace:Hisword.IclutchHiswordtomybreastasthoughitismyverylife.“IclingtoYourtestimonies;OLORD,donotputmetoshame!”(Psalm119:31).Ithinkthat“testimonies”point,inpart,tothestoriesofGod’smightyactsofinterventiononbehalfofthesaintsofhis-tory—howHepartedthewaters;howHefedthemwithmanna;howHeleveledthe

wallsofJericho;howHeraisedthedeadtolife.TheseareHistestimonies,andtheyreflectHisways—howHehandlesHisdevoutoneswholoveHim.IclingtothestoriesofGod’spowerrevealedbecausetheyencouragemethatHestillworksinthesamemagnificentwaystoday.IclingtoHistestimoniesforIneedthatsamemiraculouspowertobereleasedinmyownlife.“OLORD,donotputmetoshame!”

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene(intentionallyso).Yousee,MarywasthelastoneatthetombonthedayofHisburial, and shewas the first one at the tombon themorning of the third day.Whennobodyelsewasthere,Marywas.SoJesusrevealedHimselffirst totheonewholovedandmissedHimmost!WhenMarysawHim,shewasovercomewithjoy,andwrappedherarmsaroundhisfeet.Jesussaidtoher,“‘DonotclingtoMe, for I have not yet ascended toMy Father’” (John 20:17).Hewas notrebukingherasthoughHethoughtsheshouldn’thaveclungtoHimlikethat.Hewassimplymeaning,“It’snot timeyet. Iknowthepurityofyourheart,Mary,thatyoulongtobejoinedinlovetoMe.ButIhavetoascendtotheFatherfirstbeforeweclingtoeachotherinthekingdomofGod.”

InclingingtoJesus,MaryMagdalenewasarepresentationoftheendtimebrideofChrist.LikeMaryof longago, thereisabridalcompanytodaythat isyearningforHisappearing,lookingforHim,peeringintothedarkness,lovesickwithlongingtoseeHim.Weeping.Andwaiting.ThisisthekindofbrideJesusiscomingback for.AndwhenHe revealsHimself toher the second time, shewillnotbeputoffanylonger.EvenifHeshouldtrytosay,“Don’tclingtoMe,”thesearmswillwraparoundHisfeet,andI’llneverletgo!“Welostyouonce,Lord,andI’mneverlettingyououtofmygripeveragain!”AndsowewillclingtoHimforeverinlove.

Butuntil thatgloriousday, Iwill cling toHim in secret, and there IwillgiveHimmylove.

48TheSecretofWalkingWithGodGod is looking fornotonlyaclingingbridebutalsoawalkingpartner.

Fromtheverybeginning,GodhadarelationshipwithAdamandEvethatfoundthem“walkinginthegardeninthecooloftheday”(Genesis3:8).Godcreatedman for theenjoymentofawalking relationship that involvedcompanionship,dialogue,intimacy,jointdecision-making,mutualdelight,andshareddominion.Godlongstowalkwithyou,whichiswhyHisarmsofgracehavebeenpullingyouintoacloserwalkwithHim.

Mywife,Marci,lovestogowalkingwithherfriend,Wendy.Theytalkthewhole time.Nonstop. The walk not only makes exercise fun, it also deepenstheirfriendship.JesuswentonthesekindsofwalkswithHisdisciples,andHestilllikestowalkwithusthiswaytoday.

Thesecretplaceisnotthedestination;itisonlythecatalyst.Itisdesignedof God to establish us in an intimate friendship with Him that is walked outthrough thecourseofoureveryday lives.Thegoalwe’reafterisaneverydaywalkofunbrokencommunionwithourLordandFriend.

EnochwasthefirstmanintheBiblewhowalkedwithGod:AfterhebegotMethuselah,EnochwalkedwithGod threehundredyears,

andhadsonsanddaughters.Soall thedaysofEnochwere threehundredandsixty-fiveyears.AndEnochwalkedwithGod; and hewas not, forGod tookhim”(Genesis5:22-24).

EventhoughmenbegantocalluponthenameoftheLordintheearlydays(Genesis4:26),EnochwasthefirstmantouncoverthetruedelightofwalkingwithGod.He found somethingevenAdamdidn’t experience.Hepressed intoGoduntilhelearnedhowtocommunewithGodthrougheveryfacetoflife.Tofindthatdimensionofrelationshipcertainlyrequiredanintensespiritualpursuit,

andthenwhenhefoundittheLordmadeagraphicstatementbycatchinghimuptoheaven.

By takingEnochup toglory,Godwasn’t trying togetus impressedwithEnoch’s piety. Nor was God saying, “If you get to be as spiritual as Enoch,you’llgettranslateduptoheaven,too.”ThiswasauniqueexperienceGodusedto emphasize a specific point. God’s point was,“I love towalkwithman!EnochwasthefirstmantotrulywalkwithMe,soIdecided to highlight His example by doing somethingextraordinary with him. I took Him up to paradise tounderscorehowmuchIvalueanddesireadailywalkingrelationshipwithMychosenones.”Enoch’sexamplecontinuestowitnesstoallgenerationsofthegreatzealGodhastowalkwithman.

WhenthezealofGodcapturesyou,itwilligniteyouwithagreatpassionto walk with God and to be His friend. Imagine being Enoch and living 365years—and having this growing relationshipwithGod!One can onlywonderwhat glorious depths of intimacy Enoch uncovered. Perhaps Enoch’s heartlongedsodeeplyformoreofGodthatGodgrewwearyofwithholdingHimself.MaybeGod’sheartwassaying,“Enoch,youloveMewithsuchapureandsweetpassion, I don’t want to say ‘no’ to you anymore. I’m going to answer yourprayerandshowyouMyface.Comeonup!”

AsyoudrawclosetoGod,HewillnotlikelytakeyouuptoheavenasHedidEnoch.However,HedoesdesiretorevealthebeautyofHisfacetoyou.Aswe walk with Him, He will open the Scriptures to us through the Spirit ofwisdomandrevelationandrevealtousthelightofthegloryofGodthatistobefoundinHim.

Therewas oneother aspect ofEnoch’s ascension that is significant.GodwaiteduntilEnochwas365yearsold—andthenpoof,hewasgone.Sincethereare365days inayear,Enoch’s life spanof365yearswas in itself amessagefromGod.Godwasbasicallysaying,“Iwanttowalkwithman365daysayear.364daysayearwon’tdo.Iwanttowalkwithyoutoday,allday,everyday,allyear long, for the rest of your earthly lifetime!” Wow, it’s mindboggling toconsiderthatthegreatGodoftheuniverseissointenselyinterestedinus!

When we walk with God, we enter the dimensionwhereGodunfoldsthesecretsofHiskingdom.Thesearethe

pathsthattheancientstrodbeforeus.NoahknewthesecretofwalkingwithGod(Genesis6:9),asdidAbraham(Genesis24:40).ThroughChrist,youcanexplorethegloriousrichesofknowingGodliketheydid—andtoevenagreaterdegreebecauseoftheSpiritwhichhasbeengiventous!

GodwantstowalkwithusbeforeHeworksthroughus.SoHewillwaittoactuntilHefindstherightmanorwomanthroughwhomHecanwork.Toputitbluntly,GodworkswithHisfriends.Hedoesn’tdecidewhatHewantstodoandthenstartlookingforsomeonetouse.Helooksforamanorawoman,andonceHefindshimorher,HethendecideswhatHewantstodowiththem.Forexample,Goddidn’tchooseNoahbecauseHewantedtosendaflood;GodhadthefreedomtosendafloodbecauseHehadfoundamantowalkwith.Godalwaysstartsbyfindingafriendfirst.

WhenGodhasaNoah,Hecandoaflood.WhenGodhasaJoseph,Hecangive Pharaoh a divine dream.WhenGod has aMoses,He can plan amightydeliverance for His people.When God has an Elijah, He can send fire fromheaven.WhenGod has a Samuel, He can test Saul’s heart.WhenGod has aJesus,Hecansavetheworld.Ohbeloved,learntowalkwithGod!

When God has a friend, divine activity accelerates. Things were fairlyregulararoundBabylonuntilDanielshowedup.ButnowthattherewasamaninBabylonwhowalkedwithGod,GodcouldaccelerateHispurposes.Allkindsofthingsstartedtohappen.Nebuchadnezzarbegantoreceivedivinedreams;menwerepreservedinafieryfurnace;Nebuchadnezzarlosthismindforsevenyearsand then was restored; a hand appeared and wrote on a wall; Daniel wasdeliveredfromthemouthofthelions;andsomeofthemostdetailedrevelationsof futureeventswere recorded.All these thingscould takeplacebecauseGodhadaDanielwhowalkedwithHim.

WhenGodhasausefulvessel thathasbeenpreparedfornoblepurposes,Hewilluse that vessel. To illustrate, if you put a riding lawnmower inmygarage,Ipromiseyouthis—Iwilluseit!Similarly,GodwillusetheonewhowalkswithHim.ButHe’slookingespeciallyforthreecrucialqualities:humility,faithfulness,andloyalty.HewantstoworkwithfriendswhoareloyaltoHim,nomatterwhat. Evenwhen circumstanceswould suggestGod is unjust,His truefriendscontinuetowalkwithHim.SotheLordwilltestourfidelity.WhenweproveourselvesHisfriendsthroughthegreatestcalamitiesoflife,wequalifyasusefulvessels.

JesuswasthequintessentialexampleofaManwhowalkedwithGod.He

walkedsocloselywithGodthatHewasalwaysintheSpirit,evenwhenshakingHimself awake from a groggy sleep. When I first wake up, I’m sometimesgrumpy or dopey. But when they awakened Jesus out of a deep sleep, Hesilencedthestorm!Whatanamazingattainment,tobeawakenedoutofadeadsleepandbeinstantlyintheSpirit.Lord,ifIshouldawakeinthisYourlikeness,withthisdepthofwalk,thenIshallbesatisfied!

Here’s the secret:Thesecretplaceiswherewedevelopawalking relationshipwithGod.Wemust develop a secret historywithGodbeforeHegivesusapublichistorybeforepeople.Hiddeninthesecretplace,welearnwhatHe’s lookingfor infriends,andwefindoutwhatpleasesHim.OurinnerchamberwithHimbecomesourtraininggroundforalifethatisrootedandgroundedinlove.

JesustoldusthatHeconfidesHiskingdompurposestoHisfriends(John15:15).Lord,IwanttobeYourfriend,yourconfidant,loyaltothedeath.IwanttowalkwithYou,talkwithYou,listentoYou,hearYourheart,andparticipateinYouractivitiesinthismomentoushour.Teachme,Lord,towalkwithYou!

49TheSecretofBuyingOilOilintheBibleisoftenrepresentativeoftheHolySpirit,sotohaveoilin

ourlampsmeanstohavetheindwellingpresenceoftheHolySpiritilluminatingour liveswithHis zeal andglory.Without theoilof theHolySpirit, our livesbecomelifeless,andourlightisextinguished.Thesecretplaceiswherewebuyoil.AswecomeasidetocommunewithourLord,wearerenewedintheHolySpirit,andouroillevelsarereplenished.

Theideaof“buyingoil”derivesfromtheparableofthetenvirgins,solet’slookatthatpassageandtakespecialnoteofhowtheword“oil”appearsintheparable.Jesusisspeaking:

“Thenthekingdomofheavenshallbelikenedtotenvirginswhotooktheirlampsandwentouttomeetthebridegroom.

Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who werefoolishtooktheirlampsandtooknooilwiththem,butthewisetookoilintheirvessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they allslumberedandslept.Andatmidnightacrywasheard:‘Behold,thebridegroomiscoming;goouttomeethim!’Thenall thosevirginsaroseandtrimmedtheirlamps.Andthefoolishsaidtothewise,‘Giveussomeofyouroil,forourlampsare going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not beenoughforusandyou;butgorathertothosewhosell,andbuyforyourselves.’Andwhile theywent tobuy, thebridegroomcame,and thosewhowere readywent inwith him to thewedding; and the doorwas shut.Afterward the othervirginscamealso,saying, ‘Lord,Lord,open tous!’Butheansweredandsaid,‘Assuredly,Isaytoyou,

Idonotknowyou.’Watchtherefore,foryouknowneitherthedaynorthehourinwhichtheSonofManiscoming”(Matthew25:1-13).

We do not have space in this brief chapter for a thorough study of thisparable. This is an incredibly fascinating parable, and it has earned a widevariety of interpretations and applications. However, the vast majority would

agree that oil in the lamp represents having an inner reservoir of Holy Spiritreality.Ourfocushereisontheoil.IfwearenotfilledwiththeoiloftheSpirit,wewillnotsurvivethechaosandcalamitiesofthelastdays.

Alltenvirginshadoilintheirlamps,butthefivewisevirginsbroughtanextravesselofoilwiththem.Thiswasbecausethewisevirginshadanticipatedthat the return of the bridegroom might possibly be delayed beyond theirexpectations. The foolish virgins made the fatal assumption the bridegroom’sreturn would be sooner than later. They were confident that they didn’t needextra oil; they thought their lamp held enough oil to sustain them until thebridegroom’scoming.

Alltenwerevirgins,whichistosaytheywereallsincerebelievers.MikeBicklehassuggested,basedonthecontext,thatthevirginsrepresentleadersinthe church. If that’s true, then the oil could be said to represent a leader’sministryanointingthatiscultivatedinthesecretplace.Thefoolishvirginshada“get by” mentality. They invested themselves in the secret place only to thedegree that theirministry responsibilities seemed to dictate. Thewise showedtheirdiligencebygarneringadepth inGod thatwasgreater than theirpresentministriesdemandedofthem.Thewisedidnotcometothesecretplacesimplytobuyoilforministryimpartation;theyalsocametobuyoilforthemselvesinordertohaveaprivateburning-heartrelationshipwiththeLord.

Itdoesn’tcostmuchtogetoilforministry,butitwillcostyoualottogettheoil of an intimate relationshipwith Jesus.Then,when theministry time isover,you’restillaburninglove-flameforHim.

Theoilofauthenticrelationshipisboughtatthecostofinvestingtimeandenergyinthesecretplace.Thefoolishwillallowurgentmattersofthemomenttopullthemawayfromthesecretplaceafterhavingaminimalfilling.ThewisewillstayandcontinuetobefilledwithoiluntiltheirheartsareenergizedbytheirloverelationshipwithJesus.

Whentheirfoolishnessbecomesobvious, thefoolishwill turntothewiseandsay,“Giveussomeofyouroil.”Theywillrecognizethewisehaveadepthin God that they never took the time and energy to cultivate. They will say,“Giveussomeofyourauthorityinministry,”butthewisewillunderstandthatthere are no shortcuts to ministry authority. You can’t derive theauthorityofanointing fromanotherperson;youhave to

getityourselfinthesecretplace.When the bridegroom delays His return, the virgins are overtaken with

heartsickness because of deferred hope (Proverbs 13:12). Heartsickness willcause them to sleep from sorrow (Luke 22:45). The bridegroom’s delay has awayofdistinguishingbetweenthefoolishandthewise.Itrevealsthosewhohaddeveloped their own personal history of a living relationship with thebridegroom.Thosewhopersevereinlovethroughtheheartsicknessofdeferredhopeswillbeentrustedwiththeauthoritytoministerdeliverancetothecaptives.Thewisewillbecomemightydeliverersintheend.

WewillneedareservoirintheSpiritifwearetosustainthroughthehouroftrialthatistocomeupontheentireearth(Revelation3:10).Thepointoftheparable is—buy oil! Devote yourself to the secret place until your heart isoverflowingwithloveandzealforyourBeloved.Then,makeitthefirstpriorityofyourdaytokeepthatoilreplenished.Thesecretisrighthere:Thesecret place is the threshold for resourcing thereplenishmentyouneedtosustainthroughthedarknightofChrist’sdelays.

Buyoil!

50TheSecretofConstantSupplyGodhasmadeavailabletheopportunitytotapintoaceaselesssupplyof

the Spirit.We don’t ever have to become depleted spiritually, ifwe could butlearntoaccesstheconstantsupplyoftheindwellingSpirit.Inthesecretplace,weenlargeourcapacitytodrawuponHisgrace,andthenweliveoutourdaysinthestrengthofHiseternalresources.

The imageryof“constantsupply” ispaintedmostvividly inZechariah4.PleaseopenyourBibletoZechariah4rightnow,andreaditfirstbeforemovingaheadwithme.

Zechariahwasshownalampstandwithsevenoil-fedlampsonit.Hesawabowl full of oil above the lampstand,with pipes feeding down from the bowlintoeachlamp.Thebowlactedasareservoirofoil,andwasitselffedbytwoolive treeswhich stoodon the left and right of the lampstand.Theolive treesdrippedoilconstantlyintotworeceptacles,whichfedtheoildownintothebowl.Thetreesfedthebowl;thebowlfedthelamps.Thesupplywasconstant,andthefiresinthelampsburnedwithoutcessation.

WhatIamabout toshareisnot theonlywaytoviewZechariah4.Therearemany valid interpretations for prophetic passages such as this, and somyinterpretation is only one among several possible interpretations. With thatdisclaimer,Iwouldliketosuggestthelampstandrepresentsyou—thedevotedservantoftheLord.InthecontextofZechariah4,thelampstandisZerub-babel,butZerubbabelonlytypifiesthedevotedservantoftheLord.LampstandsintheBible representvarious things,but inMatthew5:15 Jesususeda lampstand torefertoanindividual.Sothelampstandisyou,theindividualbeliever.

Atfirst Ididn’tsee the lampstandasrepresentingan individualbecauseIthoughtanindividualbelieverhadonlyonefireburningwithin.ButthenIcameacrossJesus’exhortation,“‘Letyourwaistbegirdedandyourlampsburning’”(Luke12:35).Wehaveonewaist,sowaistissingular.ButJesusput“lamps”intheplural,sayingthatwehavemultiplelampswithinus.Wehavemorethanone

lampburningwithinourhearts—wehaveseven,tobeprecise.GoddesignsthateachofusburnwithsevenholyfiresbeforethepresenceofHisglory.TheHolySpiritisrevealedas“sevenlampsoffire”thatburnbeforethethrone(Revelation4:5).When you are filledwith theHoly Spirit, you toowill burnwith sevenfires.IamunpreparedtomakeastatementonwhatIthinkthosesevenfiresare,butIthinktheforemostlampisthefireofGod’slove.ItistheburningloveofGodforGodandforHiscreation.Whenthatfiregripsourlives,itsetsusablazewithfierypassionforJesusandmercifulcompassionforpeople.Andthat’sjustoneof thesevenfires. (Iampeering into theothersixfires,andmaywriteonthatsomeday.)

Now let’s look at the historical background to Zechariah’s vision.Zerubbabel,Israel’scivicleader,isinvolvedinthetaskofbuildingthetempleofGod.TheprophetZechariah,hiscourtcounselor, isgivenadivinemessage toencourageZerubbabelinhisbuildingproject.GodwantstorevealtoZerubbabela totallynewparadigmforbuilding in thekingdom.Mostkingdombuilding isdonebyvisionary leaderswhomobilize a groupof people to drawupon theirstrengthsandhammerawayattheprojectwithalltheirmightuntilit’sfinished.Zechariahhasadivine revelation,however, intoanotherkindof leadership—astyleofleadershipinwhichtheservantoftheLordderiveshiseffectivenessbydrawing upon an inner source in the Spirit. As he is fed on the inside by aconstant supplyof theSpirit, the leader is empowered to leadGod’speople inthe building of the kingdom. Instead of seeing a leader who isspreadthinbyrunninginathousanddirectionsatonce,Zechariah sees a leader whose lamps are burningbrightlybecauseheisdrawinguponaspirituallifesourceofpowerandgrace.“‘“Notbymightnorbypower,butbyMySpirit,”saystheLORDofhosts’”(Zechariah4:6).

It’s interesting that the storage bowl, which is full of oil, is said to be“above”thelampstand.Thismeansthattheoilpoursdownfromthebowlintothesevenlamps.Notonlydoesthisbowlcontainmorethanenoughoiltosustainthelamps, italsosupplieseachof thelampswithgravity-fedpressure.Withtheoilpressingdowneagerlyintoeachflame,thelampsarenotflickeringlazily but they are burning fiercely and brightly—veritable torches of divinezeal.GodisshowingZechariahthatit’spossibletoaccesssuchadynamicflow

of divine life that one literally burns with holy zeal before God’s throne andbeforepeopleonearth.

Let’s stop and make this personal and practical. See yourself as thislampstand, as a devout believer who is called to provide compassionateleadership in thebuildingof thekingdomofGod.Asyoucomeaside into thesecretplace,youopenthechannelsofyourheartandallowtheoilofdivinelifetoflowintoeverychamberofyourheart.ThesecretplaceiswhereyourlampsaretrimmedandwhereyourzealforthefaceofChristisrekindledandreneweduntilyouburnwithsevenbright,fiery,torch-likeflames.ThosewhocomeintocontactwithyouareimpactedwithyourpassionforJesusandyourselflesslovefor people.They realize you’vebeen seared clean from self-serving ambitionsand personal agendas. Your fire is hot and your flame is pure. Your heart isenthralledwith the beauty of yourKing.Your interests and affections are fornothingotherthanyourheavenlyBridegroom.Whenyousoundacalltobuild,the saints rally around you enthusiastically because they know you’refunctioning from the creative womb of the morning (the secret place) whereyou’vereceiveddivinelydownloadedmandatesandinsights.Yourproductivitybecomes disproportionate to your resources. What I mean is, the workacceleratesforwardatapacethatisfasterthanseemspossiblewiththelimitedresourcesatyourdisposal.Why?Becauseyou’renotjustworkingby the might and power of human resources; you ’reoperating in the synergy and flow of Holy Spiritmomentum asGodHimself workswith you and in you.You’ve found the God zone! Financial resources come out ofseeminglynowhere;volunteerscomeoutof theproverbialwoodwork;heathencorporations start donating their stuff to you; doors open where only a wallexisted;saintsarejoinedtogetherinkingdompurpose;sinnersareinaweofthegrace of God that rests upon the community of believers. And it was allunlockedbecauseaservantleadercameoutofthesecretplaceonfireforGod!

Now back to the vision of Zechariah 4. Zechariah has one consumingquestion of the angel who is bringing him this revelation. Zechariah asks theangelnolessthanthreetimes,“Tellmeaboutthosetwoolivetrees.Whataretheolivetrees?”(Seeverses4,11,and12.)Theangel’sansweris,“‘Thesearethetwoanointedones,whostandbeside theLordof thewholeearth’” (Zechariah4:14). That answer is vague enough that we still find ourselves asking the

question,whatdothesetwoolivetreesrepresent?Zechariahwantstoknowwhatthetwoolivetreesarebecausetheyarethe

sourceof theoil.Onceweknowthesource,weknowthesecret to living inaconstantsupplyofdivinelifeandgrace.Sothisreallyisthegreatquestionofalltime.Whatisthesourceforanever-endingsupplyofGod’sinfiniteresources?

Thetwoolivetrees,inmyjudgment,arethewordandtheSpirit.WeneedboththewordandSpirit,mixedtogetherandflowingintoourspirits,ifwearetobuild the kingdom through the power ofGod.When the Spirit ofGodmovesuponHiswordandspeaksitintothedepthsofyourbeing,youwillcomealivewithaholyfire!That’swhywhenJesusrevealedJesustothetwodisciplesonthe road to Emmaus, opening the Scriptures regarding Himself to their heartthrough the power of theHolySpirit, those disciples later declared, “‘Did notour heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while Heopened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32). When the Spirit-empoweredwordisministeredtoyourheart,youtoowillburnforHim!

ThesecretplaceiswherewedrawuponthelifeofthewordandtheSpirit.It’stheplacewhereweopenourspiritstoHimsothatagreaterflowofHisoilmightmakeitswaytoourlamps.Whatwereallywantiswiderpipes.Thepipesthatcarrytheoilfromthebowltothesevenlampsarecriticaltothedegreeoflightemittedbythelampstand.Ifthepipesareopenandunclogged,oilwillflowfreelytotheflamesofourhearts.Whenthisadmixtureofoil(thewordandtheSpirit) flows into our hearts and sets us ablaze forHim, the kingdomwilladvance in and through our lives in staggering proportions. The issue is not,“Work harder!” The issue is, “Get oil!” The secret is: Apply yourself toenlarging your connection to the source of divine oil.Themore this oil flowsintoyourinnerbeing,thebrighteryourlampswillblazebeforeGodandmen.

Nothing is more dangerous to the kingdom of darkness than a man orwoman who has found the unceasing wellspring of heaven’s life. When theservant of theLord is fed from this inner flowof oil andhis seven lamps areveritable torches of flaming zeal for his Beloved, then no force of hell canextinguishthisflame.Evenifhelltriestodousethisflamewiththefloodsofthedragon’s mouth, this fire is fed by an internal source. Nothing external canquenchit.OhwhatamarveloussecretIamtryingtodescribe!JohnWesleysaiditsomethinglikethis,“GetonfireforGodandletpeoplecomeandwatchyouburn.”

Comewithmetothenextchapter,Iwanttoemphasizethistruthwithyetanotherscripturalimagethatportraysaconstantsupplyofdivinelife.

51TheSecretofAbidingInChristThereisahugequestionthathasbeenaskedbyallofthegreatestsaints

throughouthistoryintheirpursuitofGod.WesawinourpreviouschapterthatthisquestionwasaskedthreetimesbyZechariah.Itisthecommonquestofthediligent soul. It is the shared question of all generations, for all time. Thequestionisverysimply,“HowdoIabideinChrist?”Thequestionissimple,buttheanswerprofound.Andfewtherebethatfindit.

Manyofus feel likewemove inandoutofGod’s throneroom.Wehavetimes of great connectedness, and thenwe suffer periods of disconnectedness.We can’t always analyze exactly why a distance has developed in our heartstowardtheLord,butmostofusfeellikeourrelationshipwithChristisarollercoaster rideof feelingclose, then far, thenclose, then far, thencloseagain. Inandout.Andwehate it.Wewere created for constant intimacy, and anythinglessdrivesuscrazyontheinside.

Inmyopinion,thesearesomeofthemostgloriouswordsofChristintheentireBible:“‘IfyouabideinMe,andMywordsabideinyou,youwillaskwhatyoudesire,anditshallbedoneforyou.BythisMyFatherisglorified,thatyoubearmuch fruit; so youwill beMy disciples’” (John 15:7-8). The “if” of thepassagealmostdrivesme insanewithholydesire.“If!”Thegreat condition toanswered prayer is an abiding relationship with Christ and His words. Thisattainmentisnotguaranteed.Itisavailable,butrarelyexperiencedinfullness.IknowthatIdonotabideinChristinthiswaybecausethethingsIdesirearenotyet done for me. So I seek this dimension of holy living with great spiritualappetite—withwhatIcall“holyheartburn.”ImustgainChrist!

A Christian magazine that featured Hudson Taylor in one of its issuesreferred to how Taylor struggled for a closer walk with God. Although he isconsidered one of the greatest missionary champions of church history, helongedforamoreintimaterelationshipwithChrist.“Iprayed,agonized,fasted,strove,made resolutions, read thewordmore diligently, soughtmore time for

retirementandmeditation—butallwaswithouteffect,”hepined.“IknewthatifIwould abide inChrist allwould bewell, but I could not.” Taylor reached aturningpointinhislifewhenhereceivedaletterfromacolleague.Thissimplemessageunlockedthedoor:“FriendshipwithGodcomesnotfromstrivingafterfaithbut fromresting in the faithfulone.”Thosesimplewordsweresomehowprecisely what Hudson Taylor needed to help him cross a threshold in hisrelationshipwithChrist.Hewasable toceasestrivingand toembraceChrist’snearnessandpowerandlife.IrefertoTaylor’sexperience,notasthoughit’saformulaforlearningtoabideinChrist,butrathertoshowthatthemosteminentofsaintshavewrestledwiththisveryissue.

HowyoucometoabideinChristwillbedifferentfromallothers.WeallabidedifferentlybecausewearealluniquecreationsofGod.YourrelationshipwithChristwill neverbe likemine, andminewill neverbe likeyours.That’swhyyou’llnever learn toabide inChristby reading thestoriesofothers.Youwon’tlearntoabidebyreadingtherightbookorlisteningtoagreatsermon.NoonecanmentoryouintoanabidingrelationshipwithChrist.Amentormightbeabletohelptoalimiteddegree,butinthefinalanalysisweallhavetofindourownwaytoabidinginChrist.Whenallissaidanddone,wemustshut the door, get into the secret place with God, anddiscover what an abiding relationship with Christ willlooklikeforourselves.

UsuallythepathwaytoanabidingrelationshipwithChristisattendedwithduress.God allows uncomfortable circumstances or emotions in our lives thatpressusintoChristwithvigilantdetermination.Mostofuswillneverabandonourselves topursuinganabiding relationshipunless theLord, inHiskindness,allowscalamitiesorstrugglesinourlivesthatelevateourpainleveltothepointofdesperation.

Josephillustrates this truthquintessentially.GodtookJosephonapainfulpathway in order to help him find an abiding relationship. Letme review thestoryverybrieflywithyou.

Asa17-year-old,Josephstoodapart fromhisbrothersasamanofgodlycharacter in the midst of a perverse generation. So God basically said,“Congratulations, Joseph, you’re keeping your heart pure; you’re walkingblamelesslybeforeGodandman;you’rekeepingyourselfseparatefromanevilgeneration. You’ve qualified for a promotion in the kingdom—to slavery yougo!”SoJosephwassoldintoslaverybyhisbrothers.

InEgypt,hewassoldtoamannamedPotiphar.PotipharsoonrealizedGodwaswith Joseph and that He blessed everything Joseph touched. So PotipharmadeJosephthechiefstewardofallhispossessions.Althoughaslave,JosephkepthisheartbeforeGodandcontinuedtowalkcarefullybeforeGod.Hewasdiligent to cultivate his gifts and talents, provinghimself faithful as a stewardover the house.He fled from sexual temptationwhen Potiphar’swife tried toseducehim.SoGodresponded,“Congratulations,Joseph,you’recontinuingtopractice my presence; you’re faithfully cultivating your gifts and talents; andyou’re fleeing temptation. You’ve qualified for another promotion in thekingdom—toprisonyougo!”

Joseph had no idea why he was in prison. Surely he must have beentemptedwith the thought, “God,what is theuseof servingYou?When I loveYouandserveYouandkeepaguarduponmyheart,itdoesmenogood.”Satanwanted to convince Joseph that serving God didn’t pay. But Joseph chose topushawaythetempter’sthoughts,andinsteadhesethisloveuponGodevenintheprison.HeheldtothedreamsGodhadgivenhimofeventualpromotion.

However,a desperation took hold of Joseph’s spirit. Joseph realized thatapartfromdivineintervention,hewouldspendtherestofhisliferottinginthisEgyptianprison.Noneofhis talentswouldworkforhimhere. Itdidn’tmatterthathewasgiftedandcharismaticandintelligent;noneofthosethingscouldgethimoutofprison.Everygifthehadcultivatedwasnowuseless.Reducedtototalhelplessness, Joseph began to cry out toGodwith intense desperation. “God,talktome,ormylife isover!”Hebegantopushdownroots intotheSpiritofGod, deeper than ever before. “God,why have you allowed this to happen tome?”

Godsaid,“Deeper.”Soheputtherootsdowndeeper.“Stilldeeper.”Soinhis desperation, Joseph pressed into the depths of the Spirit ofGod. “Deeper,Joseph.”

JosephkeptsinkinghisspiritualrootsdeeperanddeeperintotheSpiritofGod—untilonedayhefoundtheriver!Thereisariver,dearfriend,thatmakesgladthecityofGod.Thissubterraneanriverrunssodeepthatmostdon’tfindit.But insomecasesGodwillallowextremeduress topressHisservant into thedepths of the Spirit with an unprecedented passion. When Joseph found thisriver, he found a lifesource in God that goes deeper than the seasons of life.Whether it’s flood season or drought season, there is ariveravailabletothesaintprovidingaconstantsourceof

divinelifeandSpiritempowerment.Veryfewseemtofindthis great underground river, but when you find it, it iscalled"abidinginChrist.”

GodwassayingtoJoseph,“Son,Ihaveagreatpromotioninstoreforyou.But what I’m calling you to will never be managed on the strength of yourgiftings and talents.And I know that as long as your strengths are intact, youwill always default to them. So I’m going to put you in a place where yourstrengthswillbeuseless.I’mputtingyouinprison!Inthehelplessnessoflosingallcontrol,youwillhave tofindadimensioninMe thatsupercedesyourgiftsandtalents.Yousee,Joseph,thereisadimensioninMethatisnotofyourmightand power, but it is byMy Spirit.”When Joseph found that river, it was hisabilitytodrawuponthelifeofGodthatliftedhimfromtheprison.Itwasn’thistalents thatdeliveredhimfromprison,buthis life in theSpirit.WhenPharaohcalleduponJosephtointerprethisdream,JosephwasabletotapintotheriverandgivePharaohthewisdomthathedesired.Andinoneday,Josephwentfromtheprisontothepalace!

ItisanabidingrelationshipwithChristthatlaunchesthesaintintotheGodzone. I’m talking about the dimension where God works sovereignly andmightilyintheaffairsofmen.JesushadanabidingrelationshipwithHisFather,andHe changed the history of our planet.IfGodwillgrantyou thegrace to find this never-ending source of divine powercalled "abiding in Christ then you will change yourgenerationforGodaswell!

Donotbediscouragedbytheduressandhardshipthathassuddenlycomeupon you. Press into God like you never have in all your life! Allow thedesperation of your soul to help you pursueGodwith absolute abandonment.Thesecretisthis:IfyouwillseekHimwithallyourheart,Hewillguideyoutothe ancient river that runs deep in the heart of God. As you chase Himwitheveryounceofyour strength,Hewill bringyou to the fountainofdivine life.WhenthelifeofGodbeginstoflowintoyourworldofimpossibilities,thisisthestuffofmiracles.ThelifeofGodcannotbestopped!Ifyoudrinkofthisriver,everything in you and around youwill begin to shake and shudder under thegroundswellofGod’spowerreleased.Everythingaboutyourprisonisabouttochange!Iprayyoumightreceivethisword:LearntoabideinChrist!

52TheSecretofUnionWithGodThereisaprofoundcry,deepintheheartofman,foraheartconnection

withGod.Youwerecreated toabide inChrist! It is thiscry for intimacywithGodthathasdrivenyoutoreadthisbook.ItwasthatsamecryforaconnectionwithGod that filled theheartof theSamaritanwoman inJohn4,even thoughshedidn’tevenknowhowtoarticulateherlongings.Shehadlookedforloveinallthewrongplaces,buttheMastersawherheartandHeknewhowtodrawitout.

When Jesus spokewith thiswoman at Jacob’swell and she realized thatJesus was a prophet, she immediately put forward her number one question:“‘Ourfathersworshipedonthismountain,andyouJewssaythatinJerusalemistheplacewhereoneoughttoworship’”(John4:20).Herquestionwas,“What’sthe right way to connect with God—here on thismountain or in Jerusalem?”Aboveall else, the longingofherheartwas for ameaningful connectionwithGod’sheart.Theissueof“where”hadbeenarguedsomuchinherdaythatshehaddespairedofeverconnectingwithGod,andhadsuccumbedtoalifestyleofflagrant sin. But despite her sinful lifestyle and sense of hopelessness at everfindingit,herheartstillachedforaconnectionwithGod!Jesus’responsemusthaveamazedher.ShelearnedeventhoughshewasseekingtoconnectwithGod,GodwasevenmoreactivelyinterestedinseekingthosewhowouldconnectwithHiminSpiritandintruth(John4:23).JesussoughtherouttorevealtohertheFather’sdesireforworshiperslikeher!

GodhasshownHimselftobesomuchdifferentfromwhatwewouldhavethought.Helongsforus,tobeonewithus,tohaveoneheartbeatwithus.Theancients had a term to describe these higher dimensions of spiritual intimacy,whichtheycalled“unionwithGod.”ThisistheconnectionwithGodforwhichthehumanheartburns.JesuscametomakeusonewithGod(John17:21-23).Itis in union with God that we find the greatest

exhilaration, and it is also where we discover the mostglorious enticements to explore the cavernous depths ofGod’sburningheart.

Godbreathed into thehumansoulaprofounddesire forunionwithHim.Then,HeequippeduswiththevocabularytotalkaboutitwhenHegaveusthemodelofmarriage.Hesaid,“Thereforeamanshallleavehisfatherandmotherandbejoinedtohiswife,andtheyshallbecomeoneflesh”(Genesis2:24).Theunion of marriage was to serve as an example that would give us a mentaltemplateforunderstandingspiritualunion.

Now,why do a youngman andwoman choose to getmarried? Is it forromance?Well, a couple can enjoy romance within courtship without gettingmarried. They can have love, intimacy, friendship, companionship,communication, fellowship—all those things—and still not getmarried. (I amspeakingofcourtshipinitspurityandinnocence.)Sowhygetmarried?Becausewhile a couple can enjoy all the above benefits of relating to one another inpurity and integritywithoutgettingmarried, there’sone thing theycan’thave.Couplesgetmarried,essentially,forunion.

God has given us a great desire for union—with our spouse, and evenmoresowithHim.Weknowthereisadaycominginwhichwewill be joined to Christ at the marriage supper of theLamb,buttheScripturehasclearlyshownthattherearedimensionsofunionwithChrist thatareavailable tousinthehereandnow.Thefullnessiscominglater,butwhatisavailabletousnowisdeservingofourdiligentpursuit.

Thereisoneverse,aboveallothers,thathasdrawnmeintothepursuitofunionwithGod.ItistuckedawayinsuchanobscurewaythatIhadmovedrightpast theversemany timesbefore.Butoneday theverse snaggedme:“Buthewho is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17). Incontext,Paulisspeakingoftheunionthathappensthroughsexualrelations.Hisinference is that the sexual union is somehow pointing to a kind of spiritualunionthatwehavewithChristwhichfarsupercedesthephysical/sexualplane.

Here’swhatgrabbedmeabouttheverse.ItsaystheLordandIareonespirit.WhenIenvisionedspiritualcommunionwiththeLord,

I always envisioned two separate spirits, as thoughHis Spirit andmine werekissing.But thisScripture reveals thatwhenwe’re joined toChrist,wearenolongertwospiritsbutone.OnespiritwithGod!Theideaissofantasticas to almost appear preposterous or absurd. When I surrender toChrist,wetwobecomeone.

Christinme,thehopeofglory!ThehighestheavensandtheearthcannotcontainGod(Acts7:49-50),butsomehowGodhascreatedthehumansoulwiththeability tobe ahabitation forHimself.There is somethingwithinus that isbroader in its ability to containGod than the universe. This is thewonder ofwhat God has made us to be. I can “be filled with all the fullness of God”(Ephesians3:19),withthefullnessof“Himwhofillsallinall”(Ephesians1:23).Thehighestheavenscan’tcontainGod,butthehumanspiritcan.Wow!

Letmeillustratethiswithaquestion.IfIweretopouracupofpurewaterintotheocean,wouldyousaytheoceanisnowdiluted?No,youwouldsaythatcupofpurewaterhasbeentotallyabsorbedandlostinthevastnessoftheocean.That’swhathappensinunionwithChrist.WhenIamjoinedtoHim,Ilose my identity in the ocean of His greatness, so thatnowIcansay,"ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristlivesinme”(Galatians2:20).

IamonewithHim,andmyidentityisgloriouslylostintheimmensityofHismajestyandsplendor.

DonottakemetomeanthatwebecomeGod.Farfromit.Weareeternallythe created, and He is eternally the Creator. The chasm between Creator andcreatedwillremainforever.Butinsomegloriousway,thecreatedbecomesonespiritwiththeCreator,joinedtogetherineternalaffectionsofloveanddevotion.

If this thought seems mindboggling to you, it has the angels absolutelydumbfounded.Frometernitypast, thereisafieryfurnaceoflovethathasbeenlimitedtobutThree.TheFather,Son,andHolyGhosthaveenjoyedanaffectionofastronomicalproportionsthatissofieryinitsintensityandscopethatnoothercreaturewould evendare step into this blazing furnaceof divine love.Oh thelovethatdrawstheFatherintotheheartoftheSon,andtheSpiritintotheheartof theFather, and theSon into theheartof theSpirit!Andnow,as theangelsgazeintothisblazinginferno,theyseetheformofafourthwalkinginthemidstof the fire. And this fourth person has the appearance of the bride of Christ!

Fallen mankind has been elevated to oneness with the Godhead! Theramifications are beyond comprehension to even the brilliant ones who blazebeforeGod’sthrone.

WeareonespiritwithGod!Andallthat’srequiredisthatwebe“joinedtoChrist.”ButwhatdoesitmeantobejoinedtoChrist?

The Old Testament word for “joined” has a variety of colorings in itsmeaning.One fascinating senseof theword is found inPsalm63:8, “MysoulfollowsclosebehindYou.”Theoriginalwordfor“followsclose”isrelatedto theword “joined.” So the idea of theword literally is, “to pursuewith theintent toovertake.”David is saying,“Lord, IampursuingverycloselybehindYou, and I amdetermined toovertakeYou.Andwhen Ido, Iwill layholdofYouandwillneverletYougo!IwillbejoinedtoYouforever!”

So to be joined to Christ is to chase Himwith abandoned intensity—topursue Him with the intent of laying hold of Him. This is the holy chase towhichwe’vebeeninvited,anditisthemagnificentobsessionofthesecretplace.

WhenIthinkofbeingjoinedtoChristandhowImightillustratethattruthfor you, I am drawn to the example of Mary Magdalene. Mary MagdalenerepresentstheendtimebrideofChristwhoispursuingChristwiththedesireofbeingjoinedtoHim.Christhadcastsevendemonsoutofher,andbecauseshehadbeen forgivenmuchshe lovedmuch.That lovewasevidenced in thewayshe wept at Jesus’ tomb and was the first one to seek Him on resurrectionmorning.Maryhadtakenuptheholychase,sowhenJesusrevealedHimselftoher she instantlywrappedher armsaround Jesus’ feet.Herheart cravedunionwithGod.

LikeMary,thebrideofChriststandstoday,attheendoftheages,lookingwithlongingfortheappearingofherLord.“HeavenlyFather,wherehaveYoucarriedHimaway?BringHimtome,andIwilldrawawaywithHim,forIlongto be with Him.” And so like Mary at the tomb, we are looking, weeping,longing,yearning,watching.SurelyHeiscomingbacktorevealHimselffirsttothisbridewholongsforHimmost!AndwhenHecomes thissecondtime,wewillhavefoundtheoneforwhomoursoullongs.Ourpursuitwillbeended,forwewillovertakeourBeloved,layholdofHim,andneverletgo.

In that moment He “will transform our lowly body that it may beconformed toHis glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). This heavenlyBride andGroom will walk the aisle of Glory together, and be joined together in holymatrimony under the officiatingministry of the Father of lights.Nothingwillever separate us again.Therewill be nomore crying, nomore pain, nomore

tears.TheDesireoftheNationswillbefulfilled.AndsowewilleverbewiththeLord!

Butuntilthen,Iwillretreattomysecretplace,aheartsick,lovesickbridewho longs to behold her Bridegroom. I will pursue Him with the intent ofovertaking Him. And I will exult in our quiet secret—the place of highestintimacy—forhereIamjoinedtoHimandweareonespirit.