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.Ineverconsidertimeinvestedinthesecretplacetobew