SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
(Romans 6:3-4) [3] "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" [4] "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
(Galatians 2:20) " I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
(Psalm 24:3-5) (3) "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" (4) " He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." (5) " He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Living a Christ-centered life means following Jesus' teachings and embodying values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in our daily interactions with others. Doing so allows us to find a deeper purpose in life and experience a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Living a Christ-centered life can also inspire us to serve others more effectively. Putting others' needs before our own can make a significant positive difference in the world and contribute to the betterment of society. This way of life motivates us to act with a sense of morality and ethical responsibility.
Many Christians today don't understand the significance of entering God's presence. In this article, I'll guide you to help you know that not only is it permissible to enter God's divine presence, but it's also where we can receive instructions on how to answer our prayers. Entering God's presence means opening your heart and mind to his guidance and wisdom, allowing him to work in your life.
When we seek to pray, we must do it when the Lord is present. His word clearly states that he inhabits or resides in the praises of his people. This means that when we lift our voices in worship and adoration, we invite God's presence into our lives and experiences. It is truly incredible to think that the fullness of God dwells and abides in our praises of him, as it is written in Psalms 22:3. Therefore, let us make it a habit to offer up our praises to the Lord regularly, knowing that in doing so, we open ourselves up to his presence and power in our lives.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of being loved by someone you admire and respect? When the woman of our dreams shows us love and affection, telling us that we are her strong, handsome man of God, it can be a powerful experience. In that moment, we feel seen, valued, and appreciated. It can boost our confidence and make us feel like we can conquer the world.
Similarly, something unique happens when we express our love for God and boast about Him. God flexes His muscles, so to speak, and fills us with His presence. We become aware of His power and might and feel empowered to take on anything that comes our way. It's like a switch is flipped, and suddenly, we're not afraid anymore. Instead, we're filled with a sense of courage and strength. And the best part? We don't have to fear anything because God is always with us.
Our God is an ever-present help in times of trouble, and when we feel overwhelmed or scared, we can turn to Him for comfort and guidance. He is our rock, our fortress, and our protector. When we boast about Him and express our love for Him, we invite Him into our lives in a powerful way. So, let's not be afraid to brag about our amazing God!
True worship begins when we see our Lord for who he is and glimpse his Holiness. We need to worship God in our hearts as Father and vocalize the worship, filling our hearts with praise. Our worship should be centered on how we esteem and admire him for who he is and what he has done for us.
When we engage in true worship and praise, we allow ourselves to connect with the divine in a powerful way. It is in these moments that we open ourselves up to God's limitless presence and release the power that lies within us. This power enables us to break free from the chains of our burdens and overcome any obstacles we may be facing.
"DISCOVERING GOD'S SECRET PLACE"
(Psalms 91:1) “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” [2] “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” [3] Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence.” [4] “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” [5] “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” [6] “Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” [7] “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.”
"Discovering God's Secret Place" is a phrase that suggests an exciting, mysterious adventure awaits. What is a Secret Place? Is it a hidden location, a forgotten land, a rugged mountain range with stunning views, a beautiful beach with beckoning waters, or a dense forest teeming with wildlife. Whatever it is, the phrase in itself suggests it to be a place of discovery, exploration, and adventure.
This message explores a place of intimacy by studying King David's life and his beautiful words in Psalm 91. David writes that those who dwell in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He says that the Lord will protect them from harm, and they need not fear the terrors of the night or day. This secret place is where we can be intimate with God, and He will protect us from all harm.
Many followers of Jesus Christ seem to know very little about the secret place of the Most-High or what it is to abide under His shadow, a symbol of His protection and guidance. This hidden place refers to an intimate and personal fellowship with God. It is a place of refuge where one finds comfort, peace, and rest away from the chaos and turmoil of the world.
There are many people today who claim to have accepted Christ but are unaware of the true significance of abiding under the shadow of God. The shadow resonates as a symbol of God's constant and unwavering protection and guidance. It implies being entirely covered by God's presence, living under His care and direction.
Developing a close relationship with God is one of the greatest privileges that a person can have. It is a relationship only available to those who genuinely know Yahweh as God and trust Him. When a believer puts his faith in God, he receives many benefits.
One of the benefits of having a close relationship with God is protection. When a person trusts God, He becomes a shield and a fortress around him. God protects His children from harm and danger, and He keeps them safe from enemy attacks. This protection gives believers peace of mind and assurance that they are never alone.
Another benefit of having a close relationship with God is comfort. When a person is going through a difficult time, God is always there to comfort him. His words of comfort and encouragement give believers the strength to keep going, even when things seem impossible. Furthermore, God's presence brings peace that surpasses all understanding.
Finally, having a close relationship with God means experiencing His care. God cares for His children in every way possible. He provides for their needs, guides them through life, and gives them the wisdom they need to make the right decisions.
When a person trusts in God, he can rest assured that all his needs will be met according to His riches in glory. As a person receives God's protection, comfort, and care, he trusts God all the more. And as he trusts God more, he gets to know Him more as God. This relationship with God is priceless and one that every person should strive to have.
By staying close to Him and following His lead, we can experience His blessings and grace. Therefore, it is essential for believers to seek a deeper understanding of these concepts and to cultivate a personal relationship with God. Through prayer, meditation, and studying the scriptures, we can discover the beauty and richness of abiding in the secret place of the Most High and living under His shadow.
The question before us is, “Are you looking to connect with God on a deeper level, and are you interested in a transformative experience that can help you unlock the secrets of God's heart, leading to a closer relationship with Him, taking you to a new level of understanding of God's love and His plan for your life?
In (John 11:28), we read the account of Mary, a woman who had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Jesus Himself. Jesus was a man who had captivated the hearts of many people with His teachings and miraculous deeds.
Mary was in deep sorrow because her beloved brother, Lazarus, had passed away. When Jesus arrived, Mary fell at His feet and expressed her grief. Jesus was moved by her deep sorrow and wept with her. He then went to the tomb of Lazarus and called him out from the dead, demonstrating His power over death.
We, too, have an open invitation to come before the throne of the most significant person in the universe, the One who created all things, both seen and unseen. Jesus invites us to come to Him regardless of our circumstances and promises to reveal Himself to us. We can experience a life-transforming encounter with the Son of God when we accept this invitation.
When we dwell in God's secret place, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. The Holy Spirit within us is our protector and will shield us from enemy attacks. He empowers us to overcome any physical obstacles we may face through deep intercession and groaning that we may not even understand.
We develop a more intimate relationship with Him as we spend time in God's presence. We can ask Him to reveal His secrets to us so we can better understand His will for our lives and pray with greater clarity and effectiveness. Our God desires to make His mysteries known to us, and He wants us to understand Him more deeply.
Through prayer and spending time in God's presence, we can access the power and protection of the Holy Spirit. He strengthens us to face any challenges that come our way and guides us to the truth that we need to overcome them. So, let us abide in God's presence, seek His face, and listen to His voice so we may live a life of victory.
It is important to prioritize our spiritual life to cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. One way to achieve this is by spending time in solitude, where we can quiet our minds and listen to God's voice. By removing distractions and allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment, we create an environment conducive to spiritual growth and development.
Spending time in God's word regularly, in addition to solitude, is crucial. The Bible is a source of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration and can help us better understand who God is and what He wants for our lives. Reading the Bible can also provide comfort and assurance during times of difficulty or uncertainty.
Prayer is an essential component of any close relationship with God. Through prayer, we can communicate with Him, share our thoughts and feelings, and ask for guidance and support. Prayer can also be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, as it allows us to surrender our fears and worries to God and trust in His plan for our lives.
Dear friend, as we develop a closer relationship with God, we can experience peace, joy, and purpose because we know that we are not alone and God is always with us. We can find comfort in knowing that we have a source of strength and hope even amid life's challenges.
This intimate relationship with God also helps us discover the secret place spoken of by the psalmist David where we can commune with God, actually lies within our hearts. Did not the Lord speaking to his disciples tell them that he and the Father will come and make their abode within them?
When we approach God with sincerity, humility, and a deep hunger for Him, we position ourselves to dwell and abide in the most holy place, experiencing the fullness of His presence and the richness of His grace. In this place, we find rest for our souls, healing for our wounds, and strength for our journey.
"THE SACRED PLACE OF WORSHIP."
The topic I want to discuss today is the significance of genuine worship that springs from a place of true adoration, as opposed to being driven by a fleeting emotional high that comes from singing our favorite songs.
Praise and worship are deeply rooted spiritual practices. They are acts of reverence and adoration that we show to God, often through song, prayer, or other forms of worship.
The sacredness praise and worship allows us to vocalize the worship that resides in our hearts for our God and what he did to redeem our life from destruction. Through praise and worship, we express our gratitude, admiration, and love for the divine. It is a deeply personal and spiritual experience that is felt by many people around the world.
Did you know that many often leave church feeling unfulfilled simply because they mistake entertainment for spiritual elevation? Unfortunately, this has become the norm in many churches today - people are usually more entertained than they are. In this message, we will explore the secret to dwelling and abiding in the most holy place, which only a few have reached.
If we desire to experience the presence of God in our lives and have a close relationship with Him, we must have a pure heart and spirit. This means fully committing to God and dedicating ourselves to living a life aligned with His will. It also requires self-discipline, humility, and a strong desire to know Him more deeply.
To achieve this, we must set aside regular prayer and meditation, allowing ourselves to be fully present in His presence and hear His voice. We must also study His word and apply its teachings to our lives, seeking to understand His character and ways. Additionally, we must cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him and that we are nothing without Him.
Ultimately, our goal should be to become more like Christ, who lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and demonstrated what it means to have a pure heart and spirit. By following His example and relying on His grace, we can become the kind of people who truly know and experience the love of God in our lives.
In the book of Psalms, the twenty-fourth chapter contains a story that provides valuable insights. The story is about how the people would sing to the priests, requesting them to open the massive door leading to the temple. This was not a one-time request but a persistent one, and the people had to keep singing until the priests finally opened the door. This story teaches us much about the importance of persistence and reverence when seeking God.
It highlights the significance of approaching God with awe and respect, as the people did when they sang to the priests. When we pray or meditate, we should approach God with a similar mindset, recognizing the greatness and power of the divine. The people did not give up after the first attempt but kept singing until their request was granted. This can teach us the importance of not giving up and striving toward our spiritual goals, even if it takes time.
In conclusion, the story of the people singing for the priests to open the massive door to the temple in the book of Psalms provides valuable lessons on persistence, reverence, and the importance of working together towards a common goal.
To experience divine intimacy with God, we must approach Him with all our hearts, sincerity, humility, and a deep hunger for Him. We must cultivate a genuine desire to know Him more intimately and be in His presence. When we do this, we open the door to experiencing His love and grace.
Approaching God sincerely means coming to Him honestly and acknowledging our weaknesses and imperfections. It means confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness. Humility is essential in our relationship with God, as it helps us recognize our need for Him and dependence on His mercy and grace. It means putting aside our pride and surrendering to His will and ways.
A deep hunger for God is also crucial in pursuing divine intimacy. We need to hunger and thirst for Him like never before, seeking Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This hunger drives us to pray, worship, and study His Word, allowing us to know Him more intimately.
The secret to getting our prayers answered in learning how to enter in to the divine council of God. We must begin by studying Ephesians' First and Third chapters, where the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian people, asking God to take them deeper into an intimate revelation of the knowledge of who He is. In this setting, we see Paul praying for a gift only the Holy Spirit can provide.
It is essential to remember that God has several names, each defining a unique aspect of His character. Therefore, to completely adore who He is, we must study His name. In (Exodus 19:18), we read that Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord descended upon it with fire, and the whole mountain trembled violently when the people heard the sound of a trumpet and a loud voice proclaiming His name and glory.
If we study the first and third chapters of Ephesians, we will find the apostle Paul praying for the Ephesian people, a prayer that only a spirit-filled believer can pray. He is not asking for more strength, motivation, or determination. Instead, he prays that they are endowed with spiritual wisdom and revelation that would bring them a greater understanding and revelation of the knowledge of God.
Do you long for a deeper and more intimate relationship with God? If so, I highly recommend studying King David's life to learn about true worship. David, who spent many nights in the desert watching over his father's sheep, understood the importance of true worship and developed a strong relationship with God.
Beloved, the essence of true worship lies in our ability to recognize and acknowledge God for who He truly is - holy, loving, and almighty. As we catch a glimpse of His holiness, our hearts are stirred to worship Him, and our voices are compelled to express our praise. Our worship should be centered on our deep appreciation and admiration for God, both for His inherent qualities and for His countless blessings upon us.
Saints, when we engage in true worship and praise, we unleash the power of God in our lives. It captures His attention and causes the burdens we bear to lose their grip on us. In worship, we shift our gaze from our problems to God, who loves us unconditionally and sacrificed Himself for us. This shift in focus brings about a profound transformation, filling our lives with peace, joy, and healing.
Church, I want to encourage you to prioritize worship in your life. It's not just about singing songs on Sunday mornings; it's about developing a lifestyle of prayer. As we worship God in spirit and truth, we draw closer to Him and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
"SUMMONED TO THE INNER COURT."
Church, it is essential to find solitude to hear God's voice, know Him, and preach His Word with an anointing that can break the hold that the powers of darkness have over people. When we dwell in this intimate place, the powers of darkness cannot penetrate. It is our private time to know God and experience Him in a way that can only be described as complete intimacy.
Beloved, Jesus said that when we pray, we should go into our closets in private. It is in that secret place that Satan is restricted and cannot hear our prayers because the shield of His love covers us. Saints, it is time to move beyond the Sanctuary of worship and enter into a beautiful relationship with Christ, who is not flesh and blood but an Eternal Being. Nothing should ever be allowed to take the place of being in His presence. Our place of being in a direct relationship with Him will determine how much He can trust us in the world to come.
This means that people, places, and things, including family, which are temporal and will come to an end, must be set aside. We need to get past regular worship, which is filled with artificial forms and agendas that exemplify the flesh more than the creator, and come to a place of holy reverence for who He is and what He has done for us that we might be called sons and daughters of the highest God.
Beloved Saints, nothing the church needs today more than a fresh encounter with the holiness and presence of the living God. Did you know that when we seek His presence with our whole hearts, we are guaranteed by His word that He will be found? The problem plaguing the church today is that people want a neat religion they can control.
For several years, many men and women have attempted to bring God down to their level and lower His standard, including His requirements for living. But when His presence and holiness are introduced to us by His Spirit, the masks of pretense are stripped off as we discover He is the Standard and has called all men and women unto repentance.
Beloved, the scriptures reveal that great men of God trembled and fell on their faces when they found themselves in the presence of the holy Angels. We can only imagine what it will be like to meet this awesome Eternal being one day and give an account of our lives.
Saints, this Awesome Creator has extended an invitation to each of us to accept His pardon and His grace through the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for all who receive His pardon and forgiveness, making us Sons, Daughters, and Heirs of His royal family.
My dear friends, as believers, we have the incredible opportunity to seek a deeper relationship with our awesome God. He is calling us to leave the outer court of the sanctuary and step into His inner court. This invitation is an invitation to experience His presence and grace more profoundly.
We are offered a share in Christ's glory and throne as we draw nearer to God. This is an incredible honor and privilege that we should not take lightly. In fact, the scriptures even tell us that one day, we will judge angels. This remarkable statement highlights the great authority and responsibility that we have been given as believers.
Let us respond to God's call and take steps to draw closer to Him. This may include spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping, and serving others. By doing so, we can experience God's love and grace in our lives. Let us embrace the incredible opportunity we have been given and pursue a deeper relationship with our loving Creator.
Beloved, when we dwell in this intimate place, the powers of darkness cannot penetrate. It is our private time to know God and experience Him in a way that can only be described as complete intimacy. Therefore, beloved, I always tell people who ask me about my walk with Christ and the high anointing on my life that they can drink from the same fountain that I drink from, which is the fresh, clear water of the Holy Spirit by spending time with Him in solitude. Amen.
"WE ARE GRANTED ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH HIS SPIRIT."
"We are granted access to God through His Spirit." "Access to God cannot be earned or achieved through our efforts. Rather, it is a gift bestowed upon us by His Spirit. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can enter into God's very presence, commune with Him, and receive His guidance and direction. This access is available to all who believe and trust in Him, and it is a privilege that we should cherish and seek to cultivate through prayer, worship, and obedience."
Church, look at Paul as he asks God to grant them to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man so that they might know the unfathomable Love of Christ. Did you know that the Holy Spirit is the one who has the authority to introduce the Father and the Son to us? (Ephesians 2:18) " For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father."
Beloved, here Paul is praying for the spiritual growth and well-being of these Ephesians so that they might know the length, depth, and height of God's love, shown to us through the giving of his Son to suffer our penalty of death and by raising him for our justification so that we may become sons and daughters of the highest God.
Saints, when we, in our unworthiness, accept His gracious pardon, we are not merely forgiven, but we are adopted as His own, welcomed into His royal family. This prayer assures us that there is no limit to His power and provision. The core of the matter is this: God, in His infinite mercy, will honor this prayer, and our Christian Life is built on this bedrock of His mercy.
My dear friend, I want to remind you that entering God's presence is a sacred and solemn experience. It's like standing in a courtroom where God is the judge, and we are the defendants. As we approach His throne of grace, we must do so with reverence and awe, recognizing His authority and power. Just like in a courtroom, we need to clearly understand why we are there and what we hope to achieve. When we come to God's presence, we should come with a purpose - to seek His guidance, to give Him thanks, to ask for forgiveness, or to offer our praise.
It's possible that we could witness or recollect something that might be useful in our friend's court case. Perhaps we were present when a critical event occurred or overheard a crucial conversation that could be used as evidence. However, if we were to take action on this information during the court proceedings, we would face immediate pushback from the judge, the lawyers, and possibly even the bailiff or other court personnel.
The bailiff stops you from entering that area. I want to explain that you were blocked because only court officers accompanying their clients are authorized to enter that area. The court recognizes these officers and has an official role to play in the proceedings, and they are the only ones allowed to speak to the judge and present evidence on behalf of their clients.
As a member of the public, you may observe the proceedings, but you do not have the authority to approach the judge or speak on behalf of any of the parties involved in the case. I hope this clarifies why the bailiff stopped you. Any attempts to interrupt or disrupt the proceedings would be seen as a violation of courtroom proceedings and could result in severe consequences, such as being held in contempt of court or even being escorted out of the courtroom.
Similarly, when we are in God's presence, we may receive insights, revelations, or answers to our prayers that could help us or those we love. Therefore, let us approach God's presence with humility and gratitude, always seeking His will and direction. May we never take for granted the privilege to enter into His presence and receive His mercy and grace.
MY CONCLUSION
Beloved, all the ways we express our faith, such as singing, praying, taking communion, preaching, and giving, are centered on the mercy of God shown through Jesus Christ. However, it is essential to remember that we should not rush into God's presence expecting an immediate solution to our needs. God has a specific time and way to answer our prayers and considers how it will affect us and those around us.
Saints, when we, in our unworthiness, accept God's gracious pardon, we are not merely forgiven, but we are adopted as His own, welcomed into His royal family, and our Christian Life is built on this bedrock of His mercy.
Beloved, entering God's presence is a sacred and solemn experience. It's like standing in a courtroom where God is the judge, and we are the defendants. As we approach His throne of grace, we must do so with reverence and awe, recognizing His authority and power.
Just like in a courtroom, we need to clearly understand why we are there and what we hope to achieve. When we come to God's presence, we should come with a purpose - to seek His guidance, to give Him thanks, to ask for forgiveness, or to offer our praise.
Similarly, when we are in God's presence, we may receive insights, revelations, or answers to our prayers that could help us or those we love. Therefore, let us approach God's presence with humility and gratitude, always seeking His will and direction. May we never take for granted the privilege to enter into His presence and receive His mercy and grace.
In conclusion, living a Christ-centered life is not always easy, but it can give you a deeper meaning and purpose. By committing to this way of life, you can experience a profound transformation that will help you become a better person and positively impact the world around you.
I cherish my walk with God and appreciate that He is interested in me. When He wakes me up around three to pray, I respectfully approach Him. I wear a shirt, wash my face, brush my teeth, and comb my hair before the King of the universe.
I get a Bible from my bookcase, turn on some soft worship music, and place a pillow before my chair where I have carefully placed my Bible. I begin to talk to God, asking Him to guide me into His plan and purpose for my life.
Sometimes, my God is so real to me that when I cut myself a piece of cake, I find myself cutting Him one, too. The Holy Spirit seems excited because God stated in His Word that He would withhold no good thing from us declaring that it is His good pleasure to give us the mysteries of the Kingdom.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
