4Steps Devo

Everyone has a hidden life, whether you’re in public ministry or not. Public ministry that the Lord loves is an overflow of the personal relationship we cultivate with God in the secret spaces of our regular, everyday lives.

Jesus makes it clear that the experience we create for others flows from the inside out.

“A good person produces good from the good treasure of his heart, and an evil person produces evil from an evil treasure, because the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Luke 6:45

In a recent article entitled “Private & Public: What It Takes To Do Ministry That Pleases God”, worship leader David Santistevan writes:

“I’m more interested in worship teams, worship movements that get the hidden stuff right.”

I could not agree more.

So, how do we  “get the hidden stuff right” ?

We begin by building on a foundation of practicing the presence of God.  

Many of us struggle with “the spiritual disciplines”.  I  know I do! But the benefits of building a personal history with the spirit of God are worth it all.

Here are four simple steps you can apply immediately.

1. Desire God

First, desire to grow in your relationship. King David expresses this sentiment in Psalm 27:4

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.”

There’s a powerful, simple song called “Set A Fire” by Will Regan (United Pursuit, Jesus Culture) that I love right now. The melody and lyrics are anointed to express desire for God. 

“Set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain, that I can’t control. 

I want more of you God. I want more of you God.”

Google it and sing along.

2. Be With God

Next, carve out a little time and space to simply be with God. It could be anytime –  first thing in the morning, at night before bed, or during a break in the middle of the day.

Psalm 91:1 encourages all God followers to “dwell in the secret place of The Most High” and to “abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

For starters, simply sit for 5 minutes of eyes-closed-silence with no agenda except to be with God.

Set a timer and try it.

3. Be Filled

Third, be filled with the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 5:18)

We are our best selves when our hearts are filled and overflowing with the presence of God, the knowledge of God – the Spirit of God.

So, how can we filled with the Spirit of God? Start by asking.

4. Just Ask Him

Jesus teaches his disciples (you are a disciple too!) to ask your Heavenly Father to give the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13

 Ask and you will receive. So, let’s pause and do that right now.

Let us Pray:

Father, fill me with your Spirit today that I may overflow with the love of God in every aspect of my life. Fill me with the knowledge of God, the Spirit of God, the glory of God. Fill me with the  light of your wonderful Presence that I may reflect your glory. For Jesus sake and in His name, Amen. 

Over to You.

Do you struggle with getting the hidden things right? What’s working – or not – for you? Share in the comments section. 

 
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