Sermon Notes

Breathe | Week 3 | Pastor Kevin Kringel

Breathe
Week 3
The Secret Place

Introduction: The Call to the Secret Place
  • In a noisy, hurried, distracting world, God's calling us back to quiet intimacy.
  • Scripture: Matthew 6:6 – “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door…” (a personal prayer closet—not just a war room for intercession).
  • Jesus often withdrew to lonely places for prayer (Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed solitude, how much more do we?

I. Intimacy Happens in the Secret Place
  • Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:10–14 – shows relationship language, not just religion.
  • Key idea: God invites us to come away with Him—not to perform, but to be known.
  • The secret place is a meeting spot, not a hiding place; it’s where communion happens.
  • For Men: Think of David—warrior, king, poet—who wept and worshipped in solitude.
    True strength comes from a relationship with God, not performance.
  • Takeaway: Intimacy with God fuels victory, courage, and authentic strength.

II. The Lord Reveals His Secrets to Those Who Dwell with Him
  • Scriptures: Psalm 25:14 – “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.”
  • God shares secrets in the secret place.
  • Jeremiah 33:3 – Call on God, and He reveals mysteries.
  • Examples: Moses on the mountain (Exodus 33:21–22).
  • Key Practices:
    o Intentional Getaway: Schedule solitude like meetings.
    o Listening: Create space for silence, not just talking.
    o Quotes from saints and leaders:
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, A.W. Tozer, Dallas Willard, Mother Teresa — all emphasize the importance of silence, stillness, and seeking God in quiet.
  • Insight: Silence strips away noise, revealing the quiet presence of God.

III. How the Secret Place Transforms You
  • When in His presence:
o Peace replaces pressure: “Be still and know” (Psalm 46:10).
o Clarity replaces confusion: Hear God's guidance.
o Love replaces loneliness: Feel seen and loved.
o Strength replaces striving: Empowered by His presence.
o Compassion replaces criticism: Love others as He loves us.
o Depth replaces dryness: Overflow in worship, relationships, ministry.

IV. Action Steps: Living from the Secret Place
  • Challenge:
o Set a daily appointment with God—even 10–15 minutes.
o Practical tips:
Unplug from devices; leave your phone outside.
Find a sacred space—a chair, park bench, car.
Practice breathing, silence, Scripture, stillness.
Write down what God whispers (journal).
  • Scriptures for encouragement:
o Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 30:15, Mark 1:35.
  • Remember: Silence isn’t awkward; it’s holy. It’s the presence of God without distraction.

Closing Moment:
Invite congregation into a few moments of intentional silence.
Lead in prayer:
“Lord, teach me to come away with You. To breathe again in Your presence. To find my strength and identity not in noise, but in the secret place with You.”