Herman Bouwer's Blog
November 23, 2025
THE OUTFLOW FROM THE SECRET PLACE
Psalms 27:4 NKJV
(4) One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: 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. Three things happen as we pray. First, we become friends with Almighty God.
I’m talking about real friendship; not some imaginary exercise of reciting religious phrases toward some divine place in the sky. No. David said we would behold the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in His temple. This is not some abstract thought about a make-believe world, nor merely a poetic license for things that are not literally real. I’m talking about actually talking with God….and having Him talk back with you.
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
(3) ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
The New Living Bible says, “Ask Me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”
Jesus invited us to pray to “Our Father, who is in heaven.” This is a bond greater than any other relational connection we know. He has even placed His Spirit deep within our heart, whereby we call out, “Abba, Father.”
From infancy to our elder years, God’s Fatherhood is the undergirding and over-riding truth of our lives. And it is the single, most compelling factor in how we are to pray –
Matthew 7:7-11 TLB
(7) “Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened.
(8) For everyone who asks, receives. Anyone who seeks, finds. If only you will knock, the door will open.
(9) If a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, will he be given a stone instead?
(10) If he asks for fish, will he be given a poisonous snake? Of course not!
(11) And if you hard-hearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won’t your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them?
The purpose of prayer and us cultivating the Secret Place with God is to strengthen, deepen, broaden, and lengthen our fellowship with God, our Father.
Have to talked to God as your Father lately? There is a clear demand for us to walk in Obedience
THE SECRET PLACE ENABLES AND EMPOWERS US IN WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD IN THIS WORLDLuke 11:2 NKJV
(2) So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Three things happen as we pray. First, is that we have fellowship with God. The second thing that happens is that we cooperate in bringing God’s Kingdom to Earth.
What exactly does this mean? Simply stated, it means doing our part to see God’s will plan and purpose happen in our sphere of influence.
Practically speaking, it means you should never pray a prayer that is not already God’s will. This is what the Bible is talking about when it says:
James 4:3 NKJV
(3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
In other words, our prayers are not answered when we pray for selfish reasons, wanting to indulge our own desires.
“THY will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Whenever we pray what God has already decided to do, our prayers cannot miss!
1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
(14) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
(15) And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
But this not only means we are never to pray a prayer that is not already God’s will; it also means that you should never pray a prayer that you are not willing to be the answer to. In other words, don’t ask God to bless the poor if you are not ready to do your part in becoming the means whereby He does it.
This attitude demands a life of Brokenness. 
Don’t pray for change in the courts, in the schools, in the marketplace, or in the church — if you’re going to sit passively by the side to see if any change comes. Otherwise you are praying empty prayers — mere religious words that have no meaning….and no power.
You must pray your passion — for it is in such prayers that God’s answers come; and they come through you. He gives you wisdom, opportunity, patience, resource and power from on high to actually effect the answers for which you cry out to heaven.
“Thy Kingdom come,” we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Pray as though it depended totally upon God; work as though it depends totally upon you.
What are you prepared to do today to become the answer to the prayers you have been praying?
THE SECRET PLACE ENABLES AND EMPOWERS US IN OUR DESTINATION FOR THE THRONERevelation 3:21 NKJV
(21) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Three things happen as we pray. First, we become friends with God. Second, we work together with God bringing His will to Earth. And, third, we are being prepared for Eternity. In other words — we are destined for the Throne!
One thing is certain about Heaven — we will not sit around on fluffy clouds strumming harps and eating yogurt, preening our wings and polishing our halos. No; nothing like that at all. Instead, we will reign with Christ, for that’s what the Bible tells us.
Revelation 3:21 NKJV
(21) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
John gave us a glimpse into this exalted place, and we hear a mighty host of ransomed men and women from all nations singing:
Revelation 5:9-10 NKJV
(9) And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
(10) And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
And the standing promise of the Ages, which fills our hearts with unshakable faith — the kind that overcomes the world — says it in perfect clarity:
Revelation 22:4-5 NKJV
(4) They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
(5) There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Our struggles here on earth, which intensify our resolve in prayer and pursuit of the Secret Place, become the very means whereby God is readying us for that place where we shall reign with Jesus. One old preacher called prayer, “reigning training.” It is the process whereby God
deepens our faith, broadens our vision, sharpens our discernment, awakens our passion, and unleashes His power.
The purpose of prayer and living from the Secret Place is to train you to reign with Jesus. So when you bow your head to pray, remember — every king kneels in order to be crowned. You, are destined for the Throne!
GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU
The post THE OUTFLOW FROM THE SECRET PLACE first appeared on THE 777th PRECINCT.
November 17, 2025
THE PRINCIPLE OF OBEDIENCE
Jesus promised to manifest Himself to those who obey Him.
John 14:21 NKJV
(21) He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
EXAMPLES IN SCRIPTUREWe see this manifested in the life of Moses as he obeyed the instructions from the Lord
God gave Moses Specific instructions regarding the arrangement and assembly of the tabernacle.
In Exodus 40:1-15 NKJV God gave Moses Specific instructions regarding the arrangement and assembly of the tabernacle. If we continue reading we find that in Exodus 40:16-33 it shows how Moses obeyed God perfectly.
The consequences of Moses’ obedience were the manifestation of the presence of God.
Exodus 40:34-35 NKJV
(34) Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
(35) And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
We see another example of this in the life of ABRAHAM.
God manifested His presence to Abraham whilst Abraham obeyed God.
Genesis 12:7 NKJV
(7) Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
Genesis 17:1 NKJV
(1) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.
Genesis 18:1 NKJV
(1) Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.
However, we must also note that Abraham experienced no manifestation or visitation from God when in a time of famine he went to Egypt in disobedience to His original call.
Genesis 12:10 NKJV
(10) Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.
THE DEMAND OF GOD TOWARDS OBEDIENCE
OUR ATTITUDE IN OBEDIENCE
Obedience to God is not based on law but flows from your love relationship with God. We need to have the following attitudes in obedience: –
Unchanging attitudePhilippians 2:12 NKJV
(12) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV
(2) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Earnest attitudePsalms 119:34 NKJV
(34) Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Psalms 119:69 NKJV
(69) The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
Non – compromising attitudeActs 5:29 NKJV
(29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
Enjoyable attitudeRomans 7:22 NKJV
(22) For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
Obstinate attitudeJoshua 1:7 NKJV
(7) Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Christ-like attitude
1 Peter 2:21 NKJV
(21) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
Enthusiastic attitudeIsaiah 1:19 NKJV
(19) If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
Isaiah 6:8 NKJV
(8) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Obedience to the commandments of Jesus will manifest God’s presence in your life.
SOME OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS ARE:
Water baptismMatthew 28:19 NKJV
(19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Breaking of breadLuke 22:19 NKJV
(19) And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
Love for the brethrenJohn 13:34 NKJV
(34) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Witnessing – making disciplesMatthew 28:19 NKJV
(19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
The disciples were obedient to the task of witnessing – the result is seen in the following scriptures: –
Mark 16:20 NKJV
(20) And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
If you want to pursue a deeper understanding of what obedience entails I would encourage you to have a look at my book called Doctrine of Obedience that is available from Amazon.
You can also obtain the book from my bookstore on my Website.
Grace and Peace to you until next time.
The post THE PRINCIPLE OF OBEDIENCE first appeared on THE 777th PRECINCT.
November 15, 2025
MEETING FATIGUE – DISEASE OF TODAY
MEETING FATIGUE IN THE CHURCH AND WORKPLACE: UNDERSTANDING IT AND OVERCOMING ITMeeting fatigue is a growing phenomenon in modern culture, as meetings have become the default method for communication, planning, and decision-making—both in the church and in the workplace. This tendency has escalated during the Covid epidemic. Yet the very tool meant to bring people together can also drain energy, diminish creativity, and slow down productivity.
Meeting fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a genuine state of mental exhaustion caused by too many meetings, poorly structured meetings, or meetings with no clear purpose. And it is affecting pastors, leaders, volunteers, employees, and entire teams across the world.
What Is Meeting Fatigue?Meeting fatigue is the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that accumulates when individuals are expected to:
Attend frequent meetingsSit through long meetingsParticipating in poorly planned or unnecessary meetingsContinuously switch between tasks and conversationsEngage without time for reflection or rest – I believe that this is one of the most dangerous results in the church as the attendees are showered with new revelations and challenges to change but they have not time to internalize or adapt as the next meeting is already demanding their attention.In both ministry and business settings, people often feel obligated to show up—even when the gathering accomplishes little.
Why It Happens in the WorkplaceToo many meetings – Many teams live in a constant state of interruption. People are pulled into meetings all day and expected to do their work afterward. This results not only in meeting fatigue but also in burn out as people now must work after hours to catch up and deliver the work expected from them. The greater spin off of this lifestyle is that more and more meetings are conducted after hours and the family life is invaded as it is expected of the employee to be available after hours as well,Lack of purpose or agenda – When meetings do not have clear goals, they waste valuable time and create frustration.Digital overload – With virtual meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams, people face screen fatigue, eye strain, and reduced attention span.Unnecessary attendance – Employees are often invited “just in case” someone needs them, leading to wasted hours.Why It Happens in the ChurchThe demand for multiple weekly meetings – Leadership meetings, intercession meetings, planning meetings, departmental meetings, training meetings, small groups—sometimes all in the same week. You find yourself in the conundrum of meetings on a daily basis in ministry that you are obligated to attend that leaves you drained and in a state of overload.Volunteers burns out due to lack of helpers or supporters and also work overload. – Volunteers who work full-time jobs are often called into evening meetings, leaving them drained with no time for family life and home responsibilities.Lack of delegation where leaders over manage the volunteers or want to do all the work themselves. – When a few people carry responsibility, they get overloaded with meeting-centric duties.Emotional engagement – Ministry is deeply relational and spiritual. This means every meeting carries a weight of care, compassion, and decision-making that drains the soul faster.The Impact of Meeting FatigueAt Work:
Lower productivityDecrease in creativity and innovationPoor decision-makingStress, frustration, and disengagementHigher turnover drops
In the Church:Spiritual exhaustionLack of joyDecreased involvementStrained relationshipsLeaders and members who feel disconnected from the actual missionWhen people are tired of meetings, they slowly become tired of the assignment itself and become negative.
How to Overcome Meeting FatigueHere are practical and spiritual steps that benefit both churches and workplaces:Have fewer meetingsNot everything requires a gathering. Many updates can happen via email, group messages, or written communication.
Before scheduling anything, leaders should ask:
“Is this meeting necessary?”
Set clear agendas and timelinesStart on timeEnd on timeStick to the agendaAvoid unnecessary conversationsPeople feel respected and energized when a meeting is structured.
Shorten meetingsA focused 30-minute meeting is often more productive than a slow, unfocused hour.
Reduce mandatory attendanceInvite only the people who genuinely need to be there.
This frees others to focus on their priorities.
Use hybrid communicationSome things are better handled through:
Voice notesShared documentsQuick check-insProject management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana, etc)Create meeting-free zonesWorkplaces can designate certain days or hours as meeting-free.
Churches can designate certain evenings to protect family time.
Prioritize rest and renewal
This is especially important in ministry.
Jesus frequently withdrew to rest, pray, and recharge.
Mark 1:35 NKJV
(35) Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
If the Son of God needed rest, so do we.
Furthermore we need to learn also how to operate and function from a position of rest in the Lord. I encourage you to listen to the audio. 140824_001
Return to purposeWhether in the church or workplace, the key question is:
“Is this meeting moving us toward our mission?”
If the answer is no, the meeting may not be necessary.
A Healthier Future for Churches and Workplaces
Meeting fatigue is not a sign of laziness—it’s a sign of overload. When churches and workplaces restructure how they gather, people regain:
EnergyCreativityJoyPurposeHealthy relationshipsMeetings should be tools, not burdens. They should bring clarity, not confusion.
They should build people, not break them.
By approaching meetings with intentionality and care, leaders can create environments where people flourish rather than fade.
I want to encourage you to become a voice of reason in this madness both in the marketplace and in the church and ministry.
Great grace and peace to you.
The post MEETING FATIGUE – DISEASE OF TODAY first appeared on THE 777th PRECINCT.
November 11, 2025
PROSPERITY VERSUS MATERIALISM
The subject of prosperity has become one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in the Body of Christ today. While the Bible undeniably teaches prosperity as part of God’s covenant blessing upon His people, much of what is preached today as the “prosperity gospel” has drifted from its apostolic foundation and has become entangled with the spirit of materialism.
There is a vast difference between Kingdom prosperity and worldly materialism. True prosperity flows from covenant relationship with God and serves Kingdom purpose, whereas materialism exalts self, greed, and the lust of the eyes, leading believers away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. See also my book on Dominion in your Giving.
1. The Apostolic Foundation of ProsperityGod’s desire has always been to prosper His people. From the beginning, man was placed in a garden of abundance and dominion.
“Genesis 2:8–9 (NKJV) – The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed…”
Prosperity, therefore, began as part of God’s intent for stewardship — not self-indulgence. The apostolic understanding of prosperity is rooted in purpose, assignment, and obedience to divine order.
“Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) – And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…”
2. The Corruption of Prosperity: The Rise of MaterialismMaterialism is the counterfeit of Kingdom prosperity. It replaces Christ as the center of blessing and enthrones the self. The modern-day message of material gain often promotes wealth as a measure of faith, reducing the power of the Cross to a means of personal enrichment.
“1 Timothy 6:5–6 (NKJV) – Men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Apostolic wisdom teaches that the measure of a man is not his possessions but his obedience. The spirit of materialism distorts truth by focusing on what God can give us, rather than who God is in us. You are invited the study the difference in The Gospel of Salvation and Condemnation vs The Gospel of the Kingdom
3. True Prosperity: The Prosperity of the SoulThe apostolic definition of prosperity begins with the inner life. External wealth must be the overflow of internal transformation.
“3 John 1:2 (NKJV) – Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
The prosperity of the soul precedes the prosperity of the hand. When the soul is aligned to Kingdom order — free from greed, envy, and pride — then material blessings can be entrusted without corruption.
4. Prosperity Has PurposeThe apostolic church understands that prosperity is for purpose, not personal luxury. God blesses His people to advance His Kingdom, support His work, and manifest His glory in the earth.
“2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
5. The Apostolic Call to StewardshipIn the apostolic dimension, every resource belongs to God. The believer is a steward, not an owner.
“Psalm 24:1 (NKJV) – The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
We do not possess to display — we possess to dispense. The early church in Acts understood this principle profoundly.
“Acts 4:34–35 (NKJV) – Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds…”
6. The Warning Against MammonJesus made it clear that the spirit of Mammon is a rival deity that demands loyalty and worship.
“Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) – No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other… You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Mammon is not money — it is the spirit behind money that seeks to control the heart. Many in the modern church have unconsciously bowed to this spirit.
7. The Balance: God Delights in the Prosperity of His ServantsWhile we reject materialism, we must not reject prosperity itself. God takes pleasure in blessing His people.
“Psalm 35:27 (NKJV) – Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
True prosperity glorifies God, not man. It manifests His covenant, not carnal ambition. It uplifts others, not self.
ConclusionThe apostolic call is to return prosperity to its rightful context — as a manifestation of covenant blessing, stewardship, and Kingdom purpose. The church must once again discern between prosperity born of the Spirit and prosperity corrupted by the flesh.
“Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
You are greatly encouraged to take the time to study Practical Righteousness
The post PROSPERITY VERSUS MATERIALISM first appeared on THE 777th PRECINCT.
May 12, 2022
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Apostolic Kingdom School
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