"Raise your heads, you gates; open wide, you eternal doors, so that the King of glory may enter." (Psalm 24:7,9)
SUMMARY:
Understanding His Presence
God’s Presence is constant—we live, move, and exist in Him, not apart from Him.
Oneness with God already exists, but transformation comes only when we recognize and accept it.
God is Spirit and deeply personal, though not a person in the human sense.
Jesus modeled dependence on the Father’s Presence, showing us to look within for guidance and strength.
Coming into Awareness
God’s Presence does not need to be sought in palaces, schools, or churches—He dwells in every soul.
Gratitude, prayer, and meditation help awaken awareness of His abiding Presence.
Obstacles arise when we think of His Presence as separate, rather than as part of daily life.
Trust and faith open us to His gifts of grace, love, and mercy, which are freely given.
Living His Presence
Our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect our awareness of Him, shaping how others see God through us.
Health, surroundings, and relationships show how much we live in alignment with His Spirit.
The Spirit guides not just outward actions but inner thoughts, which must be disciplined in truth and love.
Living consciously in His Presence requires joy and devotion, not heaviness or fear.
Experiencing His Abiding Presence
Awareness of His Presence brings peace, removing fear, loneliness, and separation.
Service to others reflects true service to God, whether in thought, word, or deed.
Divine protection and rest are promised to those who remain faithful and trust without demanding proof.
Like children, we must grow in patience and discipline before we can handle greater spiritual power.
Testimonies of His Presence
Believers testify that His Presence brings courage in trials, peace in uncertainty, and provision in lack.
Many experiences show His Presence working through ordinary people, even when they feel unprepared.
Preparing to Abide in His Presence
Preparation means conscious daily living, aligning actions with God’s nature and commandments.
Archangel Michael’s call: remove inner obstacles, rejoice, and walk in strength, for the path to His glory is open.
ASFG Lesson 10: In His Presence - Paraphrased
INTRODUCTION
Our thoughts, words, actions, and outlook on life are shaped by how we understand the One we worship. The way we express ourselves in relation to what is within us and what is around us reflects how we have used the knowledge of His Presence abiding with us.
If we treat His Presence as something separate—something we turn to only when troubled—we miss the truth that living in His Presence is the very experience of those who choose to follow His will. His Presence is always with us, for in Him we live, move, and exist. We must awaken to this reality and recognize ourselves as children of the Most High.
God is Spirit, the source behind all creation. God is One. He is within everything, and everything is in Him. When we try to separate Him from creation, we fall into error and confusion. When we think of ourselves as apart from God, we are like a rudderless ship.
But when we realize His Presence and our Oneness with Him, life takes on new meaning. This Oneness always exists, but only our recognition and acceptance of it brings transformation. God is not a “person” in the human sense, yet He is deeply personal in His relationship with us.
This unity with the Father was what Jesus emphasized on earth. He said, “I can do nothing on my own; it is the Father within who does the works.” In the same way, we must look for the Presence within. There we find guidance, help, provision, peace, joy, and everything that makes life full—if only we recognize and use this great inner storehouse: God’s Presence.
When we listen to and follow the “still, small voice,” we know His Presence is real within us. The Holy Spirit is truly God in action. Every soul, in every stage of development, is moving toward the realization of the One—God, the All-in-One. And so, we must come to know ourselves as one with Him.
HOW TO COME INTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PRESENCE
On earth, we tend to look to palaces for rulers, great schools for wisdom, churches for teachers, philosophers for insight, or centers of commerce for wealth and power. But finding God does not require such a search. His Presence is already with us—whether we are great or humble. He dwells in the human soul, the simplest expression of Himself, though people often make it complicated.
When we sense God’s Presence within and around us, we can become still, release our worries, and feel His renewing power at work. Then His Spirit speaks through the soul, and we recognize His blessing and protection.
It is valuable to study and reflect until we understand our own attitude toward His Presence. Long ago, wise men admitted, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too high to reach.” We too may feel that true awareness of God’s Presence is impossible. Yet, should we not simply trust His promise and accept His free gifts of grace, love, and mercy? As Scripture says, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who gives generously without finding fault.” If this was true in the apostles’ time, it remains true now, for God never changes.
One of the greatest obstacles to realizing His Presence is thinking of it as something separate from us. In reality, we come to know it by bringing His attributes into every part of our lives. Gratitude helps us feel His abiding nearness. We must not suppress the Spirit but let go of self, focusing instead on unity—with Him, with one another, and with Eternal Life itself. Let us lift our eyes to the Light. If we truly open ourselves, His Spirit will confirm His Presence within us. With this awareness, we gain deeper understanding of friends, strangers, and even enemies. We can move forward without fear, for the Lord has said, “My Presence will go with you.” We can trust His guidance, exercising unwavering faith, knowing He will steady our steps and protect us. May we live every moment with awareness of His Presence, letting our actions bear witness to it.
As we put less emphasis on self and place more trust in His word, each of us can become aware of His Presence dwelling within. For to know Him requires believing that He exists, and that He is with those who seek Him. It is both comforting and uplifting to realize that we belong in His Presence and are united with Him. Too often, we have read, “The Lord is my shepherd,” but doubted it applied to us. When we grasp His Presence, we can confidently claim the promise.
Through prayer and meditation, we gain a clearer sense of life’s true purpose. By surrendering our will to Divine guidance and walking daily in the path of Christ, we gradually awaken to His abiding Presence, knowing with certainty that He withholds no good thing from those who seek Him.
Each of us should recognize our spiritual inheritance: all are invited into His Presence, for He desires that none be lost but that all come to the understanding of His Spirit dwelling with ours.
When we work together in love and harmony—serving Him and serving others, fulfilling His command to “bear one another’s burdens”—we reach the awareness of His abiding Presence. May our daily prayer, both as a group and as individuals, be to live each moment in conscious awareness of His Presence.
WE CONSTANTLY REFLECT OUR KNOWLEDGE AND CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS PRESENCE
Let us always remember that physically, mentally, and spiritually, we constantly show how much we understand His Presence. Each day, we should “study to show ourselves approved” before Him, so that His light can shine through us—not only in faith, but also through our words and our actions. In living this way, we come to understand ourselves more deeply and also better understand those around us. When we observe others, we can see that their actions, no matter where or how they live, reflect what they believe about God and what spirit they choose to follow. In the same way, God evaluates us by the measure we use in our lives.
In our physical lives, good health is one reflection of His Presence, because it comes from following the natural laws that allow the soul to be expressed fully through the body. Even small details of caring for the body matter, because they either bring harmony or create disorder. Our surroundings, the friends we choose, and every physical act give others a sense of how close we believe God is to us.
Just as the body’s actions show its physical strength, the activities of the mind reveal its inner strength—guided by His Spirit, which is always available to those who sincerely seek Him. Human laws and customs may regulate outward behavior, but controlling our thoughts—sometimes just as harmful if left unchecked—is a personal responsibility for each of us. Thoughts, words, and deeds all carry influence, shaping how others perceive our awareness of God.
So we should ask ourselves: How spiritual is our life? How often do we seek God through prayer and meditation? Do our beliefs and philosophies center on spiritual ideals? Others notice these things and are influenced by them. It is not enough to believe; we must also live our belief in our words, thoughts, deeds, and attitudes.
We all stand in His Presence, and our lives reflect what kind of shadow we cast. Staying conscious of the Spirit within keeps us on the path of truth and light. Our awareness of His Presence should be expressed in our actions, words, and thoughts, so that His Spirit is evident not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us. Just as a face is reflected in water, so must our actions reflect Him. This should not be shown with sadness or heaviness, but with joy, purpose, and devotion.
The path may feel heavy at times, and His Presence may seem distant, but the shadows are only from our own misunderstandings. His glory lifts us as we serve, giving us a greater experience of His joy. His Presence always remains with those who love Him. If we love Him, we keep His commandments and follow His way, discovering that His burden is truly light for those who seek His face and live in His Presence.
EXPERIENCING THE ABIDING PRESENCE
To be conscious of God’s Presence is to know that He walks and speaks with us, that His promises are active in our daily lives, and that we can live in hope rather than fear. His Presence does not make us stumble but instead fills us with joy in service—even when such service calls for greater sacrifice of our selfish desires. True service is never for ourselves but for others, whether in a kind word, thought, or deed. In such acts we are offering ourselves to the Lord, just as He gave Himself for us.
When we become aware of His Presence, peace replaces fear, loneliness, and the sense of being separate. That peace brings contentment and unity with Him, helping us feel part of His divine plan and even co-creators with Him. This harmony with God makes us stronger, enabling us to face obstacles with the power and guidance of His Spirit working through our minds.
This awareness also softens our outlook. We let go of judgment toward ourselves and others, replacing it with a desire to bless. As His Presence fills us, our very faces are transformed, showing peace, love, and contentment instead of worry or frowns. The more we live in this Presence, the more we grow toward the perfection we seek.
God promises, “My Presence shall go before you, and I will give you rest.” His Spirit offers divine protection when we remain faithful to our calling. If we act on what we know—without waiting for proof or results—He often grants what we desire when we least expect it. Yet, like children, we must be taught and disciplined. Without the childlike faith and trust He asks of us, we cannot truly enter into the fullness of His Presence. Just as a child cannot be trusted with something dangerous, we cannot yet handle Divine power unless we grow through love, patience, and discipline. God delights to give us His kingdom, but it becomes ours only when we have learned patience and self-control.
Awareness of His Presence also makes us kind, patient, forgiving, and loving toward others. We come to see that the same Father who is near to us is also near to those less fortunate, and it becomes our duty to help them realize His nearness as well.
Many have testified of this experience:
One person, falsely accused, recalled the words: “If God is with you, who can be against you?” and “Be not afraid.” God’s Presence turned what seemed humiliating into a moment of glorifying His name. That awareness of need drew them closer to Him, making His Presence undeniable.
Another, asked unexpectedly to speak publicly, resisted preparing through study and instead trusted the Spirit within. The words flowed with power and inspiration, not from self, but from the Presence working through them.
Another marveled at living worry-free despite having no income, giving thanks for the realization of God’s abiding Presence, which provided assurance of all things needed.
Others reflected: “To be in His Presence means being like Him. If God is Spirit, then in Spirit and truth I must worship Him. In Him I live, move, and exist.”
One said, “God is Intelligence, and His intelligence within me allows me to know and do more than my strength alone could accomplish—even in daily duties at home.”
Another shared, “Troubles only overtake us when we forget God. If we place our hope in Him instead of people, He will make us victorious.”
And still another: “I know His Presence abides with me always. Whether in daily work, in quiet hours, or in trials and temptations—He is near. When life feels overwhelming and darkness surrounds me, if I pause and listen, He assures me He is there. Then storms calm, and peace returns. I only need to ask and receive, for He never fails me.”
PREPARATION OF SELF TO ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE
Since we are always in God’s Presence, preparation is really about keeping ourselves aware of that reality. Each person must approach this individually, because we are all at different stages of spiritual growth. What may be essential for one may be less so for another. Still, principles of good judgment and clean living should be followed—not as rigid duties, but as natural ways of life. Meditation and prayer help us remain connected with the inner self, drawing out the soul’s strength to sustain us in times of trial. Above all, we are called to use what we already have, for as we live faithfully in the truth we know, greater truth and strength will be added to us.
We must remember that God is with us in both joy and sorrow. As we meditate and pray, turning our hearts toward Him, His love surrounds us and we realize that we are abiding in His Presence. Even when trials come—when inner struggles bring tears—we can still be glad in spirit, just as Christ, in His own suffering, showed strength even while being denied.
Preparation, then, begins now—by acknowledging His Presence today. “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” We prepare ourselves by living in such a way that others can see our faith as genuine, not merely as words. Our lives, whether we intend it or not, reflect the God we claim to worship. Too often people form wrong ideas about Him because our actions fail to align with His nature.
We are further prepared as we continue in understanding, for each victory over self deepens our awareness of His abiding Presence. Our souls are lifted from glory to glory until we carry a constant consciousness of Him.
Finally, we prepare by keeping His commandments. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” And those commandments are made plain: “As you have done it to one of the least of these, my little ones, you have done it unto me.”
LET US REMEMBER THAT OUR GUARD IS EVER IN HIS PRESENCE
We need not fear in the Presence of our Creator. God is always ready to keep His promises, always willing to reveal His ways to those who truly seek Him. The same God who designed the beauty of nature and set the laws that govern the harmony of the universe has not left His creation without guidance or strength. The path is shown through the Son, and the eternal Forces of God stand ready to help and sustain those who choose to walk in that way.
Message from the Archangel Michael:
Bow before God in reverence, you who seek His Presence. Be strong in His power. Do not stumble because of your own weakness, but know that your Redeemer lives, and let His Presence fill your heart today. Remove anything within your body or mind that blocks Him, for He desires to dwell with you. The decision is yours: will you be one with Him? The path I guard leads to His glory. I, Michael, will guide you. Do not disobey. Do not waver. You already know the way.
We are called to rejoice in the Lord—not in ourselves or in earthly wisdom—for human reasoning alone can become a stumbling block. Instead, let the Spirit of Truth separate what is false from what is real, so that we may enter into the full awareness of His Presence, free from doubt, fear, or anything that weakens us.
So let our hearts rise in praise and gratitude for the wondrous love that God pours upon His children. Let us delight in the opportunities we are given each day to serve in His name. Let us rejoice in the truth that every act of kindness to “the least of these” is service to Him. May the love of the Son be seen in our lives so others may witness the joy, peace, and harmony that come from serving.
Let us give thanks and allow our lives and bodies to become dwelling places for the Father’s love, so that His Spirit may shine forth. Let us honor His holy name and rejoice in the coming of Christ into the hearts and lives of all who open themselves to Him.
Meditation: Abiding in His Presence
Find a quiet space. Breathe deeply. Let your heart become still. Allow these words to settle within you.
1. Awareness
“God’s Presence is here. In Him I live, move, and exist. I am never separate, never alone. His Spirit surrounds me and fills me.”
Pause. Breathe in this truth. Let every breath remind you that He is within and around you.
2. Oneness
“The Father and I are one. Just as Christ lived in perfect union with the Father, I too am called to rest in this unity. My heart opens to His Spirit within me.”
Rest in this oneness. Feel yourself rooted in Him like a branch to the vine.
3. Trust
“I release my fears, doubts, and striving. I accept His grace, love, and mercy. His Presence goes with me, guiding my steps, steadying my path.”
Exhale worry. Inhale trust. Allow His promises to steady you.
4. Reflection
“My words, my thoughts, my deeds—all are mirrors of His Presence in me. Let my life shine with joy, not heaviness; with love, not fear. May His Spirit flow through me.”
Let light rise within you. Picture it flowing out to bless all you meet.
5. Peace
“In His Presence, fear is gone. Loneliness is lifted. I am held in His peace. His Spirit makes me strong, patient, forgiving, and kind.”
Breathe slowly. Let peace expand from your heart to your whole being.
6. Service
“To serve others is to serve Him. In every kind thought, in every gentle word, in every act of love—I dwell in His Presence.”
Picture someone you can bless today. Hold them in light and love.
7. Preparation
“I prepare my heart daily. Through prayer, through stillness, through love, I make room for His Spirit. My body, mind, and soul are His dwelling place.”
Feel your heart as a temple—silent, sacred, open.
Closing
“His Presence abides with me always. In joy and sorrow, in strength and weakness, in stillness and in action—I am one with Him. His Spirit goes before me, and His peace remains.”
Sit quietly. Rest in this awareness. Stay as long as you need.
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