READING 262-32 PARAPHRASED
As we gather as a group to study In His Presence, each person’s contribution should flow from an awareness of living in God’s presence. We are called to reflect Him in how we live and in what we share, so that others, seeing our words and actions, may gain a real sense of what His presence means for daily living. Each one of us should live in such a way that our lives match what we profess with our lips—becoming living examples of the presence we hold as our ideal.
In this way, the truths we gain through meditation and reflection are not only ideas but living realities, pleasing to God. By setting aside the selfish desires of the flesh, we allow His Spirit to be seen and felt in this material world.
We must also recognize that the world, our nation, and all people are in a time of searching and spiritual adjustment. The world looks to those who are spiritually-minded for guidance, for a hope that can draw humanity closer to God’s presence. Each of us, in our personal walk and in our group work together, can serve as representatives of that hope.
If we are to lift up our land to be a light to the world, it must be through God’s presence alive in us, day by day. In this way, both as a group and as individuals, we help to bring nearer the day when all may stand together in His presence.
(Q) Have I applied the past lessons enough to be worthy of a place in His presence?
(A) Every soul should recognize that a place in His presence is part of our spiritual inheritance. God’s will is that none should be lost, but that all would come to know and experience His Spirit, which joins with your own.
As for how well you have applied what you’ve studied—this is something only you can answer. For, as it is written: “My Spirit bears witness with your spirit whether you are acceptable in His presence.” And remember also His words: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my little ones, you have done it unto Me.”
So ask yourself: Have the thoughts and intentions of your heart led you to treat your neighbor, your brother, even your enemy, in ways consistent with what you’ve learned about living in awareness of His presence? If so, then know this: the Father is always ready to hear you. He desires not that any fall short of grace, but that all live in the mindfulness, gratitude, and communion that comes from walking with Him.
(Q) Is there a message to help me guide others into finding a place in His presence?
(A) The best way is to live daily in His presence yourself. “Study to show yourself approved unto Him day by day.” When you do this, the light of His presence naturally shines through you—by your example, your actions, and your words. It isn’t just about belief alone, but about showing love through both your speech and your deeds, rooted in the awareness that you are always in His presence.
When you live in that awareness, others begin to see it and recognize their own need for God. For truly, whether we acknowledge it or not, we already live and move and have our being in Him. Your task is to point others toward that truth—to encourage, persuade, and gently guide them to recognize the light of His presence shining in their own hearts.
And remember His promise: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you and remind you of the strength you need for each day.” When you live by this, your life itself becomes the invitation that helps others draw near to Him.
(Q) I would appreciate a message that will help me more fully realize being in His presence.
(A) The more you put aside self-centeredness and lean instead on faith, hope, and trust in His Word, the more you will become aware of His abiding presence. For those who truly want to know Him must first believe that He exists—and if He is, then He is always with those who seek His face.
(Q) Please explain the meaning of my dream on Nov. 3, in which I saw an incline, three houses tied together, a man drowning, bubbles, etc.
(A) The dream symbolizes stages of growth in the soul’s consciousness. Each element—houses, water, bubbles—represents levels or planes of awareness. The incline shows the rise or descent between these planes. The drowning man and bubbles symbolize the struggle and life-force even in realms that the human mind cannot fully grasp, yet where growth continues. Altogether, this vision points to the soul’s journey through different stages, each necessary for drawing closer to the ultimate source of all spiritual power—God’s presence.
(Q) What about the next dream, where I was discerning spirits, receiving messages, and sharing them with others?
(A) This dream continues the first. It shows that, in these higher planes, one gains the ability to receive and share truth—but only according to the spiritual level or influence that one is in contact with. The dream reflects your role in receiving messages and passing them on.
(Q) What connects the two dreams?
(A) They are one continuous message. Just as the houses were tied together, the water, the rope, and the images are all connected. The deeper meaning is unity: that all life and all manifestations of spirit are part of the same source. All growth, whether in the material or spiritual planes, leads toward the awareness of the One God—“I AM, Jehovah, Yahweh—the One.”
Individual Messages:
[404] In Christ is the light. When you live in His presence, that light shines and keeps your feet steady, preventing you from stumbling along life’s path.
[462] Everyone stands in His presence. Life is like a mirror—our actions reveal what shadows we cast. By remaining conscious of His Spirit within, you walk in truth and light, reflecting Him clearly.
[993] Becoming aware of His presence allows your thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Him. Just as water mirrors a face, your life mirrors His Spirit. Let this reflection be one of joy, service, and worship—not gloom—so others see His life shining through you.
[560] The body shows its strength through physical actions; the mind shows its strength through thought. In the same way, let your activities be directed by His Spirit, which is always present with those who seek to live in Him.
[69] Hold fast to patience, faith, and oneness of purpose in His presence. Others will bless you in their thoughts when they see His presence alive in your life. Let your words, deeds, and thoughts reveal that you are truly living in Him.
[69’s husband] Seek greater understanding, so that the consciousness of His abiding presence grows ever stronger in you. As you overcome personal hindrances, you will reflect His glory, moving from strength to strength, until His presence is constantly before you.
[307] To the one who has faith, more will be given. To the one who seeks, more will be found. As you grow in grace and knowledge, you enter His presence with an open heart and mind, ready for deeper understanding.
[538] Stay on the path that leads upward into His light. The shadows you see are only from misunderstandings, not His absence. His presence brings joy and service, not burden. Remember His words: “If you love me, keep my commandments. My yoke is easy, my burden is light.”
[294] Know the One you believe in, so that you may hear Him call your name daily. Set aside distractions and let His peace bring harmony to your body and mind. Walk closely with Him and minister to others in His name.
[379] Boast not in yourself or earthly wisdom, but glory in the Lord. Earthly knowledge alone can mislead. Let His Spirit guide you, separating truth from error, so that in His presence you may stand free from stumbling blocks.
[341] Trust in the mystery of His ways, for He gives power to those who dwell in His presence daily. Seek His approval, not man’s, and let your thoughts, words, and deeds testify to His glory. Live each day knowing He is with you: “Lo, I am with you always.”
[295] Since you have been chosen, let your life be a channel of blessing. Be consistent and sincere, so His presence is evident in your daily walk. His strength can cleanse the world through those who faithfully carry His Spirit.
[585] As you walk in truth, you grow step by step into His abiding presence. His light reveals shortcomings, but also helps you grow in love as He did among men. In trials and temptations, stay aware of His nearness. Give Him the glory and the praise always.
[288] Life reflects the light of your inner thoughts—whether they lean toward His ways or toward shadows. By reflecting His presence within, you measure your steps and grow through prayer and meditation. In Him is the light, and that light shines through all who seek the Father in His name.
[In summary] Each person is reminded that living consciously in God’s presence transforms how they act, think, and reflect Him in the world. Whether through patience, strength, humility, or service, His presence guides, sustains, and shines as light to keep them on His path.
READING 262-33 PARAPHRASED
Too often His presence is thought of as something separate—something only sought when problems arise or when one is disturbed. But in truth, His presence is meant to be a constant reality, a daily awareness, guiding us as we seek to do His will.
It is not about outward displays or simply striving to solve problems in order to gain a reward. Instead, it is about experiencing the deeper fruits that naturally come from living in His presence—joy, peace, harmony, love, and the quiet assurance of His closeness in every moment.
Thus, by practicing what we already know to do, especially in the small, everyday things, and by following the guidance given to each of us, our contributions can help others also recognize His presence. In doing so, we not only experience His joy and harmony ourselves, but we also become instruments to help others discover and live in that same abiding presence.
(Q) How can we distinguish between the terms—especially pronouns—that refer to Jesus’ personality and to God, as used in this material, and how should we clarify them when preparing our lessons?
(A) Since the Father and the Son are one in purpose and activity, the pronouns used can sometimes seem confusing. It is best to stay close to the way the original instructions were given. Generally, Him refers to the Father, while He refers to the Son. When preparing lessons, use this distinction: “Him” is more inclusive and points to the Father, while “He” is definite and points to the one Son, Jesus. This also helps those who are attentive to precise language understand the intended meaning.
(Q) How can we grow into a true realization of His presence?
(A) The main obstacle is that many treat His presence as something separate or distant, rather than a reality that abides with everyone. God’s will is that all come to know and live in the awareness of His presence. We realize this not by holding it apart, but by practicing daily actions that align our whole being with the qualities of His presence—love, harmony, patience, kindness, and truth. In living out these attributes, His presence becomes real and known within us.
(Q) How can we prepare ourselves so that we may truly abide in His presence?
(A) Preparation is personal, since each individual’s path and needs differ. What is essential for one may not be for another. Yet, in general, a life of sincerity, good judgment, clean living, and devotion—not as a rigid law, but as a free choice—opens the way. As we deepen our practice of meditation, prayer, and consistent application of what we know is right, we gradually hold ourselves in the awareness of His presence. This is not something reserved for special moments, but a state of mind to be carried through joy, sorrow, trial, and daily life.
We cultivate it by letting the mind of Christ be in us, remembering His words: “I am with you always.” This Christ-consciousness transforms our joys, reshapes our sorrows, and steadies us through life’s troubles. Too often we think His promises were meant for others, but His presence is personal—here, now, for us.
As we abide in Him, worries fade and joy grows. Just as Peter was restored not by a frown but by the loving smile of Christ in his failure, so too are we reminded of God’s promises when we falter. His presence is not only for times of trial but also for times of joy, feasting, laughter, and companionship.
The way is simple: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” His commandments are not burdensome. They are fulfilled when we serve others with love: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.” Abiding in His presence is living in that spirit of love and service every day.
(Q) The group feels the need for strength and power. Can you give us instructions, as were given to the Disciples, on what we should do to receive this power?
(A) True power is found only in Him. Do not let your spirit grow cold, as some churches do, but serve faithfully each day in the simple knowledge that His love and promises endure. There is power in His Name, strength and glory for those who remain faithful, and abiding hope for all who come humbly, praying as He prayed: “Not my will but Yours, O God, be done in me.”
The strength that man claims in himself is only a shadow compared to the power revealed through Him in the simple actions of daily life. The power you seek comes through living in His presence. This will be shown further in the next lesson, The Cross and the Crown. Strength is gained by bearing your cross day by day. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak—so humble yourself, and let His power and glory flow from the Father and the Son into your life.
Let this be your prayer and assurance: “We love Him, He loves us. We abide in Him, He abides in us.”
(Q) What is the meaning of my experience during meditation?
(A) The experience reflects how the power of the Spirit awakens and energizes every part of your physical and mental being. What you felt is like a shadow or reflection of the divine fire and strength, stirring you to live and act according to what you already know to be His way.
(Q) What can someone expect in their daily life once they truly realize His Presence?
(A) They will become aware that He walks and speaks with them, and that His promises are alive and active in their daily choices—not just something from the past. This realization brings steady hope, instead of doubt or fear that causes hesitation. Life becomes marked by joy and delight in serving, even when it calls for deeper sacrifices of selfish desires. The heart grows to say, “I want to know more and more of the joy of serving Him.” True service is never for self, but always for others; and whenever one serves—through a kind word, a thoughtful prayer, or a helpful act—it is truly service to the Lord, giving oneself as He did.
(Q) Is there a message for the group as a whole at this time?
(A) Bow your heads, you who seek His Presence! Stand firm in His strength and do not give way to the weakness of self. Know that your Redeemer lives, and even this very day His Presence can be made real within your hearts. Remove from your body and your mind anything that would block His entrance, for He longs to dwell with you. Will you decide to be one with Him? The path I guard leads to glory in the might of the Lord. I, Michael, am ready to guide you. Do not resist, do not hesitate—you already know the way.
READING 262-34 PARAPHRASED
(PART READING USED FOR IN HIS PRESENCE LESSON)
(Q) What is the meaning of the message I received on December 13th at about 6:30 A.M., when a voice said, “It is time for you to take the Holy Grail”?
(A) In light of your current studies and activities, this message points to the need for a deeper understanding of the quest for the Holy Grail. Reading and reflecting on that story now would help you interpret the vision correctly. The Grail quest shows how essential it is for each person to partake of the spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ words: “You must eat of my body and drink of my blood.” In other words, it is about personally sharing in the life, spirit, and sacrifice of Christ—not just as a ritual, but as a lived reality.
[GD's note: It seems the original book on the quest for the Holy Grail was written by Thomas Malory, entitled LE MORTE D'ARTHUR.] [Many others have been written, including a Penguin Classic Book in 1969, THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL, translated by Pauline M. Matarasso.]
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