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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “IN HIS PRESENCE”
BIBLE READING: Matthew 9:23-27
ASFG Lesson 9: In His Presence - Introduction/The Knowledge of His Presence
(page 71)
1. Being “Odd” in a Godly Way
When a person sincerely lives by the divine attributes—truth, compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience—they will often seem strange or out of place in society. The reason is that most people unconsciously reflect the moral and spiritual “color” of their surroundings. Those who live by worldly values find it odd when someone actually lives out the teachings of Christ rather than just talking about them.
Even sincere seekers of God are not free from this tendency. We may study the Bible and believe we’re trying to live rightly, yet we still hesitate when someone takes faith to an extreme that challenges our comfort zone.
Edgar Cayce gives a vivid example: imagine if someone spent every Saturday visiting prisoners—or if, at a funeral, a person insisted the deceased was merely “asleep,” not dead. Most of us would think that person was out of touch with reality. And yet, that’s exactly what Jesus did—He spoke life where others only saw death.
2. The Example of Jesus and the Girl (Matthew 9:23–27)
In Matthew 9:23–27, Jesus enters the ruler’s house where the girl has died. The people laugh at Him when He says, “The maid is not dead, but sleepeth.” They could not see the divine life standing before them.
But when Jesus took her by the hand, life returned. In that moment, death was in the presence of Life itself. The girl’s resurrection symbolizes the spiritual rebirth that happens when the Christ Presence enters our own “house” — our consciousness.
Cayce emphasizes that it was the father’s faith that made the miracle possible. The father believed even when the situation appeared hopeless. Similarly, the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:1–8) was healed not by his own merit, but through the faith of those who brought him to Jesus.
The message: when we carry the faith of Christ into a lifeless situation—whether it’s physical illness, despair, or moral death—divine life responds.
3. Knowing About Christ vs. Knowing Him
Cayce draws a profound distinction between knowing about Christ and knowing Him.
To know about Christ is intellectual: we study His teachings, speak His name, and regard Him as a great figure or example.
To know Him is intimate and experiential: His Spirit becomes part of our consciousness.
When we have this “Christ Consciousness,” we are no longer worried about how others see us. We lose self-centeredness and take on the individuality of Christ Himself. Our actions flow naturally from divine presence, not from ego or fear of judgment.
This is what Cayce means by being “in His presence.” It’s not mystical escapism; it’s a daily awareness that God is alive within us.
4. The Lesson for Spiritual Practice
The takeaway is that authentic spirituality often appears unconventional. To the world, true faith looks like foolishness because it challenges the accepted order of fear, doubt, and conformity.
But those who truly know the Presence of God act from an inner certainty that transcends appearances. They recognize that life, not death, is the ultimate reality; that faith can raise what is lifeless; and that the Spirit within is stronger than any external judgment.
Summary Insight
When we live with the awareness of Christ’s Presence, our lives may look strange to others — but we walk in divine reality.
As Jesus showed in raising the ruler’s daughter, faith sees life where the world sees death.
The true disciple does not just believe in Christ, but lives from the Christ within — fearless, compassionate, and fully awake in God.
Affirmation
“The presence of Christ within me is life, light, and renewal.
In His presence, fear fades, faith rises, and I am made whole.
I walk each moment aware of the living God who dwells in me and through me.”
This affirmation reminds you that divine life is not distant—it flows through your awareness when you consciously align your thoughts with God’s presence, just as life flowed through Jesus to the ruler’s daughter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Giver of Life and Light,
In Your presence there is peace that silences doubt and love that restores all things.
Help me to live in such awareness of You that I may see life where others see loss, hope where others see despair.
Strengthen my faith as You strengthened the faith of the ruler who sought You, believing even when hope seemed gone.
May Your Christ presence shine through me so that I act with compassion, walk in truth, and live without fear of the world’s opinions.
Grant that my life may be a testimony that death, doubt, and fear have no power in Your light.
Amen.
Meditation
Sit quietly and bring your attention inward.
With each slow breath, whisper within:
“Be still and know that I am with thee.”
Visualize yourself standing before the Christ Presence—a calm, radiant light that fills you with peace.
Feel all confusion, self-judgment, and anxiety dissolve.
Let the awareness of His living Spirit replace every thought of limitation.
In this stillness, listen—not for words, but for the quiet assurance of Life itself.
When you rise from meditation, carry this awareness into your actions.
As you walk, speak, and serve, remember: You are standing always in His Presence, and His Life moves through you.
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