


In His Presence - Prayer Meditation #9
A Moment In God's Presence Makes Glad The Longing Heart And Unlocks It To Be Poured Forth In Praise Upon His Altar...
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His heart and yours, in union—a state of critical mass. Love unconfined! To bask in its glow, unconsumed in its presence.
Radioactive and eternal, never to diminish. Such power, His love, to give life and not death, perpetuated eternally.
His glow greater than the sun, illuminating all in His presence. This is our God!
( Ex.34:29;
Mat.17:1-2)
THIS IS PRAYER!
Radioactive!
AND SO PRAY:
"Shine on me, Heavenly Father! Light my way into your presence. Melt my soul with your radiance. Cause my heart to skip with
gladness; and it will pour forth its praises as an eternal river upon your altar!"
- Author: Ken Livingston
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 As He Walked
1 John 2:6
"So to walk even as He walked."
Why should Christians imitate Christ? They should do it for their own sakes. If they desire to be in a healthy state of soul--if they would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigour of growing grace, let Jesus be their model. For their own happiness' sake, if they would drink wine on the lees, well refined; if they would enjoy holy and happy communion with Jesus; if they would be lifted up above the cares and troubles of this world, let them walk even as He walked...
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There is nothing which can so assist you to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are most happy, and most known to be the sons of God. Peter afar off is both unsafe and uneasy. Next, for religion's sake, strive to be like Jesus. Ah! poor religion, thou hast been sorely shot at by cruel foes, but thou hast not been wounded one-half so dangerously by thy foes as by thy friends. Who made those wounds in the fair hand of Godliness? The professor who used the dagger of hypocrisy. The man who with pretences, enters the fold, being nought but a wolf in sheep's clothing, worries the flock more than the lion outside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel. But, especially for Christ's own sake, imitate His example. Christian, lovest thou thy Saviour? Is His name precious to thee? Is His cause dear to thee? Wouldst thou see the kingdoms of the world become His? Is it thy desire that He should be glorified? Art thou longing that souls should be won to Him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an "epistle of Christ, known and read of all men."
- Author: C.H. Spurgeon
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 Rising Above Our Burdens
Job 22:21-30
Go ahead. Spread your wings. You have them. Speak your heart to Him in prayer. You can do it. He is listening and waiting to make or renew your acquaintance.
Feel Him lift you by His gentle breeze that blows upon you,
lifting you
as you soar high into His presence, taking you from the storm clouds that for this moment surround
you... Read More
In the first of this chapter Eliphaz, one of Job's 3 friends who came to visit him for encouragement, is now accusing Job and rebuking him for sin he thought Job had committed.
Though wrongfully accusing Job, the words of Eliphaz's counsel seen in the above verses is God's Word and does not violate His teaching in any other scripture
nor is it refuted by Job or God as being unwise in the instruction of His wisdom when it is applicable (all scripture is...profitable...2Ti.3:16).
It is astounding advice and every bit true. I find it to be one of the best summations of Biblical teaching for the healthy state of man, in both
his natural and spiritual life, following close to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and His teachings on discipleship and
prayer... - Author: Ken Livingston
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 The Separation of Church and State
Concerning separation of church and state, here are
the decisions of the modern United States Supreme Court:...
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The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable.
We could not approve the slightest breach. 1 Everson v. Board of Education, 1947.
It is unconstitutional to offer verbal prayers in a school, regardless of denominational neutrality and voluntary participation.
Engel v. Vitale, 1962;2 Abington v. Schempp, 1963;3 Commissioner of Education v. School Committee of Leyden, 19714...
- Author: Mark Shelby
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The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder.
It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day.
It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines,
and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.
A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time
a complete online digital version
for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on
your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over
the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary,
please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that
through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.
We look now at the Introduction to the book: Adam2.

Although it is not necessary in order to experience and appreciate the depth of God's transforming love through His Son Jesus, it is, on the other hand, both rewarding and at the same time stimulating to know of the people and events in the history of the life and times of our Lord Jesus Christ. A wealth of this information
awaits the Bible student who wishes to delve into this wonderful yet tragic and diverse period. For our study, however, we are limited in what can be incorporated for an overall understanding of the setting of John's gospel. But when we do have a working grasp of these times, people, and events, names on pages explode into full
dimensional personalities. Standing as a spectator before their lives as they unfold upon the page, afresh to them then, yet seen in total by ourselves today, we can all but sense their presence, hear their voices, perceive their appearances, and discern their spirit. Aided by the Holy Spirit, we catch a glimpse back in time into
their hopes, fears, motives, aspirations, and all the other complexities common to people of every generation, even ours today, thus making our reading relevant to our own personal lives. We are transformed by what we learn, never to be the same once having read it. Make no mistake, God intends and without respect or failure, does touch one who opens and reads His Word. Of this, be assured! (Isaiah 55:11) Our darkness becomes brighter, our eyes clearer, our understanding
greater, our hope strengthened, our faith stronger, and our link to the chain of the continuity of Christ's Church since He walked the earth, more visible. And, when He begins doing His work through it, you will discover a profound love for Him unimaginable, only to grow the more you feed!
Therefore, it is hoped that included in the text of this limited study of John's gospel will be enough information written in such a way that it will bring these times, people, and events to life for this illuminating process to occur within each reader. It is also hoped that before anything is read of this writer the reader will
first prayerfully immerse him or herself in the words of the Holy Scripture for His illumination process to begin. To read these words alone, yes, one may learn, but illumination essential for personal spiritual growth comes only through His Word.
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Though there were many groups present in Jesus' day, both political and religious, and each was not isolated from the context of the whole, only those major Jewish groups thought to be more germane to the scriptural setting are here considered. The order in which these Jewish groups are chosen to be examined is done to allow a
natural development of the material as to their probable chronological appearance in history. In each group, we will look at its name and possible origins, trace its development and activities, identify its nature and some beliefs, compare or contrast its relation to other groups, and conclude with their role, if any, in Christ's death.
Although some of the events and characters seen within this time are inspirational, some, however, are quite disturbing. I tell you these things that you might know that our Lord did not live within a sterile social vacuum. Like all humans, if we are to believe scripture
(Heb.2:16-18;
4:15-16;
5:8-9), He was touched by the surroundings
in which He lived that He might, with full understanding and compassion, reach out to us in our own time and circumstances. This was evidenced time and again in His encounter with hurting people wherever He went. To the blind, He gave sight; to the hungry, He fed by the thousands; to the mourners standing at the side of their deceased
loved ones, He wept and restored life; to a thief who cursed Him in death, he gave the treasures of Paradise; even to those responsible for His physical crucifixion, as we shall see, He offered forgiveness and life.
Read Entire Introduction and Work..►
- Author: Ken Livingston
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When Life Seems Uncertain
There are so many things in life that are uncertain—important things. This may itself be a time of uncertainty for you.
Understanding, you think, if I could just understand it wouldn't seem so bad. We think if we could see just a silhouette of
what might be, today would not seem so dark. Strength fails us. Weariness adds its weight daily to my soul. Anxiety strikes
and seizes me frequently without warning. I do not understand what is happening with me. How long? When, when shall my
deliverance be when life seems so uncertain now?
There are times when we have exited the clouds of uncertainty only to discover some things we are glad we had no prior knowledge,
things that if known would have clouded and weighed our minds even further. But still, there are some things we desire desperately
to know—now: answers to long sought objects of our tearful prayers or the way clear of a present cloud or storm.
It could be the sting of a betrayed loyalty, love, or friendship, fear of an impending loss or a time of great chaos, confusion and upheaval.
We believe having prior knowledge or some understanding of how it may eventually be with us would mitigate our present anxiety thus
allowing some joy, any joy, in our current dark days. God does not generally give us the choice of that knowledge.
However, one thing we can know is that while we can't see, He can. While we can't control the outcome, He does...
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When we come to the end of our logic and reason, all the advice of family and friends, read the last chapter in the latest
best seller self-help book, we have to turn to the One from whom all things came. If anyone is to understand, it must be Him
("So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17). One of the things He tells us is
that we are to "walk by faith and not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7) "For ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26) "Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which
are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3) "That the trial of your faith, being much more
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ:" (I Peter 1:7)
It is clear in these few examples of His Word, God does not have to look to "things that are" for solutions for "things to be."
To have been an observer when He brought "all things" into existence from "no thing", we would stand with mouth agape in stark disbelief.
Who among ten thousand would not say: Impossible! I saw it but I still don't believe it! Regardless of your belief, there it is!
The evidence of that event and fact remains. It is undisputed by modern scientists—that moment when matter exploded into
existence and continues to expand and form in wonder and awe. Look about you. New discoveries of what once was thought, impossible!
continue to delight us. But, you retort: I don't see how! Precisely! Now, isn't that where you are in your present uncertainty?
You don't see how? You've exhausted all reason from the best wisdom of men.
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- Author: Ken Livingston
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The following is taken from the Book of New Testament Summaries.
Chapter
-
(A.D.85?)
[Likely a circular letter written by John to all the Churches in Asia Minor where he ministered,
with his home now in Ephesus since the fall of Jerusalem in A.D.70.
The heresy of Gnosticism (denying that Christ came in the flesh while accepting the premise of His teachings)
was beginning to entrench itself as a cult within the Christian community, and whose main proponent,
John's arch enemy in the faith, also resided in Ephesus, now the Christian capital of the world.
John writes to refute such damnable error, 2:21-26.]
It is ludicrous to suggest such fallacy to John, a man of flesh who had been with Jesus of like flesh since being called at
a relatively young age (likely late teens and youngest of the 12) from the fishing trade on Galilee to walk the dusty trails of Canaan,
freeze together in its cold winter nights, bathe together in Jordan, dine together in the upper room, whose head had leaned upon a pulsating
breast at that last table. NO! He would have none of this! These modern day "scholars," these "Johnny-come-lately" preachers were not there
as he and others. They did not see what he saw; they did not touch as he had touched; they did not examine for truthfulness and subsequent
belief and commitment as he had. There is no comparison between these false teachers' witness and testimony and his own. Theirs is hearsay at best,
conjecture most likely, both inadmissible in any court of law, in any day; his was an eyewitness account, and that over three years, not
to mention the confirming ministry and miracles of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised subsequent to His departure, still evident in the lives
of present day believers! NO! He will have none of this! (Who would you believe?) To John, this man Jesus spoke truth, pure Truth, and in Him
he did not discover, nor detect, one shred of deception, fallacy, error, misrepresentation, inaccuracy: no, not so much as even a blunder,
mistake, misquote, or misspeak! He is that True Light, God's Truth, come to shine in men's darkness, exposing error and sin while illuminating
the way back to God for the sinner; and His Light is greater than men's darkness, incapable of being extinguished (
Jn.1:5,9).
(See summary on James 1. John had reported in a recent similar writing [his gospel] that Jesus Himself said,
"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD," and "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME."
Jn.8:12;
9:5;
12:46;
14:6.
Ask the Apostle Paul of this Light, Acts 9:3-9; II Co.4:3-7; II Thes.2:3-12.) Knowing this personally to be true,
and its wonderful truth the source of his own great joy, he is confident that when believed by others, it too will explode in their hearts,
producing that same satisfying love and abundant joy. A sinner once blind, now made to see, once lost in darkness, now saved by the Father's own Son.
Who among us could not help but be overcome with such relief, such wonder, such gratefulness, such joy at the absolute certainty of such Truth!
And so he writes.
-
Knowing that the lust to sin resides in the flesh, and that the flesh is of the world, and as long as the flesh remains alive,
as it has always sinned, it will continue to be predisposed toward. Anyone who denies this knows not the truth of God's Word.
Moreover, since Christ came, He not only paid the price of our past sins, but all sin yet to be committed by the flesh as long
as it remains alive! However, unlike before when we were alien to Him, His Spirit then not living within us, we now have His
abiding presence, power, and forgiveness to overcome as He overcame, if we continue to abide in Him. Therefore, John writes
to so encourage. Sin is the only condition that separates one from His fellowship, but not His love. Because His love
continues, His forgiveness is possible when requested and that fellowship will be restored. So, when one finds himself fallen,
as one on occasion will fall, believe His promise that He will never leave nor forsake, and immediately ask for His forgiveness
which He will not deny. But be forewarned, as Christ was holy, He calls all to be holy. It is impossible to abide in Him who
is holy, if His holiness is not continually clothed upon us (His forgiveness for our sins and His imputed righteousness).
Do not believe and live as the Gnostics who think that the acts of the body do not have an impact upon the condition of the spirit,
themselves living in revelry while maintaining their piety and superiority of spirit and knowledge. This was not Christ's life,
nor should it be His true follower's. As He was anointed, so too are his true disciples. This they have known from the beginning;
so, they are not to be persuaded by these latter day antichrists. It would be shameful to believe them now, denying Jesus' Earthly life,
physical suffering, and victory, to discover your tragic mistake when He appears on the contrary. If He was righteous,
then how can one claim to know Him and willingly remain unrighteous? This is not Christ's way! He not only makes us righteous
through His atoning and anointing work, He gives to us the desire to be righteous as well. If one does not hate the thing that
Christ hates—sin in the sinner or in one's self—then how can he be Christ's?
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Having already introduced the dual nature in the argument of knowing if one is in Christ—hating that which He hates
(2:15), and conversely, loving what He loves
(2:10) — John continues on this theme, expanding now on the latter aspect.
It is not enough to hate sin, but one must be obedient to His only commandment given (
Jn.13:34):
to love the brethren, and not just the brethren, but one's enemy as well (for he too Christ died Mat.5:43-48),
if one can be counted truly in Him. And whatever this one may appear to be at present, it is not known for certain,
but will be revealed when Christ shall return; for both will appear in likeness, clearly of the same origin—the Father in Heaven.
For this cause it is "natural" that he who is of Him now in this life, will do those things He Himself did while among us,
manifesting His love for all men, every manner of sinner. As His works were righteous, the believer's will be as well;
as He was compassionate, he will be likewise—God in him, manifesting Himself still to the world. This is our assurance
that we are in Him, and have unlimited access for life's needs as He has given (
Jn.15:7).
-
John now gives clear testimony to the correct identity of the true believer and genuine teacher. There are many spirits in the world,
the Holy Spirit having come at Pentecost being the authentic, but only He will manifest God's love toward all men,
especially to the family of God. That one who denies that Christ came in the flesh for sinful men denies the price
the Father paid in ordaining His only begotten Son to take away man's sin upon the cross through His physical suffering
and death, denying the sacrificial price He paid through His love for His Son, therefore, denying the depth of the Father's
love for man himself. This is the Father's love, so great as to sacrifice His beloved that He might win back us all,
and receive His successful Son again into His glory once His mission of suffering and redemption was completed on Earth. (
Jn.3:16;
17:1-8,26; Heb.2:9-18, key vs.16. This Jesus, who was Christ from birth, was human, from the seed of Abraham!)
This, the spirit of antichrist cannot comprehend, nor is capable of communicating to the heart of man, for the love of God
does not reside within him. If attempted for deception, it is hypocritical, and is clearly transparent to the eye of the
Spirit-filled believer! This is how that false spirit can be identified in man to the true believer; so do not accept a man
for what he says, but what the Spirit shows you. If his "love" is conditional and selectively targeted, especially
toward those who can best benefit him, while ignoring, despising, or hating altogether those who would serve him no good,
this man has not the love of God in him; therefore, his spirit is false. This is how we know who is of kindred spirit,
of the same family in Christ. (Mat.12:46-50; Mat.7:21-23; Rev.22:14-15. Not just having the knowledge of,
but doing as well.) Consequently, it is not enough for one to say that he loves his brother, for we would never have known the
love of the Father had He not shown us through the actions of His Son. Hence, love is only known through the deeds one does
toward the object of one's stated love.
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- Author: Ken Livingston
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Thank you for such a wonderful and info filled site.
Love the summaries.
God Bless
Mike Ohio, USA.
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