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Okay, so there are differences in opinion as to how to handle some issues. I encourage everyone to speak their mind about any issue they want. If you think I'm asking you to change your behavior, that's not at all the point of this writing. I am simply saying you might want to drop whose name you say you are doing it in, because it isn't in the name of my God, some of the condemnation spoken in the name of 'Christ'.

Frankly, I wouldn't care if 'In God we trust' were taken off our money, if it isn't in our hearts. The greater issue is actually trusting in God, not writing it on our money. Actually trusting God results in true love for our neighbor as thyself.

God isn't trying to get you to 'act' in any manner. God is after your heart. He wants to show you first hand how wonderful Heaven on Earth can be.  Through all life's trouble, God is inviting you into a Real relationship, where you aren't acting, but rather, simply being who you are.

I Am, David
view this blog and many more at http://davidnroberts.blogspot.com/ or http://restorationhouse.com/ 
recommended reading: (Matthew 6:33) (Gen. 1:26-27 NIV) (I John) (II John) (III John)

>"Are you happy?"  Well, "Are you?"  I mean, really happy, genuinely to your core.

"Did your team win and does that make you happy?"  "Do you find your identity by how your team does?" 

If you let anything change your attitude for an extended period of time, you have allowed yourself to be in bondage to it.  I'll say it in different words,  If you are unhappy, it's your own doing. 

You are in control of your feelings.  You are not a slave to your feelings or your thoughts. 

Try this simple exercise... take an inventory of anything you usually attach the word 'I' or 'my', or some other variable.  Things like... my car, my spouse, my house, my bank account, my team, my reputation.  Did you know that one day you'll have to let those things go?  Did you know they aren't really yours and those things really don't identify you?  What's left about you when you remove all those tangible 'things'?  If those things do identify you, your destined to be controlled by them. 

Recently, I faced a situation, which I'll write in more detail, hopefully soon.  This situation required I ask a panel of peers to give me certain 'rights' and 'privileges' that I didn't presently have.  This process gave me cause to reflect on my true motivation in this situation.  Even though small, in the final days leading to the meeting with the panel, I discovered I had allowed myself to be in bondage based on their decision.  I thought "how foolish" I was to allow myself to give my present state of being in exchange for a silly 'legal' proceeding.  I actually laughed to myself and sort of chuckled.  The same could be true for you, in a relationship, or anything else you attach 'I' or 'my' too. 

Try being honest if you find yourself being tossed around by life's waves.  Get it out in the open; let the Light shine on it.  Admit it to yourself.  Get it in your mind what you are allowing to control you.  As you do this, you'll find a remarkable, and empowering sense come over you.  You may find a desire within yourself to 'confess' to a friend, brother or sister.  You may even want to write me and tell me what's going on.  It's actually a very empowering thing to admit something that is presently tossing you around...  Why is it so empowering? As it happens, you take the sting out of it.  You are actually 'finding yourself' by process of elimination.

Confessing, or telling the truth about what's happening will bring you great joy because you are living in your present moment.  This brings great joy because it removes the stress from striving to be something you aren't, or trying to 'look' like something  you're not.  When it's just a show, you have to maintain it.  When it's real, it just is. 

When I faced the panel, I had purposed in my heart that it really didn't matter what they decided.  In fact, it was true that I really didn't give a d$#@.  Remember 'Red', in the movie, Shawshank Redemption?  He came up for parole many times over the many years of his incarceration- "Parole Denied" time and time again.  Finally, he came to a place in his existence that he stopped trying to control the outcome of the parole board.  He went before the panel and simply stated his heart.  He said he didn't give a d$%# what they decided and they should do whatever they wanted-  "Parole Granted". 

When we try to change the outcome of our lives, we are going against the flow God has for our ordered steps.  Relax and simply 'be' where you are.  It's easier said than done, but if you want to 'hold hands' while I do it too, I'll be glad to meet with you for some quality time, and we'll go through this together.  In fact, there are several of us who have met for many years, and we'd love to get to know you.  You are very welcome here. 

I AM, David
view this blog and many more at http://davidnroberts.blogspot.com/ or http://restorationhouse.com/

>What is permissible? Where is the line? I guess it depends upon where you are operating and who you ask but I think the right question is really, "Is there a line?".

The past couple of weeks have been quite hectic around here. We've had multiple remodeling projects and a self-imposed deadline we've kept ourselves in submission. So much work and very little rest is taking a few days for my body to recover. At least my hope is that my body recovers in a few days. Being so tired, the Lord has been encouraging me with helping me understand grace and how it pertains to the law.

First, let's ask ourselves one crucial question: Did Jesus fulfill the law and how did He do it? Jesus did fulfill the law and He did it by grace, not performance. I am sure Jesus performance was fine too, but it wasn't His performance that fulfills the law. It's grace that fulfills the law. There is no longer a need for law when there is grace. This question, “How is the law fulfilled”, is at the pendulum of understanding grace in our own lives. It's also crucial if we ever intend on being free from society's legalistic pressure to perform in certain ways. So many times, the Bible references instances where Jesus was asked to confirm or deny the law was applicable to a given situation. Every time, He seemed to ignore the law. What was He doing? He was manifesting and living in a higher law, grace. 

I invite you to live in the land of the living with me. Embrace true love from God, for God, yourself, and everyone you meet. Truly embrace each person and allow yourself to really connect with them. Release them from the bondage of rules you unintentionally cage their identity by controlling their actions and thoughts. Allow them to be themselves so they may also walk in the light. Walking in the light isn't walking in your set of standards. Walking in the light is embracing your present reality of truth. Try not to throw stones at performances you don't think are measuring up, but rather, look within yourself to find the source of a legalistic mindset that needs to be set free.


I AM, David
view this blog and many more at http://davidnroberts.blogspot.com/ or http://restorationhouse.com/

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The truth is that my true identity cannot be stolen but it can be covered by worldly identities, effectively making myself a child, even though I am an heir.  The life force in you is the force 'behind' your actions, thoughts and efforts. Your actions, thoughts and efforts are not your identity. Your sum total of your past experiences does not make your identity.


Have you had your identity stolen? Who stole it? I'll bet if you are honest, you'll join me in saying it's my own disbelief that has hindered me. Pointing fingers won't help. Being who you are is the only way into peace.  Be honest and confess your now.  Be still and know that God is God. When we are finally still, we start to see there is no separation between us and our God. He has bridged the great divide.
 
I am one with Eternal God.
I AM,
David
 
view this blog and many more at http://davidnroberts.blogspot.com/ or http://restorationhouse.com/

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Everyone around you has been taught to work for acceptance and love.  This includes you because everyone has this same 'system' built into their earth suits.  How about letting each other off the hook, and not require them to work for love.  How about just giving them love, acceptance?  You don't have to agree with everything they say or do, but you can recognize there is a struggling person trapped inside their body, trying to get love in all the wrong places.

When God clothes us, He does it from the inside, and then it flows out; otherwise, His desire would be for us to follow the law. His desire is not for you to follow the law, but rise above it, walking in love.

Want an instant stress reliever (warning, it will develop character and humility)?  Try looking past actions (even your own) and accepting each other for who they are on our deepest part.  Let your self off the 'work for love' hook.  Let each other off the hook...  Love first, ask questions later.

I AM,
David
http://restorationhouse.com/

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I am a citizen of _______.


Do you know what the definition of citizen? Merriam-Webster defines citizen as: (1) : an inhabitant of a city or town; especially: one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman.


I've been really thinking about dual citizenship and if it's possible to really have dual citizenship. We know that it is possible to have citizenship in two countries, states, or similar situations but I'm really thinking about my citizenship in heaven and my citizenship in (a) the human race, (b) country (The United States of America), (c) state (Alabama), (d) family (husband, father), and i.e. It seems as though believers in God (really, no matter who your god is) should hold first allegiance to Him.


Remember back on 9/11? I'm sure we all hold many memories of the twin towers coming down, along with fears, thoughts and revelations of that infamous day. One revelation I had was that we Christians weren't committed quite to the depths of the terrorists in those attacks. While I abhor the actions of the terrorist and celebrate the heroes that ran toward places everyone else were exiting, it seems that the terrorists did exactly as they had purposed in their hearts. At the same time, it seems Christians spend much of our time judging each other rather than simply loving people right where they are.


What have we purposed in our hearts? Wasn't it to trust God? Wasn't it to accept the free gift of Jesus, our redeemer, who put upon Him, not only my Sin but the Sin of the world. It seems that if my hope were fully grounded in Him, so many things happening in today's world wouldn't get us so anxious and upset (or at least maybe we would have the courage to recognize when we are anxious, and allow God to reveal to us our area of lack of faith).


There is so much talk about health care lately... so much that there is pressure to pick a side. Similar problems have risen over the years, although not to this heightened state of frenzy. Let me mention a couple of 'hot-topics' and see if you have a strong opinion on what is right for this country or local area you may be. How about prayer in school? What are your thoughts? What about allowing same-sex marriage? Any thoughts? Be honest... How about taking 'In God we Trust' off our money? Does that matter to you?


My point is simple. Trust God. There are debates around every corner and to think God is on one side or the other is to lose focus on what God is doing. What is God doing? I guess you should ask Him that if you don't have a good relationship with Him. One thing I know will happen is that this country and world is not surviving as we know it. Problems of this world are going to get worse instead of better. Tragic things will happen and opportunities to get sucked into an emotional roller-coaster are around every corner. God is taking down things that exalt itself before Him. He is raising Himself in the Earth (His Body) and He isn't in a system or a 'box'. There isn't such a scenario of every knee not bowing... No, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. Did you think we would all just go out in a field somewhere and pick flowers for such a movement of God to manifest? Of course you didn't. We all know that out of adversity breeds strength and truth.

If our citizenship is in the world we'll respond with worldly tactics. Of course, I am not encouraging or discouraging anyone from taking a position or joining any group or organization. I think you should do what is in your heart (just be sensitive and allow your heart to change). I am merely pointing out that God isn't taking sides except the one side He already took. The side He took was way back before the world was formed. He chose you. He chose to put into place a world with an Adam and an Eve, knowing they would fail to trust Him. Knowing this, He had Himself to offer in exchange, keeping all who come short a way to be one with Him. He chose a side all right, and that side is not a petty political race, or an issue that divides. His grace is sufficient and His love conquers all the fear you will ever encounter. Love is the answer. If we have to pick a side in a debate, just remember that God loves us all and the system in which we keep trying to save is probably one that God is taking down. He has prepared many believers to manifest love as more and more trials happen. The very trials themselves produce fiery baptisms, revealing Truth in all of us.


Where is my citizenship and is it possible to have dual citizenship? I guess it's possible but being double minded probably isn't what God had in mind when He simply asked you to believe.

I AM,
David

Additional Study:  Joshua 5:13-14 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."

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As long as our thinking remains an intellectual pursuit, we will walk in darkness, behind the cloud. So... you've decided you don't want to walk in darkness any longer? It's really irrelevant what you have decided because God decided nothing would separate you from His love. Too many times to count, we've offered counsel to individuals and families seeking help. Eventually, we'll ask one simple question, "What's it gonna take to get your life on track?"

Very few answer they didn't know what to do. Most think they know what is lacking to get on track. Some people have answered they need a job, money, time, education, food, shelter, support system, family, and many other things. While any of those things would probably make them more comfortable, they would not create freedom. I suppose it never dawns on us that our best effort's got us in our mess. When absolute brokenness happens, a loss of hope in our own abilities can be replaced by faith in God. This new found faith stems from a source, not grounded in the world, but in our true identity, which is eternal.

While it is very simple, it's not easy experiencing freedom. Experiencing freedom is the most difficult thing you will ever attempt. In fact, the only way you can experience it is to give up trying. Isn't that a kicker! There are no shortcuts. John 10 describes a pathway or door that we must go through, and attempting to enter using other means, make us thieves and robbers. The pathway to freedom is the cross. There are no shortcuts and our old way of thinking has to be rejected. It's a very real thing to be crucified with Christ.

Study the photo in this post. Imagine what real experiences those people went through. There are no shortcuts and the cross isn't a metaphor. There is no way around the pain of letting go of a system that we love so much, but there is something far greater set before you.

Eternity isn't waiting to start when time is finished. Eternity is in a different dimension, one that will never be seen until we let go of the things of this world. When we let go of the things of this world, strangely, we are free to enjoy all things more fully. It's only when we don't find our identity in the world, that we can move freely in it.

What's it gonna take to get your life on track? It may be a surprise to you but your life is not off-track. If you aren't presently walking in the Light, you are right on track for a head on collision with the cross. The pain from all your hopes going down the drain will leave you with nothing left but to trust God and allow Him to be your life.

I AM,
David
http://restorationhouse.com/

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What do you see to your left? Do you see a duck? or, do you see a 'rubber' duck, that looks 'like' a duck? Obviously, the image to the left is a cheap imitation of the real thing. Walking like a duck, talking like a duck, looking like a duck or any other attribute will never make it a duck. Likewise, walking like a chicken, clucking like a chicken, or looking like a chicken won't make you a chicken.  Wherever you are in life, be there.  Give your entire self to the moment and enjoy it. 

Since we're talking about ducks, what is the most important thing a duck needs to know? There are tons of things you might answer. Possible answers that a duck might need to know are: 

• how to find food, water
• how to communicate
• where to find shelter
• how to find his or her mate to reproduce
• where to find safety
• acceptance to his group
• part of the social network

All those answers are really good and you could probably come up with dozens more, but all those answers are circumstantial and none are more important than one thing. The most important thing a duck needs to know is that he is a duck. He must know who he is. He must know his identity. The same is true with you. If you want to be free, you must know who you are. When we're free, our decisions are based in a place at our core, rather than considering what each decision 'looks like' or how 'this will affect me'.


We aren't who we are because of what we do! Just because you talk like a christian and walk like a christian doesn't mean you're walking by faith.  Be Real.  Get honest with yourself and get naked with me.

I am,
David
http://restorationhouse.com/