David Roberts — Page 3

Roundtable Discussion on Greater Works than Jesus Part 1

August 28, 2014 By David Roberts

Recently, I was thinking about a verse found in the Bible. Jesus, speaking to the disciples tells them that they would do greater works than Him (John 14:12). I think this would make a great discussion, should anyone want to post their thought. I'll start the ball off by sharing a short video of my thought, including a followup video.

CONTINUE TO PART 2

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12 NKJV

Come to Me All Who Labor

August 15, 2014 By David Roberts

If most of us were alive 2000 years ago, we would have witnessed a community of people who were consumed with the popularity of their beliefs. I would submit those days are not unlike these days. 2000 years ago, we would have seen debates about what this verse means and what that verse means. Without being aware they were walking in legalism. We look back, acknowledging Pharisees, Sadducees and others, were evil (in the worldly sense), but actually they were not. They were seekers, but digging for treasure in the wrong field. They shared scriptures back and forth and diligently studied them. They believed they would find life in them. They loved the scriptures! But, what they missed was losing their own life, so they could see the unseen (the Kingdom of God), which Jesus preached. They couldn't see Jesus' as being part of God because they were looking at the form. We're not so different today.

If you were to pour concrete, we would need forms, but who worships concrete forms, except people ‘selling’ them? Being a respecter of persons is 'selling' them? Concrete forms are highly functional and without them, there would be no shape to our drive-ways, side walks and roads, but the main even is the substance that is carried in the form. Admitting we're vested in form is the first step toward repenting (turning to leave this path and head another), but it's only revealed by God and I've never seen this happen without someone being honest with themselves about heart issues. Selling everything you have, to follow Him is wise, but make sure it's not the form your following. I believe there are Apostles, Pastors and spiritual fathers around us that have a kingdom connection waiting for divine appointment. This could be one for you now (contact me). You could go through life and never see how close God was because we worshiped form far more than we admitted. Allowing yourself to 'leave' the control of form will lead you to being activated in your purpose. (the preceding is important!)

Now, with all that said, there is nothing wrong with your form. It's different, for sure but we'd be bored to tears if we were all uniform, not having our unique ways of expressing our passions and desires. Contrary to what the pastor or your buddy may have told you, God's not trying to kill your form or get you to lose your form. His substance doesn't harden stone, which the law was written. His substance is Love and written on our hearts. The control form has had over us is what He dealt with. If you like chocolate ice cream, it's not evil! If you like working with wood, that's not evil! Or, baking pies or trading stock, or driving a truck, or you are a natural leader, or like to write... all those things are not evil. Notice, I left out things like preaching on the platform or teaching Sunday School. The reason is that Kingdom Apostolic leaders lead you to "your" ministry, not "a" ministry. Not including traditional (platform) ministry roles is not because I feel they are evil, because I don't. I just feel it's human nature to worship them because humanity loves things we can see. People who don't know any better are looking for "Moses" to go to the mountain for them and the only model we're showing them is that we'll do it. It would be one thing if we simply showed the model, but that's not enough. We insist people bow down to it, and like the Jewish leaders told Pilate, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar." If it crossed your mind that I omitted those wonderful callings, the reason should now be self evident.

Okay, so there are many who have read this and don't understand. To you I'd say, "That's okay." The Good News is that "I" accept you as you are, no matter your form. Purposely, I use the word "I", as I'm making a statement of faith and a practical step toward taking authority over my form. As a son of God, it's "I" (not my form) who say, "Come to me you who are laboring in self effort and vain imagination; "I'll"(without form) give you rest." As sons of God, you (with form) bring The Father (without form). Don't miss what Jesus was saying when He said to come to Him. He wasn't putting any emphasis on His flesh. He was speaking of The One who sent Him. Paul said to think just like Him. Allow this same mind to be in you. His mind doesn't draw attention to it's natural form, but functions as a gate to a higher place.

Don't just say this with me, but do it with me, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Take God to your world.

Pre-Conceived Ideas- How can they be the cause of storms?

August 4, 2014 By David Roberts

PRE-CONCEIVED ideas are the cause of many of life's storms. When the purity of approaching 'what's next' as a child, meets the fear of the future (past or present), the two opposing fronts meet. You might say, it's a double-minded reality and is the cause of much of my (and your) anguish.

This 'plays out' in several different ways (here are a few):

To some, they become addicted to the constant storms; they love the dysfunction of being in what they perceive the front lines.
To some, fear causes them to go around all trouble, which does nothing more than cause them to live life circling the same issues over and over. The mountains then become their gods and their compass.
For others, they see the storm for what it is; they hear God's small, still voice, encouraging them to let go of whatever is covering their eyes. To these sons of God, they manifest His purpose in the Earth.

It's never too late to offer your pre-conceived ideas up to the fire so you too can be free.

Till Christ be Formed in You

August 4, 2014 By David Roberts

Several months ago, I made this short video to put here. I never posted it, and for whatever reason, this morning I woke up thinking I should post it. I hope someone will find some freedom in it. If you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to take a look at it and give me your thoughts.

You’re Invited to Restoration House Ministries

August 2, 2014 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

If you're wounded from the battles of life, we think you may be closer to harvest, than you might otherwise believe. The love of God is best revealed by our diversity, rather than our uniformity. It's in unconditional acceptance we find Light. Uniformity judges based on things seen rather than the heart. If you've been rejected (or at least perceive it that way) we want you. If you're a Christian Church who has a few people that just don't fit in, send them to Restoration House Ministries; we want them. We'll take your rejects and your misfits; we'll take your square pegs that don't seem to fit in your round holes. Come as you are but don't be offended if we're just as open as we've invited you to be.

There are a few ground rules:

First, although we say to come naked, we mean that you should wear clothes (lol). Come as you are means to come and be honest with yourself and God.
Second, we don't throw rocks; we accept and give love, as best we know how.
Third, we come hungry to be conformed into the image of Christ.

All too often, we don't accept each other where we are, but it's time that stops. We can't change the entire world but we can change our world. Come; let's not despise small things. In what many call small, there are great shifts, ready to happen in you. This shift will change your world. Call it foster parenting, if you will, but I want to cover you until you find your way.

If you're a Christain Church who has a few people that just don’t fit in, send them somewhere that embraces diversity; we want them.

We’ll take your rejects and your misfits; we’ll take your square pegs that don’t seem to fit in your round holes.

You might say, we're foster parents to the spiritually disenfranchised.

Come for a few months or a few years, or don't leave at all. We might discover God has given us each other since before the foundations of the world.

Come as you are, but don’t be offended if we’re just as open as we’ve invited you to be.

It’s Shocking and Should Leave You with Your Mouth Open

March 14, 2014 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

There all sorts of topics being talked about in the world. The 'juicy' ones are the ones that are 'shocking'. They are the ones where the movie star has some sort of love affair or secretly has an eating disorder. If you don't believe me, when's the last time you were in a check out line at your local grocery store? While checking out, you have your choice of a bounty of 'fresh kill' ready to meet the craving within our natural value system.

shock Most anyone exposed to Biblical teaching, preaching or personal study has heard the word 'Agape' being used. No one would disagree that 'Agape' is the Greek word for 'Love' when used as a noun. The study is extensive so I'm not attempting to 'can' what it means. Often, we also use the word 'Love' (Agape), when we attempt to 'describe'. In those cases, the word 'agape' is being used as an adjective or adverb. The descriptive word (adjective or adverb), as defined by Merriam-Webster means, "having the mouth open because of wonder, surprise, or shock".

Not very interesting so far, but this is why distinguishing the difference between noun and descriptive words are important. If our definition of 'Agape Love' does not leave us with our mouths open, in shock; it is not Agape Love. God's Love is so radical and so complete that it offends our flesh. To the flesh, it's the end of it's own value system; it's death. An example of this is that I was not saved 35 years ago; I was saved 2000 years ago when He finished the 'work'. Actually, it all happened from the foundations of the world. Our lack of presenting Truth as it is, waters down Grace. When presented in-correctly, it leaves people with a choice on whether to 'get saved' or not. There is a decision to make but it isn't whether to 'get saved' or not. The decision is to taste and see what He already did. I guess right now I just wanna say, "Preach the Truth Church! If your presentation of Truth doesn't leave people with their mouth open, in shock, it isn't Truth. God loves radically and the things we think separate us, may be the things that draw Him nearer."

Okay, so everything that leaves our mouths open and in shock is not Truth either. Of course. My point is that we should be slow to speak from a position of instruction. When we do speak, it should be of our real experience with God and of the Grace He has given. We find it so uncomfortable talking about our own frailty and issues that it leaves me wondering if most of what we know as leadership in 'The Church' has even made the choice to taste themselves. How would we know if someone is tasting of God's goodness? I can't say for sure, but I can tell you what it looks like in Paul, and sometimes myself. In Paul, he boasted in his weakness, so that Christ's power might rest in Him.

Okay, one final rant, "Don't worship the placenta!" Look for the Baby coming through our natural organizations and our natural lives. He comes to get us where we are, but it would be dysfunctional if we were to attempt to keep the placenta along with the baby. Discard the placenta as unimportant and fulfilling it's function! Prophecies and speaking in tongues are the same way. Our quest for knowledge will no longer be important once we grasp our real connection with God.

I titled this little article as "It's Shocking and Will Leave You with Your Mouth Open". Just remember this the next time you flinch when someone is sharing their experience with God. Also, be aware if you don't have this experience when they claim they're telling you about God's Love, because it may not be.

Peace2U,

David

What will a Grace Filled Leader Look Like

October 7, 2013 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

Experiencing Grace has little to do with walking down an aisle, saying a prayer, asking Jesus into your heart, then reading your Bible... all to learn about what you are committing. The whole point of God's Grace is that He committed to you. All we have to do is agree with Him. Now, that's not all that controversial, but what happens next may be. So far, it sounds warm and fuzzy, like a soft pillow. If that's what you're hearing, you didn't hear the powerful impact of what God has done (for) you.

I've had the blessing of getting to know many Apostles, Prophets and other such leaders. When we speak of a 'leader' in the faith, I'm talking about talking about sharing the Gospel and demonstrated with power. All too often titles are only on our business cards or Facebook walls, but there are many who have a heart to see the generations following us experience more than us.

Man's experience on Earth is one where sin urges the need to be in control, in order to make sense out of everything. For the believer, that is where you will find 'your' cross. Our egos need control but Spirit is what leads by Love, Peace and Joy. You've been given a personal Via Dolorosa. Your life was designed by God to teach others The Way. Don't miss the mark; don't navigate around everything that doesn't 'feel' good. Our need to control can be defeated by simple, child-like faith, but it may not be pretty. It may often be filled with sorrow and loneliness.

Letting go of anything is often difficult for the flesh. We find written in The Word, 'the root of all evil is the love of money'. It's only money because that's often man's method of CONTROL. We use many things like money, in order to control our destinies; so the root is more about loving control. Your life is either being led by Flesh or Spirit (Galatians 5).

I won't belabor my point... It's in our weakness, He (Spirit) is strong. How often do we tell our stories without really connecting to the Truth being told? Probably more often than we'd ever admit. If we really believed it in our weakness He is strong, then we'd display what we're truthfully feeling/experiencing. Okay, so maybe we do intellectually believe this, but are we just refusing to participate in the plan? I think so... At least for me anyway. So often, I'm not as open and genuine about the death experience going on inside me, all because I'm afraid of what others will think (more Control- love of 'money').

It's Pastor Appreciation Month again. I'm wondering whose idea that was? I'm sure it was some very appreciative people, but just like most things, we start pure and end with commercialization, making it a holiday. I believe there are many powerful leaders with a heart for God. I'm confident many leaders do their best, according to their understanding. But, just like single parent families do their best, a spiritual leader who doesn't have leadership in their lives are likely not to understand many things. In either case God gives leaders after His own heart to watch over you.

If your 'pastor'...
1- is having a banquet for himself
2- takes payment for services he should have been training you to do
3- constantly teaches about the attitude 'you should have'
4- treats the pulpit like it's God's mouthpiece, while failing to teach you that you are His mouthpiece
5- is more into the 'show', than spending time with you, when no one else is around

...he probably isn't one of those 'after His own heart' leaders, but it is possible he simply is not exercising good judgment.

There are many Godly men who are 'after His heart' yet remain children. Most simply aren't under authority themselves so they don't know what a functional father/son relationship looks like. Being a Godly man doesn't make you a shepherd. Nothing he or she does or doesn't do can either make him a shepherd. Everyone is a leader to some extent but there is a Grace for being set in leadership. Maybe in the world, they were leaders, so everyone assumed they were called into organizational ministry. We do what 'seems' right, because it's all we know. We present what itching ears want to hear, because we're fearful we may lose our job or position in the organization. We most likely submit to leaders only 'if' we receive benefit for 'their' work. Our allegiance is secretly to a denomination or a vain imagination in these cases.

If your 'pastor' is 'like' the above list, pray for him, but if he's in your life, you don't have to run for the hills. Become more spiritual yourself but don't expect him to lead you where he isn't willing lift you, or where he has no leadership in his life to lift him. He most likely associates leadership with an organization or thinks they are unnecessary, which creates an interesting scenario, since he evidently thinks you need one.

Everyone has a podium, given by God, and yours is your body. God didn't put you 'under' anyone. If they are really spiritual leaders in your life, you'll be taught they are under you, holding you up. These type leaders are those who should receive honor. And the ones who speak truth and teach application, they should receive double honor. See him through the eyes of compassion, get to know him as a person and before you know it, you'll discover that he isn't the enemy. He's just probably doing the best he knows to do.... so help him.

#DontShootTheMessenger

Is there an After-Life? Part II

September 12, 2013 By David Roberts

Important: Part I of Is there an After-Life?

Why do we resist change? What is it that makes us long for stability and more control over life? A little child instinctively has wonder about their surroundings. They explore everything! So much so, we have to teach them things like, "Don't touch, it's hot!" In learning not to touch certain things, I desire to make you aware we may have picked up an unhealthy fear of change, along the way. Where is our spirit of exploration? Why don't we embrace change? It's fear; our own fear. The answer isn't as simple as 'the Bible says not to have it, so we command fea to leave'. The answer is to take authority over it. This is done by being real, and present in the moment. We can't role the clock back to a time when we're five years old. We can't just cry for milk and our mother come running. There's a 'next step' to your evolution (journey), to your experience and it's likely you've never gone this way before. We won't re-invent any foundation, but we'll examine everything the house is being built, so it will be found on solid rock. My writing is to tell you of the land of the living. My existence on Earth is to stir you, and your existence is to manifest God, because you and He are connected in a more real way than our fears would have us believe.

Using the terminology 'after-life' may denote a mindset (or perspective) of keeping heaven just beyond reach (in the future); which is another way of grieving God's Spirit. God designed your life to be full of wonder and like it or not, it's right on track. You have been 'set-up'. 'Set-up' for what? Set-up to see. He wants you to understand your life is more than what you eat and drink, or how you or others perform. The mindset you should point others to Christ is harmful. Instead of pointing others to Him, why not just be Him? That is, if you are a Son. Ah, 'the stumbling block' that offends everyone who knows. Life is so much more than your experiences or how many children you have. It's more than the fact you may well be in crisis right now. Each experience, good or bad, is designed to reveal a 'greater' or 'higher' reality of your purpose and identity. The source of Life must be illuminated to understand your purpose, and can only be seen from the eternal perspective, so the distractions have to be embraced as such. The happenings of life, albeit precious, they are indicators of a 'higher' Reality (upper case 'R').

True Reality is revealed (seen) by Spirit. The term 'After-life' may seem 'right', but it's incomplete unless you understand 'after-life' isn't just after the body has expired. I suppose if your only definition of 'life' is based in time, then you would believe 'after-life' is waiting to be lived, after death. But, Spirit isn't waiting to begin, as if it were in line, at a check out stand. This may be news to you but you were Spirit before you were body. God already knew and loved you before you were a thought in your parents. Since this is true, you didn't come 'from' your parents, but you came 'thru' your parents. Live this moment as if Life were present and real, because it is. It's shining, steady and strong. It's illuminating, speaking to you, and if you're willing to go, you can experience life after death in every moment. In Truth, there is no 'after-life'. There is only 'Life' and it's available now. Death has been conquered. Sadly, we often choose not to experience Life until 'after' 'life', the very thing God gives to express Himself.

When you lose, you win. To die is gain. There is no end to His love. Don't just accept death as a natural occurrence, but understand every moment is an opportunity to experience Life, as God has so graciously given.
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Important: Part I of Is there an After-Life?

Is there an After-Life? Part I

September 12, 2013 By David Roberts

What happens after death? Is there another life waiting to be experienced? Is there a place we go? How about our bodies? Will we get new ones? Will we see God? Will we better understand the happenings of our Earth's existence? Will we recognize others? If so, how will we know them? And, how will they know us? These questions and others would drive us insane if we allowed them to consume us, yet they are important questions, with answers available in places we may not have looked. I will not attempt to answer each of these questions, but will offer a few thoughts that may help you find peace in each moment.

If I were to lose my arm, would I still be Me?. Of course! The answer is obviously, "Yes". What if I lost my sight? Or legs? What if it were you? What if you lost your job? Or your house? Or your spouse? Or a child? Would you cease being? You might wish you didn't exist but our greatest fears are often the things that bring our most powerful deliverance.

There are two things you can count on... first, God does not change. Second, things do. The confusion enters when we misunderstand the dynamics between God and our natural understanding. God is constantly changing form, speaking to us. When things change in our lives, we know things will be different, but that's my point. Mostly, we associate what is happening in our lives to define ourselves. Right or wrong, it's the way we're built as humans. When the human time expires, we won't have all the 'distractions' any longer. When the distractions are no longer present did we cease existence? Did our existence end when our time expired on Earth? Your time on Earth has nothing to do with who you are, except it's the house which you are temporarily living. And yet, the two are undeniably intertwined. As such, all it's experiences are designed (by God) to reveal Truth and your connection with Eternal God.

Allow me to get a little personal... If you've ever lost a loved one, you understand the pain you've felt, or at least you understand that you did experience pain. Perhaps you're going through the pain of loss now. Perhaps it's not a person you've lost, but maybe life isn't going according to the plan you had envisioned. The pain felt is real (with a small 'r') and is a clear sign, but who can read the signs? Anyone can read the signs because it's a personal conversation you are having with Eternity (God). Your connection with your loved one was/is much more than the memories you share and your connection with things in the natural are momentary, not eternal.

Well, let's get on with it. Is there an after-life or not? As long as you want to control your destiny by means of force or effort, there is only after-life, but for those who can connect to what I'm saying, there is present hope. This hope isn't delayed to a point in the future. If it were delayed, it would make the heart sick. In fact, we're born with a condition that delays hope but God, through His eternal wisdom, did something strange. He brought/brings hope to us, right where we are. To recognize it, takes viewing from the perspective of Spirit.

Important conclusion: Part II of Is there an After-Life?

Where is God?

June 2, 2013 By David Roberts

It can be a harsh disappointment to discover God does not live in heaven, probably because we've invested for so long, in an idea that 'one day', we will live with God. We console ourselves and loved ones with advice that our previously departed loved ones and friends are now with God. Of course, our words are true, but not complete. In reality, God may not actually live in heaven, but instead, maybe Heaven lives in God! God is just as available now as He will be then, and He isn't off somewhere taking a nap until our natural lives expire. A key difference between living in the natural now and after death are; there are no more distractions to the present reality of an all present God.

Those who read me regularly know when I write an article such as this, it isn't intended to offend, yet I'm aware of the risks associated with talking about such sensitive subjects. Writing this piece, my intention is to challenge myself to 'rethink' God, and experience Him as He is, in each present moment.

Without question, it's impossible to live on Earth without knowing first hand the sting of death. From the time I was born, I was taught through society, to place value on 'time', by measuring every-'thing'. This fear-based thinking fails to realize God is not a 'thing', nor is my eternal self. This fundamental miscalculation is part of the premise which my human nature can not find God. We've all lost loved ones or had negative diagnosis' at a doctor; thus, our humanity calculates this as perceiving natural death as being 'like a shoe waiting to drop'. In error, we perceive death as final; but in reality, it's the beginning (if you want to know how to experience death and continue living, keep reading).

The Gospel removed the sting of death by revealing a greater dimension (one that is higher). Circumstances we face aren't in dispute because in the world, we all experience trouble. What is at dispute with our very own flesh is that in Christ, we not only see God, but we understand Him. If we are in Christ, we are also 'as' Christ... not a copy of Christ, but the actual real Christ. As we experience God, we discover and experience our true self, and we become aware of the folly of the flesh. Once the folly is exposed, we can choose to embrace the power of God or embrace the world, but make no mistake about it, everyone will have this folly exposed to them. If we are 'open' to The Spirit', some may describe this as 'hunger'.

A key difference between living in this body and without the body, are the distractions it faces. When the body's life is over, it's distractions are removed; thus, revealing what was already true and real (Your Eternalness). What if the harsh reality is true? God may not live in heaven as much as heaven lives in God. Believing Heaven lives in God changes everything in the present, which is always the meeting place. What does that do to our religion? Or, our reasoning? Or, our relationships?

What if the same were true with our loved ones? What if we missed 'Eternity' already living in them, while they were living in their Earth body? Would we see our neighbor different? Would we hold fast to our reasoning, or would we view each other, from here on, as part of God's creation, loving more unconditionally?

David Roberts

(David is available to speak one on one or to your group. Contact him for details.)

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