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Close Enough to Perfect to Me

June 5, 2016 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

Off and on, for some time now, a scripture has come to mind often: For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. It's Ps 84:10. In this scripture, where he says he'd rather be a 'doorkeeper' really jumps out. A doorkeeper? Yes. The longer I think about it, the more I realize being a doorkeeper is not a shabby gig. The keeper of the door can only be a trusted son, who can carry out his duties based on intimately knowing his Father's Heart. He must know who to let into His House.

The doorkeeper operates at the vestibule, at the threshold, where we enter. Not to be too explicit, but the vestibule is also the entrance tissue to a woman's vagina. To be a mature doorkeeper to God's House you must be incredibly intimate with God, which will renew your mind in order to properly know how to govern the door of His House.

There is a well known scripture in Ephesians 4:11. In it we read where God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Regardless how you read this verse there is a clear description on "why". He gave them for the perfecting of the saints.

Listening to a local country station the other day, an old song by the group Alabama came on, "Close Enough to Perfect". As I listened, my attention was arrested. God impressed to me a deeper appreciation and understanding of His love; and as leaders, our purpose.

"Don't you worry about my woman,
And what you think she aught to be!
She's close enough to perfect for me!" [full Lyrics below]

The perfecting of the saints has long been misunderstood. Perfecting does not mean robotic performance. It means you're coming into adulthood, understanding your entire sin debt was paid by Christ, and walking in this truth. No, people won't just go robbing banks or leaving to start their own church if they are told this. That may be what you did, but that's what happens to those who focus on sin nature; they became what we behold.

As we become more intimate with Christ, we discover we weren't saved only by His grace; His grace also keeps us. The song "Close Enough to Perfect" is about a man accepting his wife right where she is. That's perfect Love folks! It will unlock her heart. Christ loved His Church so much He gave His life for her. His Church, His rules. The Bride doesn't call the shots and Christ isn't abdicating His role to lead; He's just leading by becoming her servant, with His righteousness.

What happens when we focus on the goodness of God? It disarms us! We have no reason to sin since death has lost it's sting. When Christ speaks it's not with accusation. It may not always be with approval of our actions but it is always with Love (approval of our person). He leads Her (Christ's Church) by Love. She responds like a mirror to His love (glory of the moon- reflecting the Sun) as she receives His seed. She, operating in His name, plants the same Seed in others and He's reproduced as the glory of the Sun.

Men, it would radically change our homes if we'd simply love our wives as He loved His Church. By no means have I arrived in this (ask my wife, lol), but I'm determined the only thing that will make me leave is a higher court to rule, saying I must go. The only thing that could separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus would be for The Higher Court to reverse His decision to love the world so much He would give His only Begotten Son; that's not happening!

The only thing that could separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus would be for The Higher Court to reverse His decision to love the world so much He would give His only Begotten Son; that's not happening!

So, let's say you're the doorkeeper in God's House. Who do you suppose you'd open the door for? In light of Christ's amazing Gift, to give Himself for His Church, to show His Love to the world, I'd say the door needs to be propped open; for whosoever will, His Church. I'm speaking of course of His House and not an individual ministry or what most of us know as a church (contrasted with The Church). So often, leaders become overly focused on the 'work' they're doing to see Christ gently guiding them in another direction; sadly, many still see men as trees.

In my 18 years of ministry, I've seen all sorts of believers, coming from many different positions; most have a passionate heart to do the will of our Father.

We need to clear something up. In His House, we are all doorkeepers. The question isn't, "are you a doorkeeper?"; it's "are you hindering people from entering?" I don't think Saul knew he was persecuting the Church until he had his encounter with God. Much the same, The Church doesn't know by carrying His name we carry His authority to open the door for others, or hinder them from entering. We are all doorkeepers to the people around us, in our world. You are a doorkeeper if you're part of the family of faith in Jesus Christ. You and I are both doorkeepers into our Father's House. As we grow into perfection, we begin to understand that to God we're kings, but to others we're priests. You don't need a certificate or an ordination to be a priest for Him. You just need to be still in your earth suit.

The Church doesn't know by carrying His name we carry His authority to open the door for others, or hinder them from entering.

Of those of us that know we're doorkeepers, many act like 'bouncers' at a night club, waiting on you to step out of line, measuring and weighing individuals for flaws. No, I'm not picking on you to condemn you. I'm picking on all of us so we all hopefully lighten up. Even the ones who act this way, they're welcome in His House too. Christ covers their sin as well. We're perfect, but we're also growing into perfection. We're perfect because we're spotless in Him, as the Gift of Christ. We are growing into perfection by the gifts He gave; Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. These gifts help us to appropriate Christ occupying us, as His flesh.

As doorkeepers, we have people around us often who are often grown up children. They need patience. Don't run off and leave them alone. Hold their hand, invite them to lunch and model what it means to no longer think and act like a child. The Higher Court has ruled to send His only begotten Son to pay the sin debt for the world. As doorkeepers you can't overthrow the Higher Court.

"Don't you worry about my woman, And what you think she aught to be! She's close enough to perfect for me!"

Read the lyrics to this song; watch and listen. It's really a spiritual song that reflects Christ's attitude for His Bride.

In Him, David

Lyrics:
"Close Enough To Perfect", by: Alabama

Sometimes the morning coffee's way too strong.
And Sometimes what she says she says all wrong.

Right or Wrong, she's there beside me,
Like only a friend would be!
And that's close enough to perfect for me.

Now, She's been known to wear her pants too tight.
And drinkin' puts her out just like a light.
Heaven knows she's not an angel,
But she'd really like to be.
And that's close enough to perfect for me.

She kisses me each mornin'
And smiles a sleepy smile!
She don't have to say it.
I can see it in her eyes!

Don't you worry about my woman,
And what you think she aught to be!
She's close enough to perfect for me!

Sometimes she gets down and starts to cry!
But then again a lady has a right.

She's everything I ever wanted!
She's all I'll ever need!
She's close enough to perfect for me!

She kisses me each mornin',
And smiles a sleepy smile!
She don't have to say it.
I can see it in her eyes!

Don't you worry about my woman,
And what you think she aught to be!
She's close enough to perfect for me!

Whooooa... She's close enough to perfect... for me

"Close Enough to Perfect" is a song written by Carl Chambers, and recorded by American country music band Alabama. It was released in August 1982, as the third single from Alabama's album Mountain Music.

Can the Unseen God be Seen?

February 13, 2015 By David Roberts

I'm controversial. So what? Man didn't change me but His faithful, steadfast Love did.:

What most accept to be the "church community" generally places a lot of emphasis on the seen (gay marriages, etc.), while saying with our mouths, "We trust the Unseen God."

Don't get worked up over societies' woes unless it's your being honest to communicate that by changing society, you believe we will be closer to God. If you believe this, you believe a lie. This line of thinking is not how God thinks; it's not the mind of Christ.

He does not place all the emphasis on the seen. He sets sign posts to reveal Himself in the Earth, not to be worshiped and enforced on others, but to point toward Him, for those who seek Him. For all our talk about trusting an Unseen God, maybe we should start trusting this Unseen God. To trust Him for specific outcomes is trusting the seen, not God. Trusting Him by offering up your promise (Abraham offers up Isaac).

Don't get me wrong. I'm not condoning anything, but what's the greater abomination: A man lays with a man, or His Church laying with His Church (If His Love doesn't meet it's intended target, we are the greater abomination- His Love was never intended be left inside the walls of the church building)? Be emptied of your own ideas about "Tomorrow". He will not build on your ideas. Instead of trying to change the seen, trust the unseen. God is not judging America near as much as "The Church" is being tested in fiery trials. Our motives are on trial. He's searching for His Bride, Himself in the Earth. This test is not open book but I hope you're ready to take it, because it's here.

"...when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” Jn 21:18 esv

To answer the question about seeing the Unseen God; I believe the answer is "yes". If we surrender to His Grace, we become an open portal of God. With our veil removed, the unseen in us will flow like Living Water.

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

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.
read more

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?

How did we become so divided?

November 8, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

Unless you're just waking from a comma, you've noticed how divided we've become. It's apparent to me, we are quickly heading toward an impasse. An impasse is when wholenesstree different sides reach a point where it's impossible to reach agreement. When a jury is 'hung', they've reached an impasse. What if the whole world were to be on a collision course, a hung jury, where everybody 'knows' they are 'right'. Class, patriotism, race, religion, economic warfare... Imagine all these different opinions (and many more), seeking coalition together, and standing their ground at the same time? That's what's happening and God is the instigator.

We are all conditioned from birth to view our lives through the window of our personal partiality. I can't think of a single person who knowingly embraces a lie, yet it never occurs to us, we may also be walking in our own delusion (a partial truth, if you will). Whether you believe in God or not, or whether you think you 'signed up' for this or not, it isn't stopping Him from addressing this false reality in everyone.

Truth is revealed in all creation, and is as obvious as the nose on our faces, yet remains impossible to find with human eyes. This is true because we've assumed 'all we see and know' is 'all'. We've loved ourselves, our political opinions, our country, our church, the familiar, and our reasoning, to the point we defend it with our lives. Everything you believe which isn't viewed from the whole, is based from your own partiality. For the wise, it's understood why the starting line is often the start/finish line. It's simple; the race is over before it's ever ran, and running the race is to carry this simple truth while living life on Earth.

It sounds counterproductive on the surface, to believe the race has already been run, but we've presumed the goal is to accomplish something, taking for granted our quest is fueled seeking what we desperately need. What we need has already been provided; we are all loved unconditionally and we are all His children (before someone has a heart-attack, believing this truth is an entirely different subject). In seeing from God's perspective you'll understand we have all things in common, and His powerful compassion can be released in your life.

If you will let go of your favorite branch, you'll experience God. Don't be fooled; the question isn't, 'If'... you will let go. The question is, 'When?'.

David

P.S. Homework; take a few moments and meditate on photo above.

: Let go of your favorite branch.

My Advice on How to Vote

October 15, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

'Practice what you preach' is typically spoken as an indictment to a hypocrite, but give yourself some grace and "practice" what you believe. Every encounter you have is an opportunity to "practice" what you believe. Participate in relationships; and yes, even politics. Failing to experience all of life would be like loving only certain types of music. Sure, certain things 'feel' better, but true appreciation for diversity can only be seen from above.

voteDavidRoberts-300x251 By the measure you are open to God, the same is true with intimacy in your relationships, neighborhood and community. You can not connect with God and remain dis-connect-ed with your neighbor.

Your faith is not an excuse to dis-connect with community. You don't have to stoop to the human 'spin' tactics of political persuasion. Rise above the rhetoric and decide who you will vote. Then, create an atmosphere to allow others to do the same. Believe it or not, "you" matter; and "you" aren't wrestling with flesh and blood. You aren't wrestling with the electorate or the outcome of an election. If you are wrestling, you are wrestling with yourself, your ideas and dreams. The battle isn't for an outcome in an election, the way the world counts votes, but in "you" being free. The only mistake you can make is not to participate.

God didn't give you freedom, just to vote a party line or fall in Rankin file for someone else agenda. He raised you above the fray and sent you into the world to be light and salt. The only mistake you could make now is failing to allow yourself to participate.

Don't confuse being a Christ follower with not being a part of the community. While doing so, give others the same respect. Use this season as a time to 'practice' what you preach.

What is Love? Part 3

September 7, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

Many times it's difficult being ourselves. Often, we bow to the pressures whatislove of performing on the stage of life. What's expected can easily become our most important thing. Transparency and willingness to be open are key to breaking free. Our homes and families are much healthier when we are fully ourselves, even though it can seem difficult, or even impossible.

A near favorite song came to mind as I read a friend's blog this morning and I would like to share it with you. The title is 'Welcome to my World', by Jim Reeves. When I hear this song, it's as if God were personally welcoming me into His World, His Reality, His Kingdom. Even though I'm living amidst the pain of the world I'm drawn to the voice that accepts me just as I am.

What is Love? Part ONE / What is Love? Part TWO / What is Love? Part THREE

David1

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

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Vision, According to God

September 6, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

God has a mind and so does man. At the risk of oversimplifying, God's plan for you is to Trust vision Him, allowing His mind be your mind. Your interpretation of Truth is subject to your current mindset. If you're open to God, you'll receive openly, seeing from His point of view. If you are not open to God, your perception of Truth is cloudy.

Don't be discouraged if your view is of the world, because Jesus will re-appear to you, just as He seems to be hiding behind the clouds. The entire job description of God is to Be God. At first, your entire job description is to 'receive' (believe). Once you 'receive' (believe), your entire job description is to 'Be'. Shakespeare had it right: "To be or not to be, that 'is' the question." Both cannot co-exist simultaneously.

Are you rightly dividing The Word? Who cares! The question should be, "Are you honest, open and willing with God?" Be aware of your mindset. Admit freely if you are struggling. God desires to speak to you about you're attempt to hide behind fig leaves. Are you viewing from man's perspective or God's? Your interpretation (or viewpoint) will change depending on your current mindset (i.e., outer court, inner court, or most Holy Place). The way you define subjects like 'sin' offer an indication of your present reality of God; and self. Love is the greatest. We can only Love 'as' we are loved. Regardless of your mindset, it's out of the abundance of your heart you speak and have placed your hope. Manually changing your mind won't work. I like to use the acrostic, H-O-W. It takes (H)honesty (confession is good for you). Then (O)openness (be open to let go and change). Then (W)willingness (willing to go with God). It's then, His Love energy flows from God, then back to Him, in a never ending circle. If you want to experience the never ending Love of God, take Him at His Word.

Now; meditate on something. "Without vision, my people perish?" God freely wants to give you His vision, and it's much bigger than a ministry or church. It's love.

Always loving you, David

PS. God tore the veil from TOP down in restoring the Tabernacle of David. He literally came to live with man, where man previously could only 'visit' God. In doing so, He disarmed man's methods for getting needs met, openly putting them to a shame. Master builders (our natural minds 'and' self-righteous leaders) reject the finished work of the cross, possibly because the natural mind demands participation and credit. Saved by grace, our sin is remembered no more. From this point forward, if our condition has truly changed, we spontaneously cease 'asking' for forgiveness daily, and start 'receiving' it daily. Our entire mindset has changed from future to present.

How can you help an Addict? Stop being one

August 14, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

There are many addicts in the world. Tragically, there are also many who have a different kind Adicción a internet of addiction, maybe more destructive. These have a never ending thirst to control the life and choices of others. Ultimately, all addicts have an unquenchable desire to control one thing, self. Even if self seems out of control, the addict demands control of this also.

An addict's high begins in the ritual: i.e... getting dressed and in the car, preparing what you'll say, imagining what they'll say, driving, pulling to the curb or parking lot, getting out of the car, walking to the door or having someone come to your door.

The high crescendos, only after all the circumstances are in order. Each person's ritual is different but it's the fantasy, created in the mind, being fulfilled. Remove the ritual (party), and the drug would not fully quench the mind's thirst.

Millions of people attend (or don't attend) services weekly, believing their ritual will crescendo higher than the week previous. These deny the grace of God and do not believe God has put them on equal standing with Himself. Likewise, millions attend (or don't attend) the same services, believing they are complete in Christ. Going to a meeting or not is nothing and neither right nor wrong. It's all between you and God.

Your spouse, Pastor or Sunday School teacher can't complete you. God's alone can do this greater work in you. It's okay if you decide to play the game or not, but if you think you're taking God like a drug, you are blinded by your own fantasy. The blood of Jesus has the power to transform you into His likeness, believe it or not.

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