Restoration House Ministries

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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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.

Vilify or Walk by Faith

August 14, 2012 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

I'm not interested in hearing about how bad a person Governor Romney or President Obama is. I'll probably vote for one, but it will not be in tandem with vilifying the other. Neither and Both are hiddenlight the anti-Christ; I already know the anti-Christ is the spirit in all our flesh, and is not difficult to find when embracing hope in the world. Our flesh screams, scratches and claws to be seen. It won't submit to God's authority. It is always puffing up, yet never covering sin.

Our Earthly bodies are living in a dying world, and the only hope to experience life, is die. I believe in the resurrection, not just in the 'one day', but I believe it for laying my life down today, and every day.

The Light we need is hidden and there is only one way to see. You must reject the world's light and see by another. We walk by faith.

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