>The message God is speaking with my life is to trust God with your whole  heart.  Studying and living this theme the past 20 years or so, God has revealed much hidden in my own heart, usually by revelation of my own ‘lack of faith’.

We all intellectually know we are to live in this world but not of it, yet for reasons I’ll explain a little later, I challenge this occasionally, by thinking as I did prior to trusting God.  Being in ‘ministry’,  I am not immune from falling prey to my old man, even though he’s reckoned dead and crucified with Christ, just as all believers. 

My life’s calling and purpose is primarily demonstrating the contrasting difference between walking by faith and walking by sight; and the simple transition on how to enter His rest.  Walking by faith is trusting God.  Walking by sight is taking into account things of this world and trusting the information gathered, good or bad.

Everybody wants a ‘ministry’, and yet it never dawns on us this was the original sin with Adam and Eve starting the first ministry. Don't overcomplicate life. God is Love, pure and simple.  Man’s idea of ‘ministry’ and God’s idea of ‘ministry’ are very different.  God’s idea of ‘ministry’ is: His constant love flowing through varying methods.  Man’s typical idea of ‘ministry’ is: Methods used to accomplish a goal.  There are two parts to any ministry; constants and variables.  Variables (i.e. where to work, who to marry, where to live, what to say, how to say it) change from time to time and then there’s constants (i.e. God’s Love is unfailing, Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus was crucified taking on the sin of the world and giving His righteousness to His Body), which remain unchanging.  To our ‘natural’ minds, it’s natural to take God’s variables and make them our constants, mainly so we’ll know what to expect and remain in control.

Back to Adam and Eve… God created Adam from the dust and breathed into him life.  Then, God planted a garden in the east of Eden.  The Lord made many trees pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the Tree of Life and the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil.  The Lord commanded Adam, you are free to eat from any tree in the garden but you must not eat from the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil.  The tree of Life is rooted in Unconditional Love and represents motivation where we are like children, without guile.  God never explained why they should not eat from the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil.  He only said, if you do, you will surely die.  The second tree is rooted, or finds our motivation in having our eyes opened to be like God, knowing good and evil.  This sounds innocent enough but God didn’t intend on us walking with our eyes opened to sin.  

The sin consciences we feel at times is our old nature which was born out of the original sin, wanting to control our own destiny.  Wanting to control situations is directly from the fall of man and unacceptable to God.  It’s in all human flesh and for the believer, it was crucified with Christ at cavalry.  Even though the flesh man has a will based in knowledge of good and evil, the path God has for His children is to walk by faith in the Son of God, which means to deny the fleshly desires and walk according to the Spirit.
 
This is the part that simply blows my mind.  There’s perfect freedom in Christ and it’s perfectly okay for you to embrace your present reality.  You see, the sin nature (flesh) is not in God’s radar.  He’s not trying to fix your behavior.  He’s not trying to keep you from thinking certain thoughts and performing certain actions.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is a free gift of salvation that He bore your Sin condition on Himself, leaving you without spot or blemish. 

Well, if that don’t get your fire going… your wood’s wet (so to speak)… But there’s more.  God actually decided that to seal this deal He needed to give you His Spirit.  Now, we traditionally think of having His Spirit as moving in with our Sprit, but from what I am seeing, the good news keeps getting better.  In 1 Corinthians 6:17 Paul writes that the one who is joined to the Lord is ONE Spirit with Him.  That is saying that your spirit and His Spirit are not separate Spirits.  Your true identity is actually God’s Spirit.  Over and over, Jesus teaches that He would never leave us or never forsake us.  In Romans we find that nothing could separate us from God.  You can’t be separated from Him because you and He are ONE. 

I am only just beginning to see that His Love is not complicated, yet His depths are unfathomable. Intellectual minds have difficulty grasping the simplicity of walking by faith, never understanding it's not about following or not following rules. It's simply about being a New Creation.

One with the Father,
David
view this blog and many more at http://davidnroberts.blogspot.com/ or http://restorationhouse.com/

>Have you been trapped into thinking you have to earn love?  Of all the things we will ever encounter, God made love unique.  True love cannot be traded or sold.  It can only be given away freely, or received freely.  This concept may brings some questions to your mind… hmmm.  Let’s consider some thoughts…

True love, the kind God gives to us and through us, is NOT something that can be grasped, or handled.  It is NOT something we can neatly write about, and figure out.  True Love is the Power of God, and just like He can’t be captured in a bottle, neither can love.

Everyone has been taught to work for acceptance and love by the worldly system we live.  This includes you because everyone has this same 'system' built into our earth suits.  Why don’t we let each other off the hook, and not require each other to work for love.  How about just giving 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. 

It’s so confusing to the natural mind.  We are accustomed to ‘calculating’ our every move.  It just doesn’t make sense that all I have to do is trust God, with my fears, hurts and hang-ups; and even the things I perceive as ‘good’.  We’re told from birth to ‘do right’ and ‘be moral’.  It never dawns on us that if we will lose our minds in Christ, He is quite capable of ‘doing right’ according to Him, and ‘being moral’, according to Him.

We’ve so overcomplicated how to live as a Christian.  It’s simple.  When Jesus was asked by a Pharisee what the greatest commandment was, He answered, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22, NKJV)

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

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Your human mind is a picture of your own snare, keeping you from experiencing the abundance of Life God desires for you.

Psychologists long have known that most our problems are 'Presenting Problems'.  'Presenting Problems' are simply problems in our lives that are only a small portion of the 'main' problem lying beneath.  As we explore the ‘Presenting Problem’ we peal back to the true fears and motivations of the heart.  Just as an onion is pealed back, we will find the core issue if we are honest and transparent. 

In order to lay down my burden, I must first identify it.  Man's burden is living based on knowledge of either good -or- evil (fear).

No one would argue that their mind is comparable to God’s, and yet, we process information and make decisions like our way of thinking is the only way.  God couldn’t be more clear in His word that His ways are above our ways.  What does ‘above our ways’ mean? 

- Does it mean that His calculator is faster? 

- Does it mean that God has all the factors and knows the answer based on more intelligence?

- Does it mean God is smarter than me?

Of course, God is all those things, but what God is speaking of is much deeper and more simple.  His ways are above our ways because they come from another dimension.  Tragically, our human minds can’t understand how to transcend it’s own thoughts, because our minds are ‘caged’ within themselves, as long as it’s left unchecked and in charge of our destiny. 

Our minds are programmed by God, since the fall of man, to walk by sight, sound, feeling and other sensory stimuli.  There is only one way to accept such faith, and that is to deny yourself of the way that comes natural according to the world. 

Our human lives are meant to reveal the many ‘portals’ into the mind of Christ and ever loving relationship with our Father.  The challenges of life, ‘Presenting Problems’, present themselves to reveal that intellectual answers just won’t cut it.

I Am,

David

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

>After hearing several news stories about people committing suicide after watching the movie Avatar, I wanted to see what was all the fuss.  After viewing the movie yesterday, I can honestly say that Avatar was the most “On Target” movie I have seen, revealing the Oneness of God and the connectedness of His living spirit with His creation, including His people.  There are multiple ways the movie is powerful.

Avatar is set on the planet Pandora.  On Pandora, the native people (the Na’vi) have a unique way of seeing life because they are conscious of their connection to each other and all creation.  In the story, the Na’vi, are able to experience and be one with Life (God) while the humans are caught up in living based on the five senses.  The planet Pandora isn’t anything unlike Earth.  Remarkably; the producer’s creativity, show the storyline simply and clearly revealing the essence of God and the simple way it ‘can’ be with God.  When the Na’vi experience Life, they have identified their life source, embracing their bodies as temporary, because they see their life energy within is part of the One Life, God.  The message is a Christian message, where our spirit is one with Creator God, whether viewing the movie or not.  It’s the message of Christ providing a bridge when He exchanges places with creation.  The sad fact is, most Christians are so busy ‘living’ by ‘sight’ we couldn’t find the relevance in the Na’vi’s way of life, as portrayed.

On Pandora, there is a very valuable mineral, one that people from Earth are doing anything to get.  After years of failed relocation negotiations (the valuable minerals are deep beneath the Na’vi’s home), the humans devise a way to grow a DNA altered body (Avatar) that can survive the atmosphere.  The host body (Avatar) made by humans can then be remotely lived in by Jake Sully to fully experience the Na’vi’s way of life, being able, to be completely present, with his inner being the whole time.  The hope is that if Jake can win the Na’vi’s trust, he can then convince them to leave their home.  While becoming intimate with the Na’vi’s ways, Jake is caught in a conflict between the humans and Na’vi. 

The Na’vi, simply by being conscious for their connection to God, demonstrate at least one other powerful truth I wish to speak about.  The Na’vi in this story are as the body of Christ in Reality, having one and the same spirit with God Himself.  The testimony by the Na’vi is the picture of the Body of Christ’s connection to our God.  Their simple, unassuming existence, enlightened Jake, by allowing him to see for himself his connectedness with life and Love from God.  While I am not saying this story came straight from the Bible, I am saying that the story is just another picture, a very clear expression of God’s love for us.  If you get the chance to see it, I encourage you to do so.

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

NOTE: If you have seen this movie and don’t see the connection, allow me to share a few scriptures to think about.  If you have not seen this movie and desire to move more deeply in relationship with God, think about these verses while watching the movie: 

Ephesians 4:4-6. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Joshua 1:9.  ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Romans 1:19-20.  ¹⁹since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

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Since this Blog site is about what I think, this is what I’m thinking:

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
      Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
     While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
     Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
     As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
     Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
     Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
     Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
     Christ only, always, living in me.

In 1902, Adelaide A. Pollard, a Bible teacher and hymn writer was hoping to go to Africa as a missionary, but found herself unable to raise the needed funds to make the journey. Greatly discouraged, she attended a prayer service one evening and as she sat there, she overheard an elderly woman say "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives." The elderly woman inspired Pollard and she contemplated the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and upon her return home that evening, wrote all four stanzas before retiring for the night (quote from Wikipedia).

Have Thine own way Lord, with me.

I Am, David

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

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According to arbor experts on pruning Japanese Maples, the goal is to encourage the tree’s natural and healthy growth habit.  Light pruning limits re-growth and overall isn’t in the trees best interest.

In Japan, apprentices are not allowed to do any pruning.  They are only allowed to pick up the pruning debris.  After 10 or 15 years of learning by picking up what is removed, they are allowed to cut a tree.

Since you are a spiritual being, temporarily living in a natural earth suit, the natural and healthy growth habit would be to grow from ‘natural minded’ to ‘spiritual minded’.  The same careful consideration is given by God when He prunes you. God desires you to awaken (agree with His finished work, come into perfection), and move out of natural patterns of thought, so you shouldn’t think it strange if you find yourself in a trial. 

I Am, David

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

related reading: Matthew 16:33; Romans 1:19-21; James 1:2; I Peter 4:12

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I was just reading an exciting passage from a book talking about the divine nature within us. To oversimplify, the passage was exclaiming "We have God's DNA!".

Now, this may not excite you but it excites me.  Bear with me and meditate on what I'm saying for a moment. You know, God, the One that is all loving and all merciful.  He knows everything and is everywhere. The One that accepts me (and you), and loves all humanity, regardless of conduct or performance. The same One that spoke and suddenly there was light. He did and does all sorts of stuff but all that stuff is so incidental when placed beside being one with His very nature.

At some point, you gotta ask yourself a serious question... If Jesus gave Himself for me, then who is He?  Don't just read over it, who is He?  And, exactly what did He give you? And, did He hold back some of Himself? You can answer this in your own way and in your own time, but for me, I believe He gave Himself for me. He exchanged His nature for mine, so that I might break free of this worldly (veiled) existence.  

If you read the referenced Bible verse (Phil. 2:5-13), being obedient even to death. is what we normally run from; but, fixing us was never God's plan.  The only way to be awakened is the old man is killed and God starts over, by exchanging His Life for yours. 

Just watch the news reports about people around the world in trials.  Haiti, for example: People are being awakened into the power of God. They are receiving God's gift as they recognize that trusting in human type thinking is futile.

What a gift, and it's free!...  I'm opening my gift and checking it out and I hope you'll do the same.  Who knows... Maybe we can compare notes sometime to see what each other is experiencing.  As we become more open we reveal the gift inside.  More on 'creating an atmosphere' at a later time.  For now, open your gift- Life.

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


related reading: Phil. 2:5-13

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I really don't have anyone specifically in mind but need to say something.  It just tickles me when ministry folks, and other self-righteous folks (including myself sometimes) who have to 'save face' and must always 'look good'. 

Everybody knows that we should trust in the LORD with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. It's the leaning not on our own understanding that is the killer. To hear some folks, they never struggle... Who could relate to such foolishness? Come on, be honest. Don't you ever find yourself leaning on your own understanding? The very fact of admitting it is getting it in the light, thus nullifying the sting of death that everyone else can smell.

I don't know about you but I laugh at myself sometimes... just like Paul.  "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

Do you 'work for love' like the picture included shows?  If so, you'll never 'get it'.  The only way to receive love is to receive it freely, without excuse, return payment, or guilt.

If you never hear me say anything, hear me say clearly that it is not about your conduct.  It's not about what you do or don't do.  Nothing can make you closer or further away from God.  His love for you is unconditional. Acceptance for you is unconditional.

I Am, David

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

related reading: you don't have to read this anywhere; all of creation is saying it if you'll just listen or Prov. 3:5, Rom. 7

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God exists in the spaces we overlook. We look for Him, typically in things, thoughts, works and other natural circumstances. True, He can be found there when we seek Him, but once we see Him we see that He is a super- natural God, not confined to worldly situations.

Then; it dawns on us that we have His mind. At this point, letting go of the things we've trusted for so long is the battle, or is it? It would appear the battle is to let go, but in actuality the supernatural exists regardless of my state of mind. Having to battle to receive God puts to shame grace, so it can't be.

Today, start 'fresh' and in a perfect faith. Purpose with God to trust Him. Decide to live where He is Lord of our lives, and Love is our language.

This year, how about doing something beyond making a new year's resolution...  How about having a revolution, within your own heart?

I Am, David

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

related reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17