God is no respector of persons

Men, Why Gaze at the Sky?

August 21, 2017 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

“I am amazed that you can so easily be fooled into swapping the Gospel for a gimmick! The Gospel reveals the integrity of your original identity rescued in Christ; the gimmick is a conglomeration of grace and legalism. A mixture boils down to a do-it-yourself plan of salvation. (Which is a recipe for disaster.)” Gal. 1:6 (Mirror Translation)

Anyone trained to do so, can gather evidence about another group, person or people, and present that evidence like a prosecutor in front of a jury, expecting to identify those people with their crime. There’s not a problem with this if you’re a “free agent” (a person who does not have any commitments that restrict their actions), but to the ones who Christ is coming in the flesh (1 Jn 4:1-3) it’s contrary to His nature to put people “in” captivity, which comes from thinking more highly of ourself than others. It’s also rooted in proving someone else is wrong (as opposed to showing what’s right), like the Pharisees and Sadducees, who knew the letter of The Word but not The Message (within Jesus, The Word made flesh). The Spirit gives Life (1 Cor. 8:1).

When we reject His Life, we set ourselves above God, but the sad irony is, by faith in Him lowering Himself to be with us (Son of Man and also Son of God, Jesus), you were already seated with Him (Eph 2:6,7). Being seated “WITH” Him is not enough for sin, which seeks to be seated “INSTEAD” of Him. Sin seeks possessive power rather than the power that flows through us as a result of surrender to The King and His Acceptance of us (me). Sin is always rooted in fear (self- preservation or sacrificial) even though it may be presented as a trumpeting rally cry for troops.

The tears that flow down my cheeks lately, typically come from my own lack of faith, when I survey His Body. I see so few of us actually embrace how clean Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection made us that I’m a lot like Gideon, wondering How God will pull this off. There is no reason for me to point out your faults (I confess for looking at you wrongly!) except in building you up. Being out of tune with God, we see each other’s faults (2 Cor. 5:16) without offering hope in Christ. Why would we regard each other after the flesh anyway? Christ has dealt with all hindrances to Him. I repent unto the Kingdom of God. Go with me. My door is open; I desire for you to trust and obey with me. Christ is coming in my flesh (1 Jn 4:2) and I long to see Him formed in you, as well.

“Now the decisive conclusion is this: in Christ, every bit of condemning evidence against us is cancelled.” ~ Rom 8:1 (Mirror Translation)

I’d be remis if I didn’t share my train of thought that got me here. Today, there’s a total eclipse crossing America and the last few days, my attention has went toward Acts 1. When I first recognized God’s calling on me, He showed me how Christ’s return would look. He used the Galation passage where men of Galilee were standing, gazing at the sky. A cloud received Jesus, out of their sight. Two men stood by them in white saying, “men (of Galilee), why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.”

What is He saying? The clouds will be removed from your eyes to see Him and be with Him. “…then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Cor. 13:12). His appearing is IN you. I’m not arguing about what happens later. If there’s an argument from me it’s about what God’s original intent is for creating you! My point is that He didn’t die for the world, only to have us share to others in the second person. In you, if you believe, is not two spirits (your spirit and His Spirit). There’s His Spirit only, so the more you abide (rest in) in Him, it’s literally Him they’re seeing in your frame, through your unique personality, size, color and quirkiness. He is with you now.

While everyone is starring at the eclipse, stare directly into my eyes and you’ll see The Son. Believe, and look in a mirror. You’re looking at Him staring back at you.
We are one in Him, your servant,
David

That’s What It’s All About

February 1, 2017 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

It may seem obvious to you but the reason we have rules for operating motor vehicles is so everyone is on the same page while driving. Each state even has a Department of Motor Vehicles to oversee issuing motor vehicle titles, maintaining vehicle registration information and enforcing other statutes. Furthermore, there is another department we’re all familiar, which is responsible for enforcing traffic laws. It wouldn’t do if even 10% of drivers didn’t know to drive on the right side of the road, stop at red lights, or to drive at or below safe speed limits. Can you imagine the mess it would make if we just left it up to the individual to drive any ole way?

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

My home is dark at night. When I’m awakened for whatever reason, I’m able to walk through the house without aid of any light. I’ve walked the paths so many times it’s become second nature to me. When I’m approaching my refrigerator or a door frame, it’s almost as if I could see them, even though it’s dark. As I approach them, I place my hand out at exactly the right place and exactly the right time. It’s as if my eyes have those boundary markers burned in my mind. My only surprise would be if God or someone moved my refrigerator the night before. It takes illumination to see beyond what you’re accustom to doing so that’s why it’s important to be contemplative about the message of Jesus Christ. If it’s just a story we’re telling, without changing us, then we may be walking these trails out of memory rather than His Light.

Have you ever been in a group, planning an activity, where everyone is spit-balling ideas? Someone, with great enthusiasm (or possibly frustration) adds this small qualifier to their statement, “That’s what it’s all about” (or “that’s the point” or something similar)? They say what they’re gonna say but in an effort to rally support, they add, “That’s what it’s all about“. When we say “that’s what it’s all about” we often really mean “that’s what it’s all about according to the way I see it now“. It’s not a negative thing to acknowledge how you’re seeing it, but when we project our illumination onto others, we’ve moved away from Love.

Human nature assumes it’s right to apply the “Rules of the Road” strategy to every area of life, but if we did, we’d quickly discover why this can’t be healthy. In life, there is always opportunity to learn and grow, so if we’re always quick to say, “That’s what it’s all about” we won’t move beyond the walls we’re defining. Maybe you do know what it’s all about; so what. If our relationships with God and each other used the “Rules of the Road” strategy we could hardly claim we loved each other. Love doesn’t try to shove people in man-made systems.

“… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1,2

Maturing as a son of God is simply maturing in His Love, which is the spirit of what Paul is describing in Romans 12. By being willing participants, you’ll find you are being formed in Christ’s image, right in your unique self.

Another place we find these common phrases is in pulpits. You could be a great natural leader, able to get people to build anything for you, but if their hearts aren’t being changed, what have you done? Kingdom leaders are looking at the inner man, not concentrating on what’s seen, except to use as the example to reveal what’s not seen. Since I was first baptized in His Spirit, it stood out to me, the early church in Acts had ALL THINGS in common. The “consequence” was their possessions but “the reason” was their hearts were individually turned toward God’s.

“That’s what it’s all about“. When talking about the “Rules of the Road” then it’s simple to answer but when speaking of what you’ve got in mind when you’re facing life, be aware of your inner posture, to see if you’re navigating by memory or if the Light is on. You’re safe with God but since He’s everywhere then you’re free to leave the comfort of your worn paths. The comfort of His presence is far more great anyway.

Having understanding is what I’m hoping to impart to you today but it begins with being teachable. If we always know everything we can’t learn. Don’t think I’m saying we shouldn’t work off a premise. We must have a premise in order to operate, but when we approach God, allowing Him to change our premise, we are much more happy and less ridged toward others.

When we’re in a conversation with others, perceiving our way of seeing things is the only way of seeing them, we’ve effectively told everyone else that they are wrong. Of course, you can’t go around not believing what you’re saying but you can go through life willing to learn. The next time you hear or wanna say, “That’s what it’s all about“, consider what you’re saying and don’t try to make your perception the center of everyones universe. Seek God’s perception and have fellowship with it. If you’re experiencing frustration, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say there’s 100% chance your struggle is a result of trying to enter a room you’re already in. Please re-read that… and rejoice! All the stress we put ourselves through makes us like a wind-up toy, constantly needing attention and being rewound.

Because both ‘you’ and ‘the world’ are the center of His attention, there is sufficient Grace to carry you. The more you become aware of the intimacy of Christ coming in your flesh, you’ll discover you were already safely in the room with Him, seeing for yourself how you’re known to God. The issue was never outside you, as if someone stole your wallet. It was always a matter of faith in Christ/Spirit. Therefore, growing in acceptance of this truth releases the benefits of His performance on the cross in and through you. His performance was either all sufficient or not, which should leave you with Faith, Hope and Love, so have Faith in His Love.

About Love, Love is one thing you can safely say, “That’s what it’s all about” or “That’s the main point”. You’ll never go wrong with Love but don’t assume you can’t grow more in Love. Our reality should be God’s Love and life in the larger possibility of God’s perspective.

Hidden in the Box

October 1, 2016 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

“If you’re reading this letter, my disease has run its course. Enclosed is some money for my burial. I would like to be cremated. I spent my whole life in a box. I don’t want to be buried in one.” -Georgia May Byrd (Queen Latifah)That line is from one of my favorite movies and it pretty well summarizes my inner thoughts. The title of the movie is Last Holiday.

A foundational shift in each of us awakens us to Reality, altering our viewpoints. Awareness comes from simple, child like faith in Spirit (God). We once viewed our human reality as the source of Life, and although very real (for short, I distinguish what I call small “r” reality from big “R” Reality), we see it (small “r” reality) is incapable of producing Life (let alone be the source of Life). Reality is that you are already in the room with God, even if you don’t know or believe it.

Few will tell you, “The cross has made you flawless” without adding caveats. The bottom line is that considering yourself equal with God is the only way you can find agreement with Him. To call the bluff on all the lies that say you aren’t worthy, simply agree with God. You ARE worthy. If I don’t preface that statement with explaining that it’s not by your own effort or if I don’t explain that He provided The Lamb, it’s no less true.

Human form is too proud to let someone see us as weak but that’s not where His (Spirit’s) strength is made perfect. As humans, we’re quick to steal honor from God. His presentation of love was in the form of putting Himself to an open shame instead of saving His reputation. We tell each other, You don’t wanna be like “these guys”or “those guys” and you do wanna be like … You understand. Eager to distract from the main thing, we focus on minor issues and methods. We’ve created massive libraries of beautiful teaching, and most of it does nothing but distract from the one thing that will produce righteousness in us, the cross. The power of being offended by the cross is overlooked because it does not make sense. Master carpenters reject the simplicity of the cross and the masses follow along blindly, as if we think they know the way. Maybe they do know the way but the issue isn’t if they know the way, it’s do you. We have enough educational material to build economies based on ways to store the information, yet we seem to lack in the simplest matters. We all understand what happens when an atom is split yet it’s like the mental program we’re running only offers, “this does not compute” when laying down our own lives. In this hour, we are sitting on a powder keg of possibility, but it’s only released when our own lives are laid down. The gospel of Christ is still the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes.

There’s an old saying that bears much truth, “the devil is in the details”. Many fail to fully mature, for at least two reasons: 1) they don’t have a proper relationship with someone on Earth, to submit as a spiritual leader (father – son), 2) they stay surrendered just long enough to understand some of God’s plan (refer back to reason one) so they run off to save the world before real power comes on them. Our libraries fill to capacity and there never seems to be a shortage of those drinking the humanistic KoolAid.

Real authority isn’t a system, a group or a council. Those are all very important and wonderful tools we can later use but first we need to learn some things (mainly, we need His mind). We need to understand how it all works BEFORE we begin (again). The early church seemed to capture something very important when they had everything in common. We need to learn all the rules (the blue prints) before we begin with an old mindset (pre-conceived idea).

Real authority looks on Earth the same as in heaven; it’s a mirror (hint: that’s why there’s 24 elders around the throne- 12, but in a mirror there are 24). Submit yourself to someone (preferably, the one God chose in your life). They are either in your life, been there, or on their way. Personally, I don’t care who it is. Your act of turning your heart toward a father will have a reciprocal effect in him. You have great revelation; great, we all get that. And, you wanna build something wonderful in the Earth, possibly because you want to please your father (Father). But actually, he (He) never told you to build anything. You just assumed that. Take a more simple approach and readjust what you deem minor and major. Allow the atom to be split inside you. Make it your mission to pursue and trust Love. Then, love as you are loved and stop trying so hard. Let me let you off the hook on something: Jesus never expected you to love everyone on your own. He said to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and body. He then said to love others as you love yourself. Your responsibility to love others is “AS” you love yourself. The further you understand you are in the room with God, that is the measurement to love others. Love as you are loved. The entire process begins with Him first loving you. It’s by the measure you have the clouds removed from your own eyes, that you’ll be able to understand what is right and noble.

Many saints have been raised up already to look after your soul. These “elders” often will not have an official title in a “church”. Don’t underestimate their purpose in changing your life. Our greatest desire is that Christ be formed in you. We prepare, empower and send you on your way, as you begin (again) your journey, understanding the Kingdom of God. Don’t think it strange but the method we use most likely is the same Jesus used. He told us straight out every time He prayed over food “bread”. All too often, our programmatic mindset gets stuck because we fail to wait to be; 1) blessed, 2) broken, 3) and sent. Without proper relationships on earth we will continue a pattern of babysitting rather than true discipleship. Obviously, there can be abuses in every submitting relationship but just because some husbands are abusive doesn’t mean we should do away with marriage.

God’s love IS an offense to all flesh, even “Billy Graham’s”. No flesh is immune from offense. God’s amazing kind of love is the most profound truth there is and yet it’s wrapped in a simplistic (plain) wrapper that has the power of an atom being split. No-one should take Grace for granted. A mentally challenged individual has a better chance of experiencing His Love than the one who is rich in information. “The cross has made you flawless” is an anchor point to transform the way you see yourself and others if you believe without taking it for granted.

You are flawless because of a choice God made, not one you made. The choice you make, to believe in Grace or not is the fork in the road to whether you’ll be aware you’re an heir or continue in self effort.

The Power of the Cross; Pentecost

June 7, 2016 By David Roberts

You’ve gotta be a man before you can be a “Mr.”,
You’ve gotta be a woman before you can be a “Ms.”,
You’ve gotta believe before you can be called “a believer”.

Above all else, this article is not intended to pigeon hole us further; but rather, explore where we are, especially as we remember the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Showing up at church or learning to parrot the right things doesn’t mean we’re anything, other than we’ve learned to wear a certain flavor of mask. Why would anyone wanna wear a mask? It’s because we’re afraid of not fitting in, so we manipulate our presentation to “fit in”. With respect, we often fear people and the systems of this world more than Creator God. This could possibly be because many say “I believe” with our mouths yet fail to to it in our hearts.

Yesterday evening, I ran into Walmart for a few last minute items. The dog was getting hungry and my wife wanted that special creamer only they carry. As I raced to the sections of the store where my items were, my mind was opened to notice again, all the packaging and manipulation through presentation. Suddenly, I once again saw a glimpse of myself and the way we (humanity) view life. We live in a world where packaging is king! Let’s face it. Most of us simply buy the package, and whatever is on the inside, then we deal with that later. Even though we say we care, we balance that against our love of money, and we say we’re being good stewards. Well, maybe we are. Either way, this isn’t really a problem until what we’ve purchased breaks (and it will!).

Neat and orderly is what our world demands. If you’re out of place, you have no place, thus you don’t fit in! The promise of making our lives easier, less stressful, pain free, is certainly appealing and I often take them up on what they’re selling! I live in an air conditioned home, with running water, electricity and all the comforts that can be imagined. The problem many times is that we often buy promises from people who don’t have ‘the goods’ to sell; although, with their packaging you’d never know it. They jockey for shelf space, brand recognition and popularity; all which are driven by alliances (that’s just another way of saying, “branding”). All these alliances are to make you feel included (warm and fuzzy, to meet a need you may not even have). Honestly, I’ve got no problem with the world operating this way. It is the way of the world and I’m not afraid to operate within it.

What often alarms me is when I see so many “Christian” organizations function in the ways of the world, “wearing their clothes“. I know: Why am I looking at their short comings? Well, I love them and want to help! We’ll get to that in a minute. There is a way of peace. These organizations, captained by someone, market their daycare, children or youth programs; announcing “we’ve got what you need“. They print ads promoting their latest “special” service and mention how good “their” praise team and/or choir is, while mentioning there’s plenty of parking; and it’s well lit! If that weren’t enough, social media is blasted with campaigns to brand their church or movement, and their members are “requested” to “like” their post/page and share. You’ll hear things like, “our preacher can really preach” and “oh boy, we had a great message today“. There isn’t anything wrong with any of these things, except it seems like they’re always focusing on all the minor subjects. They invest all this energy in labor that won’t produce an eternal harvest, all in the name of “who“, I ask? I’m certain their zeal is usually on target and I’m not faulting or attempting to modify behavior. Behavior modification doesn’t work anyway!

It’s just that we’ve almost lost sight of the reason for having a gathering in the first place! If you’re gonna gather, don’t do it to cover the same base over and over. In baseball, you’d get to first base and never score a run. Let’s gather to train the people, so they can be empowered to go into their world a blessing to others, demonstrating God’s true compassion for the world!

Maybe it’s coming across as bashing or being harsh. I’m sure some will think these subjects shouldn’t be talked about in the open, but I can’t imagine a better place for it. What I’d like to see is honesty about where we are. In my personal relationship with God, that’s where I experienced Him so it seems reasonable to expect it corporately, in like manor. As I contrast (or survey) our present presentation of Jesus to the world, I just don’t see Him being lifted up IN THE WAY HE DESIRES. How can I say I know His desires? Because my mind has been changed and I can see how His engine room operates in the world.

Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul wrote just after he addresses hero worship; whether Paul or Apollos should be given credit (read 1 Cor 4 in it’s entirety HERE or listen to it HERE but below are the verses we’ll discuss)

I can’t for the life of me understand how the modern church can say we have the same leadership as what we read in these verses. Honestly, I can say but you won’t want to hear it. Well, that settles it; I’m gonna tell you for sure now. “Everything we call church isn’t The Church”. So much of what we call “Church” is really a supporting organization to facilitate a real move of God. We fell in love with the idea that we could lean on this system (instead of leaning on His understanding) to help, kinda like a crutch. Somehow, we’ve come to accept it’s okay to help Him since being His flesh was too difficult. I’m not saying God hasn’t allowed or even led at times, to have denominations (as some might say). I certainly don’t think those are a complete expression of who He is, but everyone has ideas and opinions about what they believe, so in that light, there are as many denominations as there are people. Let’s look at denominations as fractions. We know that all fractions are part of the whole. Somewhere along the course of studying basic mathematics, we began working with fractions. We learned that fractions are not the whole, but they were part of the whole. So, what did we do? We learned to find “THE COMMON DENOMINATOR”! What do we all have in common? We are all loved and accepted by God. We can start and end with this simple common denominator. With a common denominator we can find equivalent fractions, expressed other ways. Through the cross, we discover it doesn’t matter what organization you or I belong to, or where our membership is. We discover that God really did love the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son. Now that He sits at the Father’s side, we are His flesh, for Spirit to live. In light of being a unique individual, viewing the world through unique eyes, there is nothing wrong with being a slice; in fact, THAT’S THE PLAN! When I’m speaking of being a part of The Whole, I’m speaking of being a member of His Body; human flesh for Spirit to live and move and have His being.

The Nation is a many membered body; ONE body, which when we’re in tune with Spirit, we produce ONEvoice (that’s why we are aka ONEvoice or Restoration House Ministries). Well, now that we’re back from that commercial break, let’s read verses 9 thru 13 of 1 Corinthians 4:

4:9 If you really want to know, there is nothing glamorous about being an apostle! It seems to some that God has us on exhibition as it were, as clowns in the circus; the laughing stock of the religious world-system! We are the latest gossip in town. Even the angels frown upon us! And you want to idolize us, think again! We are not handing out autographs! Neither are we your latest brand of Christianity! We have a death-sentence hanging over our heads!
4:10 Because of Christ we are considered fools (in the eyes of the religious society!) Our foolishness serves only one purpose though: to prove to you that Christ is your wisdom. Our weakness serves to convince you of your source of strength in Christ; our ill repute in the eyes of popular opinion is to persuade you of your honored standing in Christ! (Do not allow what we are suffering for you to distract you from realizing how wise, and strong, and honored you really are in Christ.)
4:11 While writing this to you my life would seem such a contradiction! I mean here I am telling you how complete and without shortcoming you already are, and I can hardly remember when last I have had a decent meal! As I am writing this my mouth is dry with thirst, I’m stripped of my clothing; I have been beaten black and blue, and have nowhere to go.
4:12 I feel the fatigue from my physical labor. When people insult us we make sure that we speak well of them. We are harassed, but bear with it.
4:13 Hurtful rumors do the rounds but we find refuge and comfort in our true identity. We are reckoned as scapegoats, the scum of society. This is what we are faced with on a daily basis. (1 Cor. 4:9-13 Mirror)

To my human understanding it seems strange we have so many churches led by so called “apostles”, “prophets”, “evangelists”, “pastors and teachers”, who seem more interested in campaigning, strategizing, advertising, packaging, aligning, branding, and a whole host of other marketing angles rather than demonstration of power. I see so few leaders exhibit the reckless abandonment to Christ, as seen in the preceding few verses. It’s a lack of fathers; I am convinced, but it’s also our lack of submission to apostolic fathers in the Church. Looking on Facebook and other social media, you’ll get a good idea of ‘who is with who‘ by the posts we ‘like‘ and by the people we ignore. No wonder the world thinks we’re just a bunch of religious bigots. Often, WE ARE!

To anyone who does not believe the message of the gospel, it’s to their own loss the message of the cross seems foolish; but to us who discover our salvation there, it is the dynamic of God. Isaiah wrote: I will confuse the wisdom of the “so-called” wise and prove their experts wrong! (1 Cor 1:18,19 Mirror)(Isa 29:14)

Too many times I’ve been surprised to discover I’ve been wrong about people and their approach to ministry and life. I think we often are a little quick to pronounce judgement when we’re often saying, “they’re not like me“. Possibly, that’s what I’m doing again right now. I hope so and am willing to learn, even if it’s the hard way. There’s a list of people I could tell you about, where my initial instinct was in error because they appeared to be of the world; they presented themselves in a way that I was not familiar with being abandoned in Christ, so I discerned incorrectly. In those times, I was wrong. We’ve got to give each other this grace. Grace to recognize God is bigger than our understanding. Hopefully, we can learn to recognize when our hearts burn from hearing truth, so much the Holy Spirit can interrupt our plans for His, ceasing our divisive ways. When I got to know the people I am thinking about, it was easy to hear their heart and passion to see God’s children be led into the place of promise and it was then I could appreciate the amazing Gift in them. When I stopped looking at their package I began to see people as Christ sees them.

The main reason I didn’t recognize them as being a gift from God was I didn’t know their story. I hadn’t gotten intimate with them, probably because of fear. I was caught up in my own circumstances and more than likely, marketing my own products, calling them “whatever“. I’ve come to believe there is a small place of power, where He rests and we’re invited to reign there with Him (in His Rest). This throne is a place in the perfect Love of God, where Love governs and fuels everything. It’s not a worldly definition or an emotional love. It’s through faith in Him, that we are Baptized by fire to see God is/as Love. This is the engine room of God and the power plant. The offense is foolish to the world. The power of Pentecost is available, and possibly more, so that we too have all things in common (common denominator). Once we find the common denominator, we can begin to make whole numbers out of the fractions (we can understand people and appreciate them as a gift).

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

[clear-line]

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.

What is this thing called “Life”? Acceptance of Death, by Alan Watts

June 19, 2015 By David Roberts Leave a Comment

“Life is found when the end of effort is found (not by means -of- effort).”

The other day, I watched the following 4 minute video. It struck a chord in me because it reflects my current reality of Life, Death everything in between, before and after. Your comments are welcome but I’m not looking for validation or “high fives”, or to rally the troupes in an effort to get everyone (anyone) to agree with me. My reason for the few words I’ll share, along with this video, is a deep desire for what is in me, to live longer and louder than my Earth suit.

If you view the below video, I hope you’ll read the following few words and allow them to really challenge you: “To behold God, you become like Him. If you believe God to be the place where your heart is satisfied, where you’re able to ‘fly’, where He’s all you need; then, you will become those things to your world.” It is possible that you are having difficulty understanding how all this could be. If you’re struggling with this mindset, it may be that you’ve fixed your affections on “this world” and your identity is anchored in Earth.

All my love,
David

THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE ABOVE VIDEO:

Now there really isn’t anything radically wrong with being sick or with dying. Who said you’re supposed to survive? Who gave you the idea that it’s a gas to go on and on and on?

And we can’t say that it’s a good thing for everything to go on living. In very simple demonstration that if we enable everybody to go on living, we overcrowd ourselves and we’re like an unpruned tree.

And, so therefore, one person who dies in a way is honorable because he’s making room for others… Although each one of us, individually, will naturally appreciate it when anybody saves our life, if we apply that case all around we can see that it’s not workable.

We can also look further into and see that if our death could be indefinitely postponed, we would not actually go on postponing it indefinitely because after a certain point we would realize that isn’t the way in which we wanted to survive.

Why else would we have children? Because children arrange for us to survive in another way by, as it were, passing on a torch so that you don’t have to carry it all the time. There comes a point where you can give it up and say now you work.

It’s a far more amusing arrangement for nature to continue the process of life through different individuals then it is always with the same individual, because as each new individual approaches life is renewed. And one remembers how fascinating the most ordinary everyday things are to a child, because they see them all as marvelous – because they see them all in a way that is not related to survival and profit.

When we get to thinking of everything in terms of survival and profit value, as we do, then the shapes of scratches on the floor cease to have magic. And most things, in fact, cease to have magic.

So therefore, in the course of nature, once we have ceased to see magic in the world anymore, were no longer fulfilling nature’s game being aware of itself.

There’s no point in it any longer. And so we die. And, so something else comes to birth, which gets an entirely new view.

It is not, therefore, natural for us to wish to prolong life indefinitely. But we live in a culture where it has been rubbed into us in every conceivable way that to die is a terrible thing. And that is a tremendous disease from which our culture, in particular, suffers.

By Alan Watts

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.

How Does God Choose His Elders that “Mother” His Glory?

February 7, 2015 By David Roberts

God chooses some in the Earth who “Mother” the glory of God. He chooses whom He pleases without consulting human flesh (read Matthew 12:50, Luke 8:21, Mark 3:35). These “Mothers” are vessels of honor, with no cracks (they are sincere). They have illumination that ‘doing’ the will of God is not in human effort, as does the old wine skin. They do not reject the resurrection because they remain in awe of Him. They depend upon Him for every breath.

There are others, who love systems, their lives and human logic more than Spirit. They have not died, but this does mean they are disqualified. By purging themselves from the mind centered in the cares of the world, they shall be a vessel of honor, sanctified and in agreement for the Master’s use. Then, they may be prepared to do every good work (II Tim 2:20,21).

In the world, vessels of dishonor love man’s failed systems, typically considered to be “church”, defined solely with human intellect, without preparing others to abide in The Kingdom. Held hostage in a school only those like itself can graduate, the cycle repeats. Not all, but many of the “shepherds” of these institutions have already received their reward. They have argued with God about who is in charge of “the body”. This morning, my mind began to think of one of the decisions Solomon made. Recorded in I Kings 3, two women had a disagreement about who was the mother of a child. One mother, said not to split the baby and walked away, while the other demanded the baby be split in half and they would each have half. In Solomon’s wisdom, he determined the true mother was the one willing to give up the child. She loved her baby so much, she was willing to die for him to live. Her instinctive role was not to demand her rights to be the mother. Her instinctive role revealed in salvation to the child. As painful as it was, she denied her own desire and was willing to lose the role of mother to her child and that is how she gained the right to care for him.

By attempting to abort the Child coming in the Earth, vessels of dishonor reveal themselves as shepherds for hire, who will dance any song you sing, as long as the price is right. Ruling by force and by show is what seems right to the carnal mind but to those who have allowed their minds to be renewed, by the washing of the Word, they see the Kingdom of God in everyone. To those who have ears to hear, the Bride of Christ is not many different parts, but it’s One Bride of many members.

Are you His mother? It doesn’t matter what position you have or how many boards you sit. It doesn’t matter how many certificates wallpaper your wall. And it doesn’t matter if you’re like the little kid in school that never got chosen. The Gift in you will make it’s own way no matter how painful the birthing pains. What matters is, are you willing to lay it all down, right now, just at the idea it may save what God is doing in the Earth? If so, you are His “Mother”.

Understanding Yeshua (Jesus) Fulfilling the Law

January 31, 2015 By David Roberts

Love Fulfills Law Many Christians find the law of Moses and Yeshua (Jesus) difficult to understand (reconcile). It really boils down to understanding the difference between “law enforcement” and “law fulfillment”. He not only fulfilled the law but desires to continue fulfilling it through you.

The standard is not to keep the regulations but to die to what seems right, so the Spirit in you can lead you. The regulations keep themselves when you surrender to God. Being led of Spirit (loving God with all your heart, soul and body) results in looking past others performance (loving your neighbor as you love yourself).

Reconciling the Old and the New is not in finding how they are different, but how the two witnesses were saying the same thing all along. Two cant walk together unless they agree. If this seems like a foreign language, pray to understand the difference between “law enforcement” and “law fulfillment”.

Meditate on this… Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10 (NKJV)
By no means are these few words intended to be all inclusive of all the wonderful discoveries many are making and is offered as a reference to help discern the difference in old and new wine skins. I hope this helps you. Feel free to comment, like and/or share.

Honor, Respect, Dishonor, Disrespect and the Offended

January 24, 2015 By David Roberts

If Yeshua (Jesus) is my Lord, He said I would hear HIS voice and would follow HIM. Where was HE going? When Paul said to follow him as he followed Christ. Where was he going? Answer: The cross (to die).

More times than I can count, I’ve heard these verses quoted:

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” I Sam. 15:22

“For I desire mercy (love- kindness) and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

First of all, God sent His Son to reconnect fallen man (that which was lost). When someone continues to re-crucify Him, it demonstrates a lack of understanding that from God’s perspective, you and He are no longer separated. Without this understanding, fasting may be appropriate until revelation of their being complete in Christ (it should only be done if you perceive the Bridegroom is away- Mark 2:19). If you don’t understand you’re one with God, study seeking to understand that you are approved.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…” II Tim. 2:15

I believe God desires obedience to His heart rather than perform:ance based acceptance (PBA). PBA offers performance as the sacrifice. One could be obedient to the letter yet not the Spirit. True obedience to His heart is death to self.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”. Jn 15:13

How can we be obedient, following Christ, even to death? Simply believe; open the gift of Grace. If we believe HIM, by default, we’ll no longer believe in ourselves and/or each other. Our honor to His heart dis-honors (dis-respects) the systems of men. God is not a respecter of persons; meaning, your best or worst does not impress or turn Him. The un-renewed mind would attempt to “teach” honor, missing that “honor” is a supernatural quality of someone walking in love. Either someone is walking in love our they’re not. Anyone walking in love will honor others, because it’s nature produces honor.

Yeshua (Jesus) encountered during His 33 years the same thing you and I encounter, as sons of God. The wisdom of the world honors systems and performance rather than Grace. We’re born in a body running something like a computer program, falsely believing salvation would come a certain way.

I’ve been thinking lately about how SOCIETY influences, and how we give honor and respect where God does not.

Society:

the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
an organization or club formed for a particular purpose or activity.

There is a big difference in illumination coming FROM society versus THROUGH society. To the religious mind, it’s dishonoring not to honor what they deem important. He actually disrespected them by respecting Truth; they were offended. Are you bold enough to honor each other and yet not stand in agreement that their system will bring salvation. They believe it will. Are you gonna agree with them or Still wanna follow Him?

As an example of what I’m hoping to communicate, by honoring the water in a cup, we bring honor to the cup. To the cup, this is dis-honor because it seeks glory for itself. Drinking a cup of water doesn’t mean we drink ONLY from cups. No vessel should be worshiped, but when you want to drink water without refilling you’ll drink from a river.

With love comes a sober mind, an understanding of what is worthy of honor/respect. Therefore, we also discern between what is perishing. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways (1 Cor 13:11). With a sober mind YOU see face to face, YOU know fully, even as YOU have been fully known (by Spirit). Love discerns all things.

On a personal note, I get in more trouble because of disrespecting what others respect. What can I say? I’m my Father’s son.