More About Me
For those of you who would like to know more about me I offer the below.
I was born into a family that subscribed to a fairly fundamental Christian religion. We pretty much went by the book – The Holy Bible. I learned from a very young age that a right relationship with God was the most important thing. I carry that with me still and I’m thankful for that!
As I grew up through the school years I tried keeping myself unspotted from the world and for the most part associated only with individuals who were part of our faith. This was a result of trying to obey certain scriptures. It felt good to be “in” with God.
After high school I went off to college to study electrical engineering. It was an interesting field to me and still is but my heart was drawn more toward helping people in a spiritual way.
In my growing up years I had much fellowship with the ministers of our faith who traveled as Jesus directed his disciples in Matt 10. I felt it was the only ministry that was Biblically accurate and so I volunteered to join their ranks. I remained in that ministry for nearly 10 years. I had some amazing experiences and met many, many wonderful people in several different states.
It was during this time that I began to examine more closely my Christian beliefs. Some of what I had been taught just didn’t seem to work the way it was supposed to. Often when a Christian finds some problem with their particular fellowship they’re told to “pray about it”, or they “need more faith” or perhaps “God is working it out” among other replies. I understood those answers well as I had given them many times.
For some reason they were not giving me the satisfaction I wanted and so I continued seeking and evaluating.
Eventually I realized that I needed to leave the ministry that I had intended to give my entire life to. I spent some difficult days trying to determine what God’s will was for me. His answer finally came after months of trying to be still and wait. It was to leave and there was no doubt.
Leaving was a big step for me for many reasons but my conviction that God had my back kept me going.
It wasn’t too long after leaving the ministry that I married my lovely wife. She was a tremendous support to me and understood my spiritual background as well as the path I was on. She was a member of my faith and so we continued participating in the fellowship.
During the first year of our marriage we moved to a new city, bought a house, and started a business. Crazy, now that I look back, but at the time we just did it!
That was a time of growth, struggle, introspection and more sorting of beliefs. I was finally forced closely examine the religion of my youth and realized that it no longer served me. But what to do?
I came to a point where I finally gave up. I said a little prayer to God. As I recall it went like this: “Okay God, I give up. I’ve tried serving you and worshipping you the way I’ve been taught. I’ve been promised peace, love, joy, etc. and I don’t have it. Nothing I’ve tried has worked so now I quit. I’m not going to do anything. I’m going to sit right here and do absolutely nothing until you show me what to do”.
That was probably the shortest prayer I ever uttered but it was the most sincere and I did exactly what I said. I gave up “praying”, reading my Bible and attending church. More than that, I gave up all my ideas about God, truth, religion, right and wrong. I noticed thought coming in but I was unattached to them. I simply put myself into a place of not knowing anything.
At first nothing happened. I say that but really a lot was happening. There’s a lot going on when you give up all your stuff – beliefs, ideas, thoughts about God, everything you ever knew about God and your relationship with him.
I noticed a peace! I really expected to be in some sort of upheaval or upset. Surprise! Then nearly a year later I got a revelation of grace. I was just sitting and being still noticing my thoughts when suddenly thoughts started pouring into my mind that were totally new, incredibly crystal clear and they wouldn’t stop! For several minutes the principles of grace were given to me one right after another!
I was so blown away and thrilled and I knew my prayer was answered! I shared it with my wife and everyone I could get hold of for the next week or so. I almost felt that if I didn’t share it I would lose it. Thankfully I never have.
That was the first of several “downloads” over the next few years. It really felt like that. Words seem so inadequate to describe the experience. I hope you can experience it sometime if you haven’t yet!
I began attending church again some for a time. Finally I realized it was really over. It just didn’t meet my need. I still attend on occasion but not on a regular basis.
Now I find myself in the place of being a Christian without a Church – not a bad place to be as Christ didn’t have a church either! Of course I’m aware that church in the Bible doesn’t mean a structure.
I’m content now to be a part of the Church that is seeking a relationship with God outside traditional religion. In fact it thrills me!
As time has passed I’ve felt the need to share with others. I continue to observe Christians leaving their churches in disappointment and frustration. Then quite often they’re concerned about what to do, where to go. The guilt can be enormous. Often their families and friends don’t understand and even desert them.
This site is for those who have gone there or who may be considering that jump. You are a strong believer in Christ and you want more. You’re longing for a depth of spiritual connection with God that your current fellowship quenches. You’re looking for greater peace. You need answers that mainstream Christianity can’t provide.
You’re longing to find the freedom that Jesus spoke of when He said “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free”.
Welcome!
I leave you with a promise from the lips of Jesus:
Matt 7:7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If you haven’t signed up for my minicourse please take a look at that page -> Communicating with God
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Robert,
Yes I beleive in God and Christ. I have been confused on how to hear God’s voice. I now know how do do it, I think. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t my own “brain noise” I was hearing. I wanted to also make sure that I wasn’t giving myself the answers I wanted to hear.
I’m not 100% sure but very close. Could you help me out a little more?
Robert
I’ll be glad to try. I’ve sent you a private message.
Thanks,
Robert
I was born into catholic religion and as I got older I started to lose my faith. I felt like something was missing with in my spirit. about six years ago a lot of tough times came into my life and for the first time in my life I felt like I had no control over anything very scary for me because I’ve always been a very strong person mentally and physically. Began jumping from church to church from the protestant perpective and thats when my spirit lead me to so many questions the big one WHY !!! my search was on, from theology, philosphy, quantum machanics, budda, astrophysics, hinduism and many more. I came across you web site about eight months ago and very impressed about let it come to you, I started reading the tao te ching eastern philosphy. very interesting the book is by Dr. wayne dwyer controling your thoughts. I think you would enjoy it from reading your perspectives on your faith. please e-mail me back thanks gene
Hi Robert!! I heard that you are talking to my Mom and thought I’d stop by your site.. wow this is just awesome to see you have a site like this. I still remember, with fondness, having you as a minister in our home.
Our family has been going through a lot, indeed, but wonderful changes are taking place. It’s wonderful to find freedom and peace- finally- in Christ. Feel free to write anytime.. I look forward to looking around the site!!
In Christ,
~April
April,
I’m so glad to connect again. I’ll be in touch.
Thanks for visiting my site!
Blessings,
Robert
Great, great to have our visit. God works
in such wonderful encouraging ways!
Psa 46.10 was a help to me when I was
concerned about my son not making it
to work the next day. God put that tho’t on
my heart about six times one night when
I was desperately praying. I finally got still
and a peace came over me and I was able
to sleep.
The next day I just HAD to see what that
scripture meant.
This led to a wonderful study about the
musical phrasing & various voices
the psalmists set their hymns to. This
helped me to appreciate all the voices in
God’s family, as well as the various voices
we use in different situations we pass thru.
The bass for ‘groaning that cannot be uttered’.
The soprano for joyful praise. And, so on.
Take care,
~Renee
Hi Robert,
I can completely relate to your life’s testimony. In fact, reading your story almost sounds like you’re talking about my life. Do people ever bring up Hebrews 10:25 when you tell them you’re not in a “traditional” fellowship? If so, how do you respond? This is a verse I struggle with as I quit attending a “traditional” fellowship several months ago (I’m going now again, but am not so sure I should be…)
Thanks!
Good question. Here’s the verse for those who don’t want to go look it up.
Heb 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (KJV)
Some have brought up this verse – or the idea that this verse promotes. The question for me is who do you desire to assemble with? Do you wish to meet with a group of people who believe something contrary to scripture? Will my words exhort them if they have no desire to hear? I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up. I don’t see that being the focus of the meetings Jesus had with his disciples.
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse. All too often scripture is used to keep folks herded down the path of religion. It’s fine if they have no other source of direction. I just discovered that I wanted something more and I’ve found it!
Robert
WOW! I thought I was the only one with these types of concerns regarding church going. I go but not often sometimes I feel guilty (which probably come from me thinking what will others think) since I’m proclaiming to be a child of God and a believer. Should I desire to go to church? some say you should belong to a church so when you die you’ll have somewhere to have a funeral. wow that’s not scriptural. I desperately want to know God intimately and to be able to hear his voice. I like church but have a problem with the giving of money not actually the giving but the guilt you feel for not giving and not giving to the building fund the whatever fund monthly or some churches have a set amount members must give. Why can’t we decide to give what we want and how about the churches that have applications to be a member now or you have to give your bank account info so they can take tithes straight from your accouint. I thought that was a choice weather you want to pay tithes or not between you and God oh let me stop here didn’t mean to say all of this just really wanted to agree with you and hope that I am on the right path that leads to heaven. be blessed
Funny how we all think we’re the only ones with a particular issue or concern isn’t it?
We’re all really one!
You’re on the right path. It can’t be otherwise.
Blessings and welcome!
Robert
On Feb 16, 2010 one of your readers wrote:
I can completely relate to your life’s testimony. In fact, reading your story almost sounds like you’re talking about my life. Do people ever bring up Hebrews 10:25 when you tell them you’re not in a “traditional” fellowship? If so, how do you respond?
then you posted the scripture thy were reffering to…
Heb 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (KJV)
Ok, so here it is June and I’m late on the topic…..Oh boy here i go again. I am truly trying to not be a bother, believe me when i say that. I respect your opinion and philosophies because alot of what you say is what most people are afraid to say. I can realte to how you think. But every now and again I hit a snag and I feel as if you are pulling certain ones too far into your own views about topics such as asembling ourselves together is not important for one another.
Well, i beg to differ, I am not the type to go around on people sites stirrin up trouble. Actually Ive been seeking for answers myself and I know that there is more to the truths we’ve been ahnded down over the years and I know it was God that led me here. I agree with most things you say, but here I am stumped again. I am truly concerned this time……Are you truly in right alignment and at peace? I ‘m just wondering
because somthing bothered me when you responded and said the following……
I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up.
Now to me and those out there that are truly listening……. you didnt seem to answer the question but rather you avoided the question by saying the following….
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse.
regardless of any verse? really? or anybodys interpretation of that verse? So, if you are not willing to confront whatever scriptures or other thoughts people bring to your attention but, want to, on the other hand, keep voicing your opinion, what does that say about you?
Well ….If you have reached a heigher height then those of us who are listening, then why would you ignore the chance to be a light and a source of strentgh to someone else by failing to continue to attend and fellowship with the people of God? Or do you resist because you’d have the urge to persuade them to not care about exhorting their brothers and sisters in the fath also.?
What about the power of corporate prayer and agreement? Does that not mean nothing to you because you have reached a place that you do not need prayer or hope or to link with any kindred to gain strentgh or to excericse authority and share the freedom youve experinced?
The intergity of your site depends on if you can truly withstand this and the other writers question and allow my response to post, so that these things you are teaching and suggesting and influencing people with …can be tested and tried and examined because just maybe assembling aint so bad, after all, thats what we are doing here right?
In closing, it really doesnt matter if you allow this reponse to go thru. As long as you read it. Thats fine by me. Because I am truly trying to get you to see that maybe you should care jit a tad but more than you appaer to care.
I just want to minister to you to say….hey maybe something has turned you off about church so badly that you have went into self protect mode. if thats how you feel so be it. But after you have healed ……dont give up on the others you have left behind and give such a selfish answer like this…..
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse.
and like this….
I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up.
It’s not always what you see or hear at church, but its what you bring to the table to blend into the overall atmosphere that bounces back for you to recieve and draw from. Every joint supplying the other.
Have you torn ourself from the body to the point that you do not want to be identified as one of us yet you start another body by saying those that share your opinions (we are reall all one)
here is what you said..
Funny how we all think we’re the only ones with a particular issue or concern isn’t it?
We’re all really one!
You’re on the right path. It can’t be otherwise.
Blessings and welcome!
If you realize the importance of unity and fellowship just as we are doing here….you would go to church with the connection to GOD THAT YOU SAY YOU HAVE and link with others who feel their connection you will all be focused on the right thing and the Father willl be glorified! Not the traditions! not the curtains! and not nessacaraiy every single alphabet thats coming out of the preachers mouth…. just simply the sweet innoncence of those who are seeking truth and the gratfulness of the realizing your newfound perspective of the awesome God that you serve.
You can see how this could possibly be a good experience cant you?
Remember, read down further in this chapter it says do not be as some of them were….that have forsaken the assembly…are you now giving people the permission and encoruagemnt to say that it is better to not go?
if you feel there is absolutely nothing to gain …even after the Lord continues to show you on your personal time about all of the wonderful topics he give in the future….and lead you to this awesome place in him…
if you have nothing to gain by attending at least once per month then at least go to encourage someone else on their path and join your commmunity in prayer and celebrate the fact that we are all striving and seeking to please the Father and walk in the truth of his life. ok?
because my dear Robert , going to church has never just been for you but this scripture mainly speaks about the unselfishness of continuing to go for the others who have not arrived to the point of awareness that we are. Any loving PASTOR IF YOU OPEN YOURSELF AND NOT BE CRITICAL SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO SEE.. God’s wisdom shining in you and blossoming out and spilling over so much so that maybe, you need to be launched in o leadership so that people can hear and see and be blessed while sitting there assembled right in your presence.
God bless you
Dear Sara,
I encourage a relationship with God – and that’s it.
If that means church attendance for you or anyone, that’s wonderful.
I don’t know – but here’s the deal: I’ve spent years of my life confronting other people’s thoughts and ideas about scriptures and found no peace in that. It’s pretty much the way of religion – you decide what is right and then you tell eveyone else what it is and defend it and try to prove it based on intepretations of scriptures, etc.
It’s a never ending struggle. There’s no peace in it and at the end of the day, nothing really changes that much. Oh sure, you may convince someone to change their mind but then they’re just as strongly latched on to another idea as they were before – it’s just another idea. The spirit of the whole exercise is separation and disharmony.
I offer what I do for anyone who’s looking for it. I know full well that many who read my blog will not agree 100% with everything I say. It would be ridiculous for me to expect absolute agreement. If people find something that benefits them on my blog, that’s wonderful. If they’re offended then they are and will deal with that as they do.
Robert