dennis j adams

The “garden” of the Lord is His church.  The church must bear fruit to share with the “seekers” and the hungry.  As we look into scripture we can easily find many references to bearing fruit and the importance of it.  A “healthy” vine will bear fruit in due season.   Seasons are very essential in bearing fruit.  The vine will not bear fruit out of season but in turn should bear abundant fruit in season.  The saint must be attached to the Lord to be able to bear good fruit.  A good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit.  We read this in Matthew: 

So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.(Matthew 7:17-19 ESV)

This is really a very simple reality that seems to be made overly complicated by this world.  The Holy Spirit cultivates the “fruit” that is produced.  An interesting scripture is found in the Book of Psalms that illustrates this:  

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV)

Being attached to the world and its system of doing things will not allow a “believer” to bear the right fruit.  The “believer” when bearing fruit in season is a true witness to the love of God for this world.  Sharing the purity of the Word and the dynamics of the indwelling Holy Spirit leaves no room for bearing “corrupted” fruit.  As a matter of fact in one of the Lord’s declarations to His disciples He stated a very strong exhortation:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2 ESV)  

He goes on to say: 

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.(John 15:5-6 ESV)

As anyone can easily ascertain it is to the utmost to bear fruit in season and to share that fruit so the Father will be glorified here on this earth.

Dennis

The cause of Christ was to save this world from her sin.

In John 3:16-17 we read “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Having knowledge of this ‘love’ that Christ has shown us through His suffering proclaims to us the immense concern that God has for our character.  In the serving the Lord we must also proclaim our concern for this world be living an exemplary life before all men. Jesus died and suffered many things when He did not deserve to suffer at all!  He showed patience, meekness, calmness and confidence in what God had planned for the future.  This was loyalty and perseverance in its truest sense.  Christ took our place at Calvary and He died for our sins.  This is called a substitution atonement.  Those that follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer in this life.

We realize Moses made that choice when we read Hebrews 11:25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

The suffering that we Christians partake in is a result of our doing well not a result of doing bad.  If we suffer because we do bad and not say anything how will that glorify God?  If we bear up under suffering for the sake of conscience toward God because we have done well we find favor with God.  Jesus took all our sins and placed them on Himself so we could be called the sons and daughters of God.  His wounds have healed us and we have been able to return to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.  The importance in this life is that we live it as unto the Lord and having that knowledge in our hearts we should be able to bear up under circumstances that cause stress in our lives.  Live a life that exemplifies Christ before all men and have confidence.  God is in control of the future.

Dennis

All scripture used in this blog is The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

In the day that we live it seems very realistic to say that peace in non-existent in many homes and circumstances.  The Word of God declares that peace belongs to the child of God!

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)

When you trust God peace will come and it not a peace that man can explain or even try to produce it is a peace of the Spirit of God.  In other words God has it under control.  Hang in there He won’t let you down.

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. (2 Tim. 2:13 ESV)

Leaning on your own understanding can cause you to loose your peace and joy in the Lord.  Jesus spoke this truth to the disciples right before He was received up into Glory.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

In the Book of Proverbs wisdom is spoken of in this fashion:  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 ESV)

Till you learn to trust God in every circumstance peace will never be a fruit of the Spirit in your life!  His peace surpasses understanding and it encapsulates the whole of the mind, body and spirit of man.  Are you at peace as you are reading this note?  Can you give over to the Lord your burdens and fears? Can you trust God through your trials and frustrations?  He wants you to!  He wants you to boldly come to Him and He will give you’re the grace (unmerited favor) and mercy (the shed blood of the Lamb applied to your heart) to help you in every situation and circumstance (Hebrews 4:16).  Consecrate yourself this very moment to Him. Abandon the things that will keep you from focusing on Him and set your mind (glue your thoughts) to His presence and promise.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

Dennis

When the Lord called Moses He called him to a work of faith and dedication.  Even though it is exciting to read about the life of Moses and all that the Lord did through him it is most important to notice a thread of steps that was weaved through his life. Each personality that has been used of God, whether in a small way or a great way, has had these steps weaved into their “spirit-man”.  When the Lord calls upon you to walk with Him, He expects you to allow His “hand” to begin to weave into your life these following steps.  The first step is “prayer“.  Everyone should pray!  Everyone should communicate with God their needs and their desires.  Prayer is delightful and the Word declares that the Lord gives the desires of the heart to those that delight themselves in Him.  (Psalm 37:4)  It is good to pray and bring your supplications unto His Holy Throne.  Be bold in prayer and receive “grace” (favor of the Lord) into your life.  The second step of a personality called by God is to “praise“.  Praise causes the presence of the Lord to be activated into your heart and spirit.  The Word declares that He inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3) Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty and when there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17) there is active faith acknowledging the presence of God.  Where the Lord is, is where His authority is.  The third step is the step of “power“.  The power of God activates the faith of God to move through a life of a believer.  The Lord has sent the Holy Spirit to empower the believer to be an over-comer and a miracle worker.   Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 ESV)  Both prayer and praise give power to the believer! (John 14:13)  The forth step in this exceptional revelatory activity is the step of “performance“.  It is the revelation that He is able to complete the action that He has begun in you.  (Refer to 2 Tim. 1:12) In the Word Paul declared this dynamic truth about a believer’s relationship with the Lord -  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV) The walk with the Lord is exciting and automatically ascribes to the believer “faith” and the depth of dedication needed.  Take the steps that have been described and see what the Lord can do through you and each personality chosen by Him.

Dennis

The greatest enemy of the church today is not lack of provision or a failing and weakened stock market; it is the age-old deception of the enemy – APATHY.  The ability to know what must be done and just not doing it is the best definition of  “apathy”.  The apathetic spirit that invades the atmosphere of a church must have war declared against it. This spirit has a crippling effect not only on the believer but also on the corporate body of believers.  How can war be waged against such a deceiving spirit?  The Word of God declares: 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV) 

Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but spiritual. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV) 

First thing first, you must recognize your enemy.  There must be knowledge of what you are fighting against.  The Word defines this for us.  We must not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices.  Secondly we must be able to know what our weapons are.  The weaponry that we have at our side is made mighty through God.  Having indifference toward the things of God is actually rebellion against His Will and His purpose for your life. The Lord desires for you to have the best and He will always provide for your every need.  We miss what God has for us when we live indifferent from His commands.  The best way to gauge your appearance of application toward the commands of God is through your prayer life.  Prayer is the strongest weapon that anyone can have in his or her spiritual arsenal.  Prayer will always tear down the enemy’s power and the Holy Spirit will show you through His wisdom just what the Lord wants you to do.  When one communicates with the Father there is an ability that comes.  The Word tells us that we can do “all” things through Him who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13)  When one does not pray there is the possibility of becoming “lukewarm” to the Word.  This is always the result of the indifferent spirit.  The Lord does not want anyone of His children lukewarm but He desires them to be “on fire” with His Word.  To have compassion for the lost and have a real burden for prayer.  If you are feeling like you do not want to be involved or you have done enough – watch out, this spirit of apathy will deceive you into believing that you are all right.  Seek the Lord and find “newness” in life and take pleasure in His presence.  The war is raging but we are winning for prayer has given us the edge – the Sword of the Spirit!

Dennis

Looking ahead takes faith!  Knowing where you are going takes vision!  Knowing when to rest takes wisdom!  Choosing the right fellowship takes knowledge!  Making the right decisions takes discernment!  When we are told to put on the whole armor of God we are made aware of the importance and the direction we are to take in the “Christian Walk”.  In the writings of Paul, precisely in the Book of Philippians, he wrote these words: 

 ¹²Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philip. 3:12-14 ESV)

To live out this scripture and to see the fulfillment in your life you must be a person of prayer and faith.  Reaching forward takes faith and it takes knowledge of God’s promises.  Throughout the New Testament we are instructed to mature and grow in the grace of God.  The goal is to become like Christ and to have the mind of Christ.  We are directed by the Holy Spirit to study the Word and to have the Word of God renew our minds.  When the Lord speaks to take action on a directive that He gives He desires for us to move forward.  We need not to look into the past and see our failures and be reminded of our frustrations but to look into the Word of God and see the testimonies of the patriarchs of faith that made it.  Abraham looked into the future and sought a city that was not made by the hand of man.  Moses chose to look into the promise of God and moved forward into the Promised Land.  Going forward is not always easy, it is often difficult – it is a “press” but the prize is worth it!  To reach His presence for eternity will be wonderful and without a doubt very fulfilling to all that will go forward.  So reach forward and take hold of the hand of God and ask of Him and He will lead you to the prize of His great Love.

Dennis

What one treasures is really what designs the character. When that statement was penned I realized that more than just simple “character” compels a person to make decisions. The design of a person character is often marred by the expressions of others. Contained in the fracture of a personality also is the pain that is deeply felt. People often times are forced by the design of their character to place importance on non-essential items of vanity and immoral expressions. Isn’t that what sin does to the character? Fractures it and bruises it, to the most part, it can even damage the character for it’s life span.

As the natural order of life continues to express depth and purpose to humanity, there are issues that cannot be approached without having a character of integrity along with base biblical morality. In a sense of direct statement one could not live morally with the nature that has been marred with sin and depravity. The simple reason Jesus came to this earth was to renew humanities keen sense of immorality to a purity of heart.  He came that we would have life and that life more abundantly! His hope in us was that we would recognize the spiritual importance of the Incarnation which was designed to stamp a new character into our bruised and flawed moral and ethical qualities. Furthermore, we must not forget the part the author of lies and sin plays in the lives of people. The purpose there is to destroy, murder and rob human character in such a way as to blind and maim a person perspective.

The true measuring rod to a character flawed is where the heart is in reference to treasures. Jesus put it this way:“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

By standing up and being measured by these words of Christ one would certainly realize the importance of a heart felt character. Knowing that there really is not any mid-line measuring to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. A person’s reputation is marked by his or her character in the quality of being an individual of interest and moral conviction.  When learning to evade the structure of biblical and moral standards and tracing your dreams to attach to a temporal treasure, there is a danger that can cause sincere pain and anguish.  That is why life, the life offered by Christ and through a spiritual renewal, can have tremendous impact on an individual both positively and negatively.  Placing your trust and faith in what is very eternal and grounded is more advantageous than gold or silver. Possessions that can wear out and in when placed in a safe location loose it s value is not wise. The intention to always gain more and keep longer is not the intention of Christ in your life. His intention is that you are fruitful and fulfilled in your dreams and heart. Having the knowledge that what may seem to be enlarged with abundance cannot be eternally placed where it does not belong. Having the soul that has been spiritually embraced and molded into the purpose of its existence is remarkable. There are words that have been sung: “How well is your soul?” which can be interpreted as “How well is your character?” The answer has been also sung: “It is well”, The diagnosis of ones character can be interesting and amusing all at once . Interesting in the sense of just how much treasure we have placed in our lives and its location. Amusing to the fact that when each thought is reflected upon how much joy can be considered by wealth obtained.  The heart is a place of great treasure and in its abundance, can peace be found.

Dennis

What a unique concept, in fact it is a fact, that we live and move and have our being in Him (Acts 17:28).  Our life is surrounded by His great love and mercy.  His directives and precepts establish the way we should choose to go.  Thank God that He gave us the right to choose.  Each new day we enter into we find ourselves faced with brand new choices. Some are difficult and some are non-essential to what the results may be after that choice has been made.  A choice though must be made – we should never choose not to choose.  The Lord stated this: I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deut. 30:19 His great plan for us is to live in His presence and also that He would dwell in us richly.  His Word ascribes to us the knowledge and revelation of who we are in Him and what we can do with Him.  There is not one thing that cannot be accomplished if we have faith in His Word and trust Him in all things. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29 When we consider what is before us, we can reach into the past and learn from previous experiences that have taught us. We can be assured of this wonder word given to us: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Making the right choice is certainly part of those plans.  That is why it is to the utmost importance that everyone should pray about every decision and when that decision is made begin to move forward in His Love.  His Word will guide you – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Knowing the truth and applying it will always set you free in your purpose and plans.  Having His surrounding arms and His guidance through and by His Spirit brings an inner confidence that cannot be dejected by the difficulties that some decisions bring.  He is always there and His love is always enough to keep you through each circumstance at it arises.  The final promise that underscores each step we take and conforms to each decision we make is this that He will never leave you nor forsake you…(Hebrews 13:5)

Dennis

All scripture in this blog is from the The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

After a long day of treacherous spiritual campaigning Jesus decided to go to the other side of the sea too experience more of the needs of people. His family had just come by earlier and were trying to get Him back home. They thought that He was out of His mind!

During the boat  trip with His disciples there came upon them a storm that was treacherous and overwhelming to the disciples. As they became more fearful and concerned about the waves and the wind their emotions began to place less confidence on what they had already learned. They forgot about the many miracles and just who was present with them of the boat. Actually, they did not forget who was on the boat but just what power Jesus had as the Son of God.

When they went to speak to Him about their fear of the storm, they found Him asleep! Resting and not particularly concerned about a storm. He was more concerned about them and why they did not have the faith to calm the storm.

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, ²³and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. (Luke 8:22-23 ESV)

When He awoke He rebuked the wind and raging sea and it was calm. His response to the disciples was really radical and pointed.

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25 ESV)

The response that should have been given back to Him was not that of awe or complexities of facial expressions but that of confidence and courage. “Our faith is in God, whom we know through you!” As soon as they reached the other  side of the sea He continued to campaign for the Kingdom!

The lesson that we can all learn from this story, which is wrapped in spiritual applications, is that “faith” brings an instantaneous response to the miraculous no matter what the circumstance may be. Why was Jesus sleeping?  Because He knew that the Father would not allow the purpose of His, Jesus, existence to be hindered or detoured by a storm. That also applies to all of those who embrace the faith and the knowledge of His great love and mercy. A storm will come at the most unexpected time! But faith is there all the time! Do not let a storm get you to the place of fear and aspirations of failure. Stand and speak into the storm the peace that has been given to you by Christ, Himself. Rest in Christ, who is the “ark” and fail safe of your salvation.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

Just how much faith do you have in Him and His promises. Keep steadfast and immovable to what may try to detour you and break your faith. Live by the peace and the power that is in your heart. Give an answer to the question: Where is your faith?

Dennis

All scripture used in this blog is from The Holy Bible English Standard Version, Copyright 2001by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Are you living on the edge of happiness and victory or are you just living on the edge? The Lord lived His whole life on the edge of spiritual revelation and scriptural truth.  His application to life was to give life to those who would ask for it!  Life is not just breathing and enjoying the other senses, such as, taste and feeling, etc. The Lord wants us to have a life that is not only natural but also very spiritual. A life that is rich with virtue and dynamic in purpose.  The church should be living with a sixth sense, “revelation sense” that is placed in our lives when we receive the Lord…He has made His abode in us and is consistently impressing our hearts with revelation.  The Word is alive in us and we have the “knowledge” and the gifting that prepares us for ministry and worship.  Moving in the Spirit is not just something you encounter by opening the day with a smile or even a sense of relationship you may have with you own emotions, but it is “revelation” in your spirit that contains the application of ministry and worship.  Listen to the what the Word of Lord speaks: “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper that any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creation hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes if Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)  He has equipped us with this Word and this Word was breathed forth from Him.  His Word is inspired and is true inspiration and motivation to all that will hear what the Spirit is saying to the church…The Lord is revealing His direction and depth to all that will listen and obey.  Are you willing to live on the edge, the spiritual edge, and the cutting edge of ministry? There and only there will you see and hear the “real” application of the Word of God in action and in purpose.  He shares with you through the “sixth sense” – the revelation sense!  He wants to take us all past the outer gates into the courts of His Praise that all would be able to move away from the natural into the spiritual.  Come now into the Holy of Holies and receive the “revelation” from Him and begin to live on the cutting edge. Come out to where Jesus is and walk the edge of spiritual revelation and see what the Lord will reveal to your heart as you worship Him worship.

Dennis

All scripture used in this blog is from the New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.