dennis j adams

Just Being Free

dennis j. adams — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:18:29 +0000

Freedom came at a cost, not a thought or a cheap thrill, but a real cost! Our freedom in America is not what I am referring to, even though, that is really awesome. The reference to freedom is that which we have by the adoption into the family of God. I wonder often, actually, if many of the “church” family have taken it for granted. Freedom to worship, pray, congregate, socialize, and to be like the deer that pants after the water brook. That freedom did not come to us with some deteriorated price tag or “blue” light special.

This freedom took Jesus, to make his way through a womb into a cursed world. To suffer and be humiliated at the hands of sinners! To actually care enough for us to die and then to come forth alive for evermore. We have a spiritual freedom that gives us authority over our circumstances and treacherous situations. We can choose to be victorious or live in defeat. Why live in defeat when He has shared His victory with us?

Christ Jesus, simply yet profoundly has enabled us to walk in authority over sin. Why did He do this? The reason is not complicated but wonderfully pure in essence, mixed with the principle of justice. We love Him because He first loved us. God is not hard to love! He has loosened the subjugation and is now a shield about us. He not only protects us, he lifts oppression off of us. During crucial moments in your life you can always count the cost of freedom. He never leaves us nor forsakes us! He causes us to triumph in all things.

Purposeful living is God’s plan for your life. It is hard to live when you are bound in your soul and the heart is heavy with sin. However, His Word has set, all who will just believe, free from this darkness of the soul. The world is so full of people that do not even realize the freedom that is available in Christ.

Go beyond your borders of influence and reach outside the box and tell the story of freedom to the spiritually impaired and heavy hearted. They have defined life as such an essence that has no hope, to all intents and purposes, tomorrow does not exist. Those that have the freedom of Christ’s love and are not limited to religious philosophies that imprison the heart, they can live freely in this world. The impressionable maxim to all that is written is this: Your actions declare how free you are. If you know the truth then you are free.

Bring the truth to the forefront of your life and let all the hope that you have overflow into the lives of those subjected to life as one who has no future and hope.

Get simple and stay simple in your freedom. Understand your relationship with Christ and procure that which will cause you to share the truth of hope.

Share Christ to everyone and to everyone share Christ!

Best

Dennis

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Staying Connected

dennis j. adams — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:18:51 +0000

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 ESV

It is early Sunday morning and I just feel like I need to blog! Do you ever feel segregated, separated, alone and out of contact with people? This is a common feature with many in the Church world and also in the Secular realm. Loneliness can cause insecurity and deep depression along with a lack of faith. For the Churches sakes I pray that many will connect with thier fellow laborers in the Kingdom and do radical things like pray, study the Word and just socialize morally and ethically. For those that read this blog that entertain the thought of Christianity but have that 1 John 2:15-17 attitude you need to connect with “real” people that will bring change to your static connectivity. Another way to put this is you need to recharge your relations with purity and depth of respect, one for the other.

What does the church have to offer? The light of Christ and the love of God along with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! If that is not an over flow of abundance I do not know what would be! This nation along with its politics and agendas is really needing change and looking for it everywhere. Where do you think that “change” could be found? In the application and action of the Christian. That Christian, who is living to shine the light of Christ into lives who our engulfed with darkness, fear, and confusion. What an outstanding and nobel prospect, to bring change by applying God’s love and mercy wrapped in grace to a nation who is at wits end on how to get back to safe shores.

The Christian can be connected to both worlds (systems of life). As a result can continue to be totally surrendered to the one system of life that invites God into confusion, depression, fear and loneliness. Shining the productivity of the light of Christ into “darkness” will penetrate deeply and scatter confusion, defuse fear, turn depression into joy and loneliness into a gathering of friends.

This is not a “new” concept it is the concept that is woven throughout the Word of God! The platform for “connectivity” is humility! Surrendering the inner pride of our nature and humbling ourselves to do the will of God. Trusting Him to accomplish what we cannot and bringing Him to the forefront of our desires. Staying connected is not a humble human thing it is a Spirit led and Spirit driven response to a desire to restore and repair relations.

The Internet, the www or URL world makes it really easy to stay connected but we need more of the “eye” to “eye” connection. The “heart” to “heart” connection that will bring a smile and a magnificent joyful response to the human soul.

Have you connected with your neighbors, your family, your church, your community where you live? Ask the Lord this week to give you a “connection” experience. I am assured you will always be thankful for staying connected.

Best

Dennis

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The “Me” Gen

dennis j. adams — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:46:29 +0000

What a generation today! It is all about me…. At least that what they think. It not at all about “me” (the generation of today) it will always be about Him. The message of “care” and “concern” for others must be imploded into the hearts of today’s gen! As we have entered into a new “shift” spiritually, all must b prepared for the opportunity to care for the confused and discontented. Money seems to be a rare “holding” for some. Employment is not looking good for many who have looked to the “author” of corporation support. However, the Lord has not forsaken His people nor will He. It is time to surrender to His will in ministry and servant relation to the community where one is living. Being selfish and self-centered is so opposite of what a Christian should be.

Moving to where God is and moving away from where He is not is what the answer is to exciting ministry opportunities. What the Lord is doing now is so cool and dynamic to the gathering in of the harvest. Harvesting is does not happen by looking at you own needs but to looking to the needs of the hurting and lost. A farmer does not get up and say “Toady I am going to do nothing. I am just going to be concerned about myself and what others are going to do for me.” No, he get up and is concerned about the harvest and what it will take to gather it in. We all hope to see the coming of the Lord in His Majesty, but we must be about the work of His Kingdom.

Look at your heart and give whatever may seem to be selfish to His will and move into the greatness of servant-hood. Ask yourself: What can I do for someone today that is out side the circle of my influence?

Best

Dennis

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Becoming Missional

dennis j. adams — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:24:04 +0000

Are you along for the ride? When you think about all that is going on and the buzz-word “missional” which is spoken everywhere. I think that if this keeps up, we may be able to order “missional” on a restaurant menu! I have a just few thoughts about all this.

I hope that this does not become a “fan” wagon for the Church of God.
That balance will be kept between attractional and missional church concepts and applications.
That everyone will properly define the word missional and nt make up there own definition.
Those that are trying to make the change to a missional church will not become critical and overly diplomatic.
That leaders in the local churches will be able to define what “missional” is not before they try to define what it is.
Churches should partner in this venture of wining souls and reach out and bringing action to what Christ proclaimed in the Great Commission.
Do not put mega-churches or mini-churches in a box of defined performance and entertainment evangelism. Understand that Christ desires for us to not reach out and grab-in but to reach out and disciple others to do the same.

More to come….

Best

Dennis

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Performance Issues

dennis j. adams — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:24:10 +0000

As I pondered about life and the Church in America today I came to some deep areas in my heart. These areas began to engulf me with spiritual realities the deeply moved me. The word “performance” shouted out in the silence of my heart! I began to grasp spiritually what this meant!

The Church in America has been acting, literally performing instead of worshiping! Actually making sure that the services were planned well, and the right singers would be on the platform. The pastor/teacher would orate the Word properly, memorizing the message so it was perfect before it was spoken. Everyone dressing so nicely with the best of clothes. Performing as though there would one day be a Church Emmy show. Witnessing all this with the Christian television shows asking for millions and looking smug and putting only the “best” Christian “superstars” to perform. I really began to be deeply stirred even more as I realized that I and others had been drawn into this atmosphere of Christian “performing arts” thinking we were pleasing God.

I do not believe we or I, if you will, was pleasing anyone but the flesh. As I witness so much self-centered attitudes try to promote themselves and their leadership today, I also realize that God desires us to be promoting Him and nothing more. Living out purpose and destiny not fleshly desires to be noticed and lifted up by men.

Also, not to sound to radical, I felt the Lord give me a real freedom from the status quo, the care to be noticed and accepted. The status quo can really be a magnet to the flesh and a manipulative performance to embrace the heart with falsehood.

I really believe God desires unity in His family! Unity meaning that His children look to Him for planned purpose and destiny! Trusting only in Him and His Word of love and grace. There is freedom when you just obey God and love people. I have never really been a unity guy, I always thought that it was sort of “trendy”, however, I was wrong. Performance issues make you think and even pray in a way that you miss the target.

My prayer now is centered on Him not “I” and trusting in Him not anyone else. The Father desires to set His Church free from performance issues so she can fulfill the truth of purpose. Thank God, that Jesus never performed but lived out who He was on this earth. Never trying to please men, but only His Father.

Best

Dennis

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Kingdom Principles

dennis j. adams — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:22:40 +0000

Just a quick thought! A flash of revelation! A twinkling of an eye moment of truth! As I was preparing to write this blog, I felt led to read Psalm 119:1-8.

1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

Wow, this may sound out in left field, but to me, this expresses the Kingdom principles in a short text. Honesty, Obedience, Wholeheartedness, Commitment, Love (Action), Responsibility, Knowledge, Humility!

Truly when one ponders the Kingdom of God the vast depth of the inquirer can find no bottom. However, even in this hour we live His principles capture the surrendered children of God. Read Psalm 119:1-8 and let the Lord minister to your heart as well!

Best

Dennis

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Refresh Your Ideas

dennis j. adams — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:45:57 +0000

Your ideas our great! Your dreams are big and they are not a surrealistic fantasy of your alter-ego. Here was I really believe, amongst all the prophetic “stuff” that is floating around: God is raising up Jeremiah’s across the world. To bring an explosive word to all that will hear! Just like Jeremiah who embraced and used truths found in writing and stories of his predecessors: Stressing many of the great themes about God and His people. At the same time he was very inspired by the Holy Spirit vocalize and write fresh treatments of old themes and ideas.

What a time it is we live in! It seems to me that this is the opportune time for “Jeremiah’s” to enter in and begin to boldly proclaim and write freshly inspired themes and ideas from their predecessors.

To bring that reestablishment of the covenant that God has made with His people and to embrace the nature of God and His Son, Jesus Christ! There is a need of repentance in this nation, human sinfulness is desiring to rise again against a Holy God. Our relationship with God is deeply rooted in the covenant that He has established through the brokenness of His Son. The Word of the Lord in any given situation is the solution to the depth of sin that mankind has embraced and the code of life it produces.

Pray that the sounding voice of refreshment and restoration will be heard across this nation and world.

Best

Dennis

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Reconnecting With Friends

dennis j. adams — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:01:01 +0000

Today and the past week have been pretty interesting in a simple way. I have been reconnected again with some real close friends through Facebook. I have been using Facebook for a long time and some friends have recently connected on. It is really cool, great, awesome and such to Internet “speak” through the Wall to Wall writing. I remember when email was new. Oh, man I just really made myself think of my intensive time I have spent on the computer. I once even has a Prodigy account when there was no GUI! Anyway just a quick note to say I had a great week reconnecting with friends.

Best

Dennis

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Voting

dennis j. adams — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:43:15 +0000

Today, I registered to vote. Thought I was already but I could not be found! I am glad I checked on it!

The gay marriage issue along with other California “stuff” has really kept my attention. Not only all that but this whole campaign with the parties at hand has been almost humorous, if not down right hideous. I really want to vote and get this over with, but I know my attitude “is cheap and down right rotten”. So, in a sense, I do not look forward to November 4, 2008. But with so much on the balance scales I want everyone to vote for whom they feel will bring America back to her knees in prayer and worship of a living God.

Just so many souls to reach here in this nation, along with the continents across the seas of this world. I vote for the renewing of our minds and the restoration of prayer in our homes and churches.

Best

Dennis

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The Subject Matter(s)

dennis j. adams — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:49:49 +0000

What is the subject matter of Christianity? Is it about Christ and His entrance and exit from this earth and known time? Does it consider all things that happened in the short visit God made to humanity through the Incarnation? Does it seem pointless that Calvary produced redemption through suffering and death, prolonged by the immense clarification of who Jesus actually was? Could the empty tomb be subjected to criticisms of religions and skeptics without the first mentioned Resurrection by Christ Jesus?

Actually, all these should be the main subject matter of Christianity. However, as the past blasts into the future we have witnessed nothing that is consistent except performance by men! They have made themselves superstars of Christianity. Offering invitations to compete against the “mega” results of heavy finance and media popularity. Ministers have been competing and taught to compete by comparing success ratios per the count of each assembly and the amount of offering received!

Let’s not forget the obscure reign of political hoopla that is only obscured by the paradox that it produces. Competitive pressures have blurred what really matters and uncanny stress put on churches that desire to be like the “mega” superstar across town. Then there are the many authors who have made millions off their popularity and self-made charisma. Authoring books and having agents seek out the right publisher to place the “new” book on shelves. Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the Bible could be the one book that should be on the book tables at conferences and revival sideshows?

By no means am I stating that books should not be authored. I am in process of writing my first one even as I blog this. It is that all the subject matter used continues to engage and double up on resources already available. I truly believe in getting the message out there. Yes, everyone should write if they have something to write about! But let get centered on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, not the author of the book

The concern comes full circle! What is the subject of Christianity? It is Jesus Christ and Him crucified! It is the Resurrection and the Ascension! It is the gift of Repentance and the absolute forgiveness of sin! It is the reconciliation of mankind back to God!

It is about destiny and purpose not performance. This competitive and political arena that has been labeled the “Church” is not the Church at all. The Church is that which is called out from and into evangelizing the world for Christ one soul at a time.

Best

Dennis

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