Dale Cresap's blog

Do you lament that the people to whom you present the gospel message do not respond? Do not be discouraged. Multiple exposure is more often necessary than not. In addition, life has a way of catching up with people. Over time, false ideals and ways of living will be challenged by real life. Nature sides with eternal truth. Some people have to go their own way until it is obvious that it isn’t working. Be patient. You are called to plant and water. When the time is right there will be an open door and I will bring to their remembrance the message you gave them and the seeds you planted will grow. 

You share the good news of the gospel by telling people that I have a plan for their life, and you are right. You want them to respond to me, but my plan for them is not a stock, one-size-fits-all answer. It is a unique destiny crafted just for them. Would you like to know your own? But I do not show it to you all at once. Yet I will show you enough today for you to do what you need to do today. It may not seem significant to you, but if you are faithful in these small things, I will build them into great things. Trust me to the point that you can give yourself completely to the task at hand, and I will build it into a destiny. I will complete my good work in you. 

My word set forth religious practices including sacrifices in the Old Testament. But even there I made it clear that to obey was better than sacrifice. Sacrifices may be very costly, but they can still be a calculated expense that leaves you in control. To obey is an acknowledgment that you are not in control; that there is a higher authority over you. This makes obedience the ultimate sacrifice. It is a matter of surrender. This is superior to all religious rituals, and it is what I ask of you. You speak of my love as unconditional and you are right. Let your surrender to me be unconditional as well. 

Am I my brother’s keeper? This question was first asked in a disingenuous way by someone who had just killed his brother. It was never really answered, and so it remains as a timeless question. Are you your brother’s keeper? Do you view all of humanity as connected and related? My word proclaims liberty. Do you see liberty as an expression of autonomy and isolation? I didn’t secure your freedom for you to spend it on yourself alone. Don’t be so blind as to fail to see your connection with others. You are your brother’s keeper. What this requires of you is a question you should keep asking and answering. 

Is it possible to be too authentic? Authenticity is very desirable, but you have encountered people who used it as a basis to utter anything that was on their mind. Yet my word says only a fool utters all his mind, and even a fool, when he holds his peace, is esteemed as a man of understanding. You can be authentic and hold your peace. Consider my own example at trial. I was surrounded by many accusers yet I remained silent. Have you noticed that those with real wisdom are sparing with their words, and that when the time is right they can capture the essence of a matter with a brief concise statement? You do well to use your words as a wise master builder, and avoid the danger that is present in a multitude of words. 

How do you see the world? When I created it I said that it was good. But shortly after that there was the fall. So is the world still good? This is more than an abstract hypothetical question for theologians. It affects the way you approach life. If the fall dominates your view of the world around you, then the world is a scary and dangerous place, and fear is a reasonable response. If you believe that my declaration of goodness still dominates, then you can go forth into an unknown future with confidence that there is purpose and a guiding benevolence that watches over it (and you). You are not currently living in Paradise, but don’t let the fall dominate your view of life and diminish it. 

Where do you encounter my presence? Is it in times of silence and solitude? The world is full of distractions and it may be easier for you to hear from me apart from them. Yet there are those who encounter me in the presence of other people. The former group are more introverted and the latter group more extroverted. Neither is wrong or right, but a given person will tend one way or the other. Behold I am with you always, and a discerning person will see me alone or with others. Learn the value of balance and seek to discern my presence in ways outside of your familiar comfort zone. 

Do you want to hear my voice? What questions do you want me to answer for you? Do you want me to answer doctrinal questions for you that theologians have wrestled with for centuries? Do you want me to lay out the rest of your life for you? These would be too great for you to bear. Do you want investment tips or the winning lottery numbers? Don’t make this hard for both of us. You could always ask me what you could do right now to advance my redemptive purpose in your current situation. I’m always pleased to answer this. Ask me expecting a reply, and see what happens.

Do you engage in traditional Christian activities in the practice of your faith? The most common of these is church attendance. For most believers the other two primary activities would be prayer and Bible study. These are all Biblical and valuable means of spiritual growth. But as a believer you are allowed to think outside the box. So setting aside your concepts of what you should be doing, what practices actually draw you closer to me? What causes you to be aware of my presence with you? What causes you to respond and act in faith? Without asking you to diminish your traditional practices I encourage you to do more of whatever this is. 

Do you view travel in terms of round trips; going to a desired destination and then coming home again? One way trips are more significant, for they imply a permanent change. Do you see your life as a one way journey of spiritual transformation? Disasters and misfortunes are catalysts for this change. Yet how many people encountering such difficulties only respond by wanting to get back to conditions before the event? This falls short of the model of a one way trip and is like returning home before reaching your destination. Stop trying to go back. Inquire of me to find out what gifts I have for you in the new conditions, and see how this facilitates your onward journey toward your ultimate destination.