Dale Cresap's blog

No one can come to a place of repentance unless they are convicted of sin, and this is the job of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever tried to convict someone of sin by your own efforts? If this has ever been done to you did you find it annoying and ineffective? So this is not an effective approach to evangelism. Yet have you ever been convicted by the righteous conduct of someone else, even if they made no effort to admonish you directly? Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify me. You can become an agent of the Holy Spirit’s ministry without speaking a word. 

Have you noticed that being an atheist is very trendy today? Some recent publications and a cultural shift have made this culturally acceptable in today’s climate. The public identification is a new development, but the underlying principle is very old. The basic rule of life for those who are not believers is the same as it was in Old Testament times: every man did what was right in his own sight. You can see how that worked out. Do you know believers whose confession affirms me but still follow this rule of life? You do well to confess my name. You also do well to hear my voice and obey. 

In matters of law and justice, ignorance of the law is considered a valid defense. It may not be enough for a not guilty verdict, but it is a mitigating factor. Did you think it was a gracious thing for me to pray regarding those who killed me, forgive them for they know not what they do? This is really giving the benefit of the doubt concerning motive. Yet who sins with a conscious awareness of the consequences that will ensue? Do you? You cannot examine the thoughts and intents of someone else’s heart, but in this case you can err on the side of grace. Are you prepared to ask for forgiveness for others on the assumption that they sinned in ignorance? 

Concerning those who put me to death on a cross I said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’, and you understand that they had no concept of the magnitude of their act. Do you think this concept had only a one-time application? Have you heard the same statement used widely? Yet do those who commit great evil have any concept of what they are doing? You can be oblivious to the great damage you do by walking in darkness. And so I urged my followers to awake, to have eyes to see and ears to hear and to walk in the light of the day and of the truth that I may not have to pray for their forgiveness for not knowing what they did. 

How do you conduct discipleship? New believers should not be left on their own to wander. Have you heard that if you give a man a fish he eats for a day, but if you teach him to fish he eats for a lifetime? In like manner the first thing children are taught in school is how to read. Then they have the means to learn anything they want. There are many lessons appropriate for new believers, including instruction from the Bible, but is there anything more important than learning how to hear my voice? This is as important as learning the Bible. Teach new believers to hear from me and they will have a lifetime of revelation and guidance.

Do you think of the precept that it is more blessed to give than to receive only in terms of money? You need money, but that is not all that you need. You have a deep inner longing to be understood. This is true of everyone you meet, and you see people go to great lengths in an effort to fulfill this desire. Don’t you get a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment when someone shows interest in you and comprehending your situation? If it is more blessed to give than to receive in a general sense than this applies to understanding too, and you can minister to others by connecting with them, showing an interest in their stories, and understanding them. 

Have you ever encountered people who were constantly criticizing themselves. Did this feel wrong to you and was it awkward to be around them? They may have intended this as a demonstration of humility, but this is false humility. Even in a negative sense, their remarks are all about them. True humility is not thinking little of yourself but thinking of yourself little. Have you encountered people who demonstrate true humility and found it easy to be around them because they make fewer references to themselves, either positive or negative? Learn from this that it isn’t all about you, one way or the other. 

Have you ever heard of someone referred to as an opportunist? This is usually used as a derogatory term to imply that someone will do whatever presents itself in the moment rather than following their principles. But is it a bad thing to respond to opportunities? You can and should do this without compromising your principles. I told my disciples that my time had not yet come, but that their time was always ready, and my word also commends you to be instant in season and out of season. Make it one of your principles to be always ready and aware, and prepared to respond to the opportunities that I present to you. 

There are many references in the Bible to knowing me. It says that my sheep know my voice. It also says be still and know that I am God. Have you tried this method? In some traditions silence is highly rated, but this is not as favored in others, and certainly not in your culture. Can you get away from the constant stream of messages, even in church? Your world seems structured and technology enables worldwide communication from anywhere in the world. Can you see that this is a mixed blessing? Those who desire silence and solitude must make a deliberate attempt to find it, but if you do I will meet you there. 

Do you have an appointment calendar? Many people use these to schedule and manage their time. Do you make appointments with me? I’m always available. It is beneficial for you to spend regular times with me, but have you ever had an encounter occur that you didn’t schedule, yet you realized that I had arranged it and was present in it? You may think of these as divine appointments. They may be among the most memorable and meaningful encounters of your life. Don’t keep your own appointment calendar so full and rigid that you miss your divine appointments. Be ready in season and out of season for your time is always ready.