Dale Cresap's blog

Do you desire wisdom? This is a commendable desire. I offered Solomon anything he wanted, and this is what he asked for, and I was pleased. I would be pleased for you to make the same request. Do you get the impression from the account of Solomon that wisdom was given like a gift? My word teaches you that if any man lacks wisdom to let him ask of me and I will give it. Wisdom is not a detached commodity. It is relational truth and it is available to you through your relationship with me. It doesn’t exist apart from me. You must come to me to receive the wisdom that comes from above.

What is the most valuable thing you do with your time? Don’t think too hard to find the ‘right’ ‘spiritual’ answer. You are aware of differences in monetary wealth, but everyone has the same amount of time. Does everyone get the same value in the way they spend it? A better question is, do you always get great value in the way you spend your time? Do you regret the time that seems wasted and lost? I promised to give guidance to those who seek me. If you inquire of me concerning the time available to you then I will direct your paths and you will get value in the way you spend your time and do it without regret. 

At the end of my ministry on earth I told my disciples that I called them no longer servants but friends. This is clearly a great honor, but what does it mean? Earlier I remarked that they called me lord and master, and they were right, but I still became their servant in washing their feet. Some relationships are rigidly structured and dominated by authority on one side, such as master/servant or teacher/student. Friendship doesn’t have to be between perfect equals, but it does imply there is somehow a 2-way street. If I who am greater have called you a friend, what does it mean to you to call me friend?

Have you ever inquired of a friend about a situation that you knew was of concern to them and had them say, thanks for asking? There is comfort in knowing that someone else cared enough to take the initiative and ask, and perhaps you have been in a position to make the same statement yourself. It is reassuring to know people care. Do you want to know what is on my heart? Are you curious about the mysteries of the Kingdom, things that angels have desired to know? Do the things you know fill you with a desire to know even more? I’m ready to open the mysteries of the Kingdom to you. Thanks for asking. 

Do you agree that the forgiveness of sins is a central feature of the Christian faith? Throughout history the awareness of sin and the need for forgiveness has been a strong motivation for people to repent and come to me. Do you see the lost around you with a strong sense of conviction regarding their sins? Isn’t it rare to find this or to find people with awareness of wrongdoing no matter what they have done? So forgiveness may be a real but not a conscious need. How shall they be saved? Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify me. Love your enemies and heap coals of fire on their heads. 

How do you view prayer? There are verses in the Bible that imply that you can get anything you want. Are these your favorites? Is this your focus in prayer? How has this worked out for you as a matter of practical experience? There are other verses, less well known and quoted, that imply that prayer is more about conforming to the Father. As I said myself, not my will but thine be done. So here are two approaches to prayer from completely different perspectives. You may have used both at various times. Do you see yourself moving from one to the other? Which is the greater victory, for your will to be done, or mine? 

Some churches will occasionally conduct a ritual of foot washing. There is a Biblical basis for this as I did it for my disciples (over their objections). There was more going on here than getting clean feet, or it wouldn’t have been worth recording it in the Bible. If you have been on the giving or receiving end of this ministry you know that this is true. There is healing imparted by contact and nurturing care. Can you see the spiritual dimension of such a simple act? This isn’t the only way that you can minister to others, but it is a good example. Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me. 

Do you understand what it means to be co-opted? This is when someone is able to enlist your support for a cause that is against your interests. It is typically is used with regard to one organization in relation to another, such as a government co-opting a church or the press, but the same concept can apply to individuals. This represents a voluntary loss of liberty. I have called you to stand fast in the liberty in which I have made you free, and not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. No man can serve two masters, and if I am your master you can have no other. No one can take your liberty from you. Don’t give it away. 

Radar is used to keep track of planes in the sky. It detects them from beyond visual range. Do you have a radar of your own? You have one method of vision with your eyes, and spiritual vision as well. Do you use them both? Spiritual vision is helpful for things that are ‘beyond visual range’. It allows you to be aware of things unseen, to connect with like-minded or like-spirited people you encounter, to see my redemptive purposes around you, to be receptive to ministry opportunities, to see the transcendent in everyday life. These things are real and exist all around you. Keep your radar on to see them. 

Are you a master of accommodation? You may not describe yourself this way, but this is an accurate description of nearly everyone you meet whether you use this terminology or not. You have an intense longing for connection whether you recognize it or not. You would like to be recognized and accepted for who you really are, but the desire is so strong that you will find a way whether it is congruent with the truth of your being or not. Have you ever found yourself adjusting your behavior, mannerisms, and what you say to conform to a group for acceptance even if it wasn’t your true identity? You may even have to do this in your church but you don’t have to do it with me.