Dale Cresap's blog

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. 

You have heard it said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Does this seem counterintuitive to you, except where ministry is concerned? For you live in a culture of acquisition that considers getting to be good, and more is better. But when it comes to ministry, wouldn’t you rather be the one sought out by those in need, providing them assistance in prayer, rather than the one declaring your need for others to minister to you? But people don’t sort into these fixed categories. Everyone will have needs and be in a position to minister to  the needs of others at various times. In this case it is blessed both to give and to receive. 

Do you look at everything as a spiritual experience? What about paying your bills? This may seem like the most mundane and least spiritual thing that you do, but it is an expression of your character and has a direct influence on your reputation in your community among both believers and non-believers. I spoke a great deal about money because it is an indicator of your values and your heart, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Do you think of your charitable giving and financial support of gospel work as a spiritual experience? I want you to manage the rest of your money and pay your bills with the same attitude. 

Have you found any verses in the Bible that give you comfort and caution at the same time? I warned that difficult times would come including false teachers who were so effective that if it were possible that the very elect would be deceived. The verse implies that it is not possible for the elect to be deceived and in this you should find comfort. Yet it also implies that it will be a close-run thing, and as such you are admonished to be diligent and vigilant. Stay on your toes for the threat is great and it will take all the discernment and wisdom available to you to stay in the truth. If you do this you cannot be deceived. 

leaving town for a few days.

Do you live in a Christian nation? You can be glad if you do, even if the definition of this is up for grabs. Different people understand it differently. Even if churches don’t receive direct government support it is easier for your life as a believer if you live in a culture where your faith is readily accepted. Is easier always better? My church grew and spread in a hostile climate. The situation you have now is rare in human history, and the pendulum can swing the back the other way. The nature of faith is such that it should endure whether in sympathetic surroundings or not. How well will your faith endure if it is not popular? 

In the Garden of Eden there was no effort required to obtain food, but ever since there has been. I use the imagery of harvest to refer to the work of evangelism as well as for the ingathering of food. I looked out at fields of grain and told my disciples that they were even now ready for harvest, and told them to pray that the Lord would send forth laborers for the harvest. This is an enduring principle and your time is always ready. This premise implies that there is effort involved but my yoke is still easy and my burden is light. When you are led by the Spirit your labor in my vineyard will bear fruit.