Dale Cresap's blog

My word says blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Wouldn’t you think the statement would read blessed are those who are righteous or attain to righteousness? But I am willing to call blessed those who hunger and  thirst after it, even before they get it. Do you understand that you cannot obtain righteousness on your own? But the blessing is not spoken to those who are indifferent to it either. Hunger and thirst implies a tension between that which is in hand and that which is desired. Yet if you set your heart upon righteousness and make it your desire you have my promise that you will be filled. 

Have you ever heard a place referred to as God’s Country? This is spoken with regard to the beauty of creation and I take it as a compliment. It is used to refer to natural settings rather than structures built by people. In ancient times I gave direction for altars to be constructed with natural stones not cut with tools to improve their fit. You appreciate the comfort and convenience of places built as houses of worship, and I do not discourage this. I will meet you there. Are you also aware of my presence in my great cathedral not built with human hands? I will meet you there as well. 

One of the first commandments I gave was to replenish the earth and subdue it. Now there is a popular environmental movement. If this involves caring for the earth, then are those who take part in it serving me? I intended this commandment to be followed in the larger context of relationship and obedience to me. Do you find this point emphasized by prominent environmental leaders? This commandment applies to you as well but I also make it clear that you are to worship the creator rather than the creature. You can tend the creation I have given you to care for without making and idol of it. 

You understand that a church is not a building. Then how do you view your church? Buildings are usually built for a purpose, so you are familiar with stores and schools and libraries and homes. My church is not a store and I made this point forcefully saying, you shall not make my Father’s house a place of merchandise. This statement implies the answer. A church should be a home for my Father. You are already familiar with homes, and know that the atmosphere of a home reflects those who live there. You are only comfortable as a guest if they are loving. Be mindful of my presence and influence as you enter my home and strive to manage your own home in such a way that I will feel comfortable as a guest there. 

Are you pleased when your children grow up, and consider the term ‘childish’ to be an insult? Yet I said unless you become converted and become as little children you wouldn’t enter the Kingdom of God. After all the effort you put into moving forward and growing up, do I really expect you to move back? This implies that in the process you have lost some desirable qualities. What would they be? Consider the ability of children to be fully authentic. They haven’t yet learned the ‘benefits’ of a false sense of self to present an acceptable image to the world. Do you have the maturity to discard yours?

My word teaches you to support my work financially, and you receive a lot of encouragement to do so from those in a position to receive such funds. It is reasonable for you to want your contributions to be effective, so you are wise to be selective and use discretion in your giving. You have heard of financial scandals within the church. Do you use these as an excuse for not giving? I will deal with those who misuse my money, but I am just as pleased with your sacrifice and act of giving even if it goes astray. For I love a cheerful given and it is still more blessed to give than to receive. 

What is saving your life today? You may find this question perplexing and recall the testimony of your salvation, the day you passed from death into life. That is still in effect, but that is not the question. You engage in practices that you are drawn to because of desire. They are vital and life-giving. Others you engage in because you feel you should, out of a sense of duty. These are both valid reasons and there is a place for both. Do you feel guilty for pursuing things that make you feel spiritually alive if you do them out of desire rather than duty? You have my permission to take place in activities that are saving your life today. 

Do you want to get what you deserve? Would you want to get what you deserved if you realized that you were already getting better than you deserved? In that case getting what you deserve would be a step down. An entitlement mentality causes you to grasp for your due. My word teaches you gratitude rather than entitlement. It asks what you have that you did not receive, and the implied answer is nothing. If you can understand this then you can receive it with joy and thanksgiving, and release your grasping. Blessed are those who know that they are already receiving my blessing and favor. 

Do you pray before major decisions or at other times when you know you need my help? How long do you pray? How do you know when you are done? You can make a prayer of a single sentence, but prayer is not like mowing the lawn or washing the dishes where it is obvious when you are done. Consider the Biblical example of all those who have persevered in prayer to obtain their desire. Consider the importunate widow. These are the fervent effectual prayers that avail much. If you sense the need for prayer as a burden, then the lifting of that burden will show that you are done. Even with no change in the situation the peace that surpasses understanding will inform you it is time to act. 

Do you understand that your walk of faith takes a lifetime? After you are saved you still have a lifetime of study, growth, and maturity ahead of you. Do not expect to ‘arrive’ in this world. Do you also understand that spiritual growth is urgent? There is a tendency to think that urgent tasks should be completed quickly, and those that take a lifetime can be completed at a leisurely pace. So one criteria would seem to be in opposition to the other, but both are valid aspects of your faith. Patience as a spiritual fruit is not just a willingness to wait for results. It allows you to remain engaged and active while the long term results come about.