Dale Cresap's blog

Do you understand the concept of default settings? These are a matter of convenience so you don’t have to start from scratch when you start  a new task. In some cases you can set your own defaults that are customized for your usual preferences. This doesn’t just apply to computers. Do you find yourself using the same approach to problems you have encountered before? Don’t assume that what worked in the past will work now, even if you got it from me. I want you to seek me afresh this time the way you did last time. I may not give you the same answer I did then. This approach will keep you connected to me as your source of divine wisdom. This should be your real default setting. 

You understand the concept of my presence and this is available to you whenever you seek it even though you can’t see me. Do you know that you have a presence yourself? Everyone does. It is expressed in various degrees as you have already seen. For you know people whose mind is elsewhere, who are absent, even though you are in front of them face to face. You also know people who are full of themselves and their presence is overpowering and wearisome. Don’t you appreciate those people who are fully present to you in a gracious way, who give you their full attention and involvement? They appreciate the same quality in you, but this isn’t something that comes automatically. Seek me and learn of me to be single-minded and have the mind of Christ.

My word refers to itself as living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. From this do you conclude that the Bible is a weapon? Have you ever used it as such? Have you ever had it used as a weapon against you? How did you like that? A surgeon’s scalpel is sharp, but it is not considered a weapon. Even as it cuts its purpose is healing. My word is sharper still, as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Have you ever had it cut you? This may have been a painful experience, but you understand it was for your healing. Use this sharp instrument for judging yourself rather than others. 

Have you heard of seeker sensitive churches? My word speaks favorably of seeking, but what type of seekers are these churches structured for? Have you found such services to be comfortable, friendly, inoffensive, and short? That may have a superficial appeal in attracting outsiders, but real seekers are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. This image is of powerful motivators that give a relentless and focused desire for fulfillment. Those who are hungry will go where they have to and bear any hardship to get food. Are you such a seeker yourself? This is the type of seeker who finds. 

Do you have a title or office that establishes your authority? If you don’t, how impressed are you with those who do? I could have, but I didn’t. I could have claimed a great title, but I referred to myself as the Son of Man. I didn’t wear any distinguishing garments to set myself apart, or design rituals that only  I could perform. My authority was established by what I said, and that was enough. My own disciples remained with me because I had the words of life, and soldiers sent to apprehend me went back empty-handed saying never a man spoke like this. Don’t be concerned about a title or lack thereof, for you too can be established by the words of life. 

Does it bother you that you can’t see me? Have you found that some people’s voices are more distinctive than their appearance, so you weren’t aware that they were nearby until you heard the familiar sound of their voice? Stunt doubles in movies have no spoken lines because their voice would betray their false identity. And so it is that you can know my presence by my voice rather than by visual recognition. In the most intimate of relationships there is a real sense of presence even when no words are spoken. Behold I am with you always, and you have my promise that you will know my voice. 

Do you believe that I am a God of justice? You are familiar with human justice administered by police and courts. Do you think my justice operates on the same principles? Human justice is based on retribution. A punishment must be imposed for a crime committed. It looks to the past to balance the books for deeds already done. My justice is based on redemption. It looks forward to correct what is wrong by changing it into what it can be. It is not about punishment but, come and let us reason together. My purpose in justice is not to make you pay for what you have done. I have already done that. I want to transform you into my likeness. 

My word speaks highly of seekers. It gives them encouragement, and promises that if they seek they will find. Do you understand that this is a continual, ongoing process? You must be a seeker before you become a believer. Have you noticed that not all seekers are believers, and not all believers continue to be seekers? You can have hope for the unbelieving seekers, that their quest will continue and be fruitful. What hope do you have for those who even as believers cease to be seekers? This is a recipe for a faith that is stagnant and dead. The abundant life I give is in continuing to follow me. Believe in me and keep seeking. 

Are you diligent to seek my assistance and intervention when you face an unfamiliar task, knowing that you need my help? If it goes well do you consider it an answered prayer, or do you think it wasn’t as difficult as you had supposed? What about the next time you do the same thing? Is it easier to rely on experience instead of prayer for things you have done before? If you attribute your success the first time to my assistance then you may be more disposed to ask for it again in subsequent times. Do not grow weary in well doing, and do not grow complacent in prayer. 

Do you pray to get what you want? There are plenty of Bible verses to support this position, and many Christians make it their primary focus in prayer. Have you tried this yourself? How did it work out for you? Is there another way? Another approach to prayer is to make yourself present and aware, that you may see what I am already doing. I am already involved in whatever you are concerned about. If you see it you can understand the direction your prayers should take. So this is not a passive and indifferent approach. Prayers that you know are according to my will have greater focus and fervency.