Dale Cresap's blog

I taught that if you ministered to the least of these that you had done it unto me. This obviously applies to the poor. Do you think they are the only ones who could be considered the least of these? You are surrounded by people who are roughly equal to you financially with whom you do not normally interact because of differences in status, beliefs, interests, ideology, intelligence and education. Contact with them requires you to go outside your comfort zone and applying the principle broadly they could be considered the least of these for you. My word is clear about ministry to the poor in particular, but don’t limit your ministry to them.

I told stories about valuable pearls. One involved a pearl of great price that a man sold everything else he had to buy. He wanted it enough to spend everything he had. Another man found an even more valuable pearl that he could not afford, hidden in a field, and sold all he had to buy the field and get the pearl. You know by basic doctrine that you can’t afford salvation and your entrance to my Kingdom, and you have it by grace, as emphasized in the second story. Yet there is a common theme between the stories. Are you willing to spend everything you have to get something you can’t afford? You are bought with a price and are not your own. 

Have you heard it said that perception is reality? There is a Biblical basis for this modern proverb. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. People take real actions in response to the way they think things are, even if they are wrong. Does this help you see the importance of seeing things the way they really are? I taught that the Father seeks those who will worship him in Spirit and in truth, and that if you continued in my word you would know the truth and the truth would make you free. Are you willing to revisit questions that you considered to be settled that you may continue in my word for greater truth?

Have you ever suffered because of something that wasn’t your fault? If someone else set you up either intentionally or unintentionally does it fill you with rage and indignation? My word deals with suffering at great length and teaches you to bear it patiently instead. Even so, much suffering comes about through the random processes of time and chance, and this comes to all. There is another type of suffering that is suffering for righteousness that only comes to the righteous. Do you think you get enough suffering for your own faults and randomness? Do you desire righteousness enough to take on additional suffering? 

If you study the history of my church you will find that there have been great conflicts over doctrinal matters. Some of these still exist, but what do you find that separates the many different churches you see today? Isn’t it more a matter of preferences in style and administration than basic beliefs? So most differences come down to taste in such things as music and degree of exuberance in worship. Everyone has their own preferences, but you should recognize that yours are just that. You are welcome to find one that is a good fit for you, and accept everyone else who makes their own choice.

It is not reasonable or necessary to expect that you will agree with anyone about everything. Yet you should strive for this first of all, that you disagree agreeably. Do you hold your opinions firmly and defend them vigorously? Allow others the space to do the same thing. You hold your freedom of conscience dearly; defend the right of others to do so too. Do not let doctrine become an issue that separates until you have gone many extra miles. You are called to unity with your brothers. This does not require universal agreement. It does require gracious acceptance of others who also belong to my body. 

Do you celebrate Christmas? Most Christians do, although some abstain because of the pagan origins of some traditions. My word says that one esteems one day above another and others esteem every day the same. Both are acceptable to me, and each should be persuaded by his own conscience, and not judge the other. Yet many believers and even unbelievers celebrate Christmas with extravagant excess. Let your celebrations be times of joy rather than burdens. You have learned to look for my redemptive purpose in everything you do. Follow this same principle in the way you celebrate Christmas. 

Are you familiar with the story of the prodigal son? This short story has many important lessons. Do you note that the father was more loving and accepting than the elder brother? This is important to know today because of the abundance of elder brothers operating in the world today. They claim to represent me, but the image they present is harsh and judgmental, and many people have a distorted understanding of me because of their message. I want you to know the truth and walk in the light. Disregard them and come to me that you may know my love and acceptance firsthand. 

Have you ever heard of blessings in disguise? Do you understand that I am with you always, and that means that you are surrounded by grace? This may be obvious when you come to my house of worship, when you pray and read the scriptures. Yet there will come times when this isn’t obvious, in the mundane routines of life, and times when you doubt it, in your trials and afflictions. My presence and grace surround just as much at these times, even if they are deeply hidden. They are easier to see in hindsight. Haven’t you looked back to see how I sustained you during difficulties even though you were not aware of it at the time? I want you to learn to be aware of the consolation of my Spirit when you receive it. 

My word refers to women as weaker vessels. Does this bother you? Note that the purpose and context of the passage is to give honor to women and it is not a statement of value. A string of pearls is weaker than an iron chain, but is not of lesser value. Note also that this occurs in the economy of grace, which is different from the usual striving for equality, or more often, domination. The Kingdom principles of laying down your life, esteeming others better than yourself, and in honor preferring one another apply universally to all at all times. If you can follow these then the question of who is the weaker vessel shouldn’t be an issue.