Dale Cresap's blog

Have you ever heard Christians voice a longing to have lived when I lived, and walked with me then? My word gives the account of those who followed me during my time on earth, and records my words to them, that it was better that I go away. How could this be better? I told them that I would send the Comforter to them, and I did. They were with me when I was here, and this was good, but I told them that it was better still to have the presence of the Spirit of Truth living in them. Do you understand that this applies to you as well? Remind yourself of this whenever you wish to live and walk with me, because you do. 

Is it possible to have too much money? The Bible warns against the pitfalls faced by the rich. What about intelligence? It is highly rated in your culture, along with money. Is it possible to have too much, or to have it work against you? Note that not many wealthy, or noble, or wise according to the wisdom of this age are called to salvation. My word teaches you to trust in me and lean not upon your own understanding. The greater your cognitive powers the greater the temptation to substitute your reason for my revelation. Your mental ability is a gift from me. Use it in a way that glorifies me. 

Do you behave differently when other people are watching than when you are alone? Most people will admit to doing better when they are observed. You know that I am always watching, but the presence of other people still makes a difference. Do you know that I am not the only one who sees everything? For I declared that you are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. You may think of them as spectators as you run your race. They have already run theirs, and now they are in the stands cheering you on. I spoke of a time when every man’s work would be manifested and tried. This process is already in progress. 

I had some strong words for the Pharisees. Do you pass over these because they don’t apply to you? The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that was active for a relatively short period of time in the scope of history. You won’t find anyone claiming that name today, but in my time they were the religious establishment, as you are in your own generation. Those in this position are prone to certain faults and failings. The Bible was written for you rather than for them. Are you willing to revisit my remarks to them in a broader sense to see if you may avoid the same errors for which I criticized them?

What activity do you find to be most useful for your faith and spiritual growth? There are many things that are beneficial. My word tells you to study to show yourself approved, and this oft-quoted verse refers to a valid method of spiritual growth. Yet it also teaches that by beholding me you are transformed into my likeness, from one degree of glory to another. So worship is transformative in a way that study, even Bible study, is not. Is the connection between worship and this transformative change obvious to you? It isn’t necessary for you to understand this. It is enough for you to take my word on it and do it. 

Do you hesitate to serve me because you think you are not qualified? Search the scriptures and see if you can find anyone who was qualified. Who among the heroes of the faith would have been your choice to carry out their assignments if they had applied for the position and you had been hiring? Luke and Paul both had strong academic backgrounds, but Paul in particular after listing his credentials equates them to manure. I give gifts and talents to all and delight when they use them to my glory, but do you also see that I delight to do my work through ordinary vessels, including you?

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?