Dale Cresap's blog

What do you pray for? Do you notice that most prayer requests are for those who already have their spiritual lives in order, and they get the most fervent prayer, while those who struggle with weaknesses such as alcohol are left to fend for themselves?  Yet aren’t those who are spiritually strong better equipped to deal with any problem than those who are not? Do you show judgment in prayer by neglecting those who are complicit in their problems? Consider my own example and words, that I was not sent to call the righteous but rather to the sinners, and that the well have no need of a physician, and the good shepherd left the 99 in the fold to go after one lost sheep. 

Some doors are open, some are closed, and some are locked. Some have automatic openers. These provide the greatest convenience in that you don’t even have to push on them or turn a doorknob. Do you believe that I can provide guidance to you by opening and closing doors? I will make your way clear by opening the right pathway and closing the wrong one. Yet as in the case of doors with automatic openers, they don’t open until you approach them. If you would receive guidance from me you need to be active and keep moving. I may wait until you walk toward the right door to open it for you. 

My word identifies evangelists and teachers as specific offices. Yet my commission to every believer is to preach the good news of the gospel to every creature and to make disciples of all men. Do you need an office or a title to do this? If that were the case I would not have directed this to every believer. It is not necessary for you to be able to answer every question of theology for you to do this job effectively. You understand the value of increasing your knowledge and experience, but in the moment you use what you have. I have not left you to do this on your own. The Holy Spirit goes before you to make your words effective in declaring my name. 

There was great wickedness in the days on Noah and I destroyed the world in a flood. Afterward I put a rainbow in the sky as a covenant that I would not do so again. That does not mean that there will not be great wickedness in the world again. For I said that in the time of my return the conditions in the world would be as in the days of Noah. Do you see this trend developing around you? what should your response be? Be steadfast as you see the day approaching. Be diligent and faithful in serving me, for you have a better promise than a rainbow in the sky, for I will return. Look up for your redemption draws nigh. 

Do you find that everyone likes to talk about themselves and is eager to share their stories? So do you. Yet you find many of their stories to be boring, and perhaps they feel the same way about yours. Accounts that only pertain to an individual do not engage an audience. You hear from me according to my promise that my sheep hear my voice, and you can elevate the level of conversation you engage in by sharing with others what I say to you. My words are spirit and life. They have a universal and enduring quality even if spoken to an individual. Share them to give transcendent meaning to everyday conversation. 

Do you see people who quit their jobs and sell their possessions to follow me, and think that theirs is the highest level of faith and calling? I may call you to do the same thing, but for now assume that I went to a lot of effort to put you in your current situation for a purpose. Do you recall my instruction that when there are rumors that I am here or there not to chase them, because my Kingdom is within you? My work in your life begins internally and that is where I dwell. I want you to become so radically involved with me that you bring Kingdom presence to your external circumstances. 

Do you think of self-esteem as something essential? How does your opinion of yourself compare to that which others say about you? Even as David was being heralded as the one who slew ten thousands of the enemy he said of himself that he was the least of his brothers. John the Baptist said that he must decrease even as I said that he was greatest of those born of women. I referred to myself as the Son of Man when I could have claimed the title Son of God. Let another praise thee and not thyself. When you choose to humble yourself before me I can use you for great things and exalt you in due time. 

My word teaches you to come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing. This is a necessary beginning but it is not a complete commandment. It is not enough just to come out from among them. That by itself would leave you isolated. Have you met believers who only came out and didn’t move on? Once you depart from evil company or surroundings you are in a position to move forward and build. Allow me to place you where I want you. Find the purpose and destiny I have for you. Take up the task that I have set before you and let your light shine before men that they may glorify me. 

Do you find coarse language offensive and avoid those who use it? You do well to avoid taking my name in vain yourself, but most people who use foul language are accustomed to it by their upbringing and the company they keep. They have no awareness that they are doing anything offensive, and so it is with many other sins. When I was on the cross I said regarding those who put me there, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. You will find many opportunities in your life to pray the same prayer. If you avoid those who use coarse words how will they hear the words of life? 

Participants in the Alcoholics Anonymous program will describe themselves as alcoholics even if they have been sober for 30 years. Does it seem that this is no longer a valid description if it no longer applies? Yet they insist on it as part of a successful recovery program. Some Christians refer to themselves as sinners saved by grace. Are they still sinners if they are saved? Do you see a parallel here? Recovering drunks are more successful if they hold no illusions about their past identity and weaknesses, and you are more successful in not being a sinner if you know that you rely on me for grace, strength, and righteousness.