Dale Cresap's blog

Do you think of a doorman as a high status job? David said he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. So the status of a doorkeeper depends on the doors he keeps. I no longer inhabit the works of men’s hands but I do have a temple on the earth of my own making and it is you. My word teaches that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and you would do well to regard it accordingly. I have assigned you to be the doorkeeper of your own temple, admitting those things that are pure and lovely and righteous, and refusing entry to any evil influence. 

Do you see me in your rearview mirror? I am with you always perfecting that which concerns you. Even if you are not aware of it at the time, have you ever looked back and realized that the events of your day worked out better than could be explained by random chance and known that I must have been involved? You are right about this. Therefore take the time to review your day so that you may understand what really happened and give me thanks for it. This will encourage you and strengthen your faith and confidence in me. If you do this it will also improve your ability to be aware of my presence and intervention in the moment. 

Do you think that I revealed myself once in the Bible and that is the only way to learn about me? I continue to reveal myself continuously for the longing to disclose myself to you is inherent in my nature. Do you long to receive this revelation from me? But where would you go to look for me? For I am not of this world in which you live. Yet you have my promise that if you seek for me you will find me. The reason this works is that if you seek for me I will find you, even as the Father seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth. If you seek for me I will show myself to you.

[I’m leaving town for a week]

Do you consider my body to be a single entity? This Biblical illustration is so strong that no other answer can be given. There is one body with many members. The fact that there are easily distinguishable denominations and sects with clear differences in doctrine and culture and practice should not diminish your perception that there is one Body. Even if you are committed to a local assembly and involved in its programs I want your primary identification to be with me. Note that I called you to a body which is a stronger image of unity than a club or organization. There is one Lord, one calling, and one baptism. 

Are you always thinking about me? I am always thinking about you. I don’t make this statement to put you under a burden of guilt or manipulation. I’m not trying to shame you into changing your devotional focus. I have infinite capacity and I am aware that you do not. I make this statement for the purpose of blessing and encouragement. Even when you are sleeping or your mind wanders or the cares of this world overwhelm you I am on job watching out for you, taking care of you, and perfecting that which concerns you. You are always on my mind and my thoughts toward you are of peace to give you a future and a hope.

Do you believe in the brotherhood of all mankind? Even if you find someone with a completely different background in race and culture and beliefs they are still created in my image and you can relate to them on the basis of shared humanity. This principle is difficult to put into practice even if you affirm it in theory. Attempting to overcome these barriers makes you realize how strong they are.

In ancient times some monarchs were given the title, the defender of the faith. In a sense this title cannot be assigned to one person for I told all my followers to proclaim the good news of the gospel to every creature, to let their light so shine before men that they may glorify me, and to do and teach all that I had commanded them. Yet have you encountered people who take upon themselves the responsibility of setting everyone else straight for every doctrine?

Have you heard of people referred to as ‘high maintenance’ or ‘low maintenance’? This is a readily apparent metaphor and you prefer the company of low maintenance people who are not demanding but there is another category to consider that is better still. They could be called negative maintenance people because they are spontaneously life giving rather than demanding at any level. Can you think of anyone that meets this description? Such people are attractive in a way that surpasses the attractiveness of appearance and charm.

Have you ever heard someone refer to their ‘lot in life’? Such a declaration is one of resignation and defeat rather than triumph. You may face circumstances in life that you would like to change but are unable to. Do you see these as a limitation or a curse? I promised my followers that in this world they would have tribulation, but that they should still be of good cheer, for I had overcome the world. Some of my most prominent followers were imprisoned and afflicted and tormented, yet they still lived with a sense of destiny. You can do the same. I will not permit your circumstances to interfere with the plans I have for you. 

Do you think of the Christian life only in terms of blessing and abundance? These are true, but I also told you to lay down your life and pick up your cross and follow me. Do you make it a goal of your life to avoid any association with the cross? If you don’t have one of your own I will make one for you. It may not be obvious at casual observation that this is beneficial for you but I assure you that this too is a manifestation of my goodness to you. Therefore do not resist my work in your life and do not complain about carrying your cross. If you receive it from me and carry it with grace and dignity it is an eloquent testimony that you are on the path of life seeking my Kingdom above.