Dale Cresap's blog

Do you have pet peeves, little things that other people do that you find more annoying than the intent and level of offense would suggest? Other people may do these things without any intent or even awareness that it bothers you. Rather than trying to make them stop you should ask yourself why it is such a problem for you. The harmless actions of others can reveal areas in you that are not fully surrendered to me; where you reserve the right to make unrighteous judgments. Let these responses prompt you to examine yourself rather than others that you may decrease and I may increase in the transformation of you into my likeness.

The essence of worship is attributing and expressing the worthiness of the one you worship. Your faith teaches you that I alone am worthy of worship. Are there no others that are worthy? In a lesser sense you can affirm your friends and recognize others that you admire. But worship refers to a greater sense and an ultimate reality. In this realm the creator is greater than the creature, and the creatures have nothing that they did not receive from above. Therefore they should receive their honors in humility and gratitude, acknowledging their source, and true worship in spirit and in truth is reserved for the One who is ultimately worthy. 

Have you ever contended with atheists or been frustrated with their questions about the origin and age of the earth? You could reply with some questions of your own, even as I posed some questions in my encounter with Job. I asked him where he was when I created the world and he had no answer. If you don’t know how the world came into being, how can you speculate on how long it took? Scientists are not as equipped to respond to this question as you might think. Don’t be intimidated by unbelievers. They have questions but no answers. I can give you questions for them that will expose their deficits and their need for redemption. 

You are familiar with the Great Commission as the commandment to go and preach the good news of the gospel to every creature. Note that your duty in this is to present the message and it is up to your audience to respond or not. Yet I also taught you to go and make disciples of all men. Note that this is a big job of which evangelism is only a part, so even though you rejoice when your audience responds to your message, your work is not finished then. You are able to teach what you know. Let your goal be to teach others who are willing to learn what you have learned from me. 

Hypocrite is a Biblical term for people who do not practice what they preach. Unbelievers are eager to examine the lives of Christians and apply this term to them if they are able. Can this concept be applied more broadly? What about atheists? They say I do not exist, but how many atheists do you know who live their lives that way and how many live with a sense of decency, justice, and kindness? If they practice righteousness that they don’t proclaim does that make them hypocrites? Even atheists are made in my image and have my laws in their hearts. Blessed are those who preach and practice righteousness for the right reasons. 

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.