Dale Cresap's blog

Do you think that inexcusable and unforgivable mean the same thing? Blatantly bad behavior is usually referred to as inexcusable, and this is correct. Minor annoyances or differences in taste and preference can be overlooked or excused without invoking the redemptive process. Many things are excusable for those who hesitate to take offense. Forgiveness involves the process of redemption. Things that are inexcusable are forgivable. Bring your own offenses to me for I am rich in mercy and eager to forgive, and hold this same attitude toward others, since you have been forgiven much yourself. 

What makes you happy? My disciples rejoiced that they were able to perform effective ministry in my name. Do you think this is a more noble reason for rejoicing than getting a present, or approval and recognition for achievement, or getting your own way? But my response to them was that they should not rejoice that the demons were subject to them, but that their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is not a material benefit for your indulgence or status, and is not an achievement you can boast of. Yet if you understand its real meaning and value it will be your true basis for rejoicing as well. 

Do you see a progression in the development of sin, in which those who casually dabble in bad habits end up being more deeply ensnared in them? My word warns against starting down this road, for it leads to a bad destination, and it ends in death. Yet sin is not the destiny for anyone because all have access to the process of redemption. Does this seem like a less predictable outcome? You should be encouraged rather than discouraged by this, for it means that it is never too late to overcome any sin that you see in others, or in yourself.

How would you respond upon entering my presence? Do not be quick to form a response and assume it is correct. My word gives several examples of people who diligently followed me, but when they came before me they were devastated and undone. Isaiah declared, ‘woe is me’, and my beloved John kept falling prostrate. These were not easy experiences for them, but they persevered. When you enter my presence your choices are to press on even though it is painful and requires your transformation, or to draw back and depart from me. Which of these will be your response?

Are you worried about coming into contact with sinners? Are you afraid of being contaminated by them? Yet I was accused of such contact by my critics and I responded that it is the sick who need a physician. My critics were in a worse position than those who received my ministry although they were unable to understand that. You have a term for people like this, ‘holier than thou’, and this is no compliment. If you are about your Father’s business you can do it without being defiled. In this sense to the pure all things are pure. You can minister life without receiving death. 

Science looks for understanding, and the most universal scientific principles are the most highly prized. The elusive goal of scientists is a unified theory that reconciles and explains all observed phenomena. Faith is another approach to understanding, but the goal is similar. You have an innate sense that everything has a proper place in my created order, that everything belongs. Your search to understand this may not end in a set of equations, but it has a superior result. For the context of my Kingdom gives everything its meaning and purpose, and this is something that science cannot do. 

Have you ever heard the exclamation, ‘is nothing sacred?’ for some people there is nothing sacred, but for most people some things are and some things are not. Are you willing to consider that there is nothing that is not sacred? You may divide your daily activities between the spiritual and the secular, but nothing exists independent of its source. Everything derives meaning and purpose from its attachment to the divine. If you feel trapped and obligated to perform mundane and routine tasks and find them boring, ask of me and I will show you where they fit in my Kingdom and everything will be sacred to you. 

Have you heard of some believers criticized for only being Christians on Sunday? This implies hypocrisy and there are some who are involved in sinful behavior during the rest of the week. You know that the gospel message should apply to every area of your life all the time. Yet even those Christians who are not involved in sin can go for days without a felt sense of my presence. I promised to be with you always, and in me you live and move and have your being. I want you to be aware of this that your eyes may be open to see everything I do around and in you continually, for I fill all of life. 

Moses saw a burning bush. This is not remarkable in itself, since nearly all bushes will burn under the right conditions, but this bush was not consumed. This got Moses attention, and I told him to take off his shoes, since he was standing on holy ground. I told my audiences, let him who has ears to hear, let him hear. Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear? Do you see the world around you as infused with divine purpose and intervention? This is the reality that surrounds you whether you see it or not. Taking off your shoes is an appropriate response. If you have difficulty seeing this spiritual reality, try taking off your shoes either literally or figuratively as an act of faith to assist your vision. 

My word tells you to honor all men. Do you think it is enough to be civil to them? That is only a start. It is not enough to be polite. Good manners are necessary, but honor requires more. Do you take a genuine interest in the people you meet, inquiring about their interests and allowing them to choose topics of conversation? Do you refrain from offering negative opinions about things important to them? You know how to show honor to those you admire, or who outrank you, or whose favor you seek. My commandment just requires you to show the same behavior to those to whom you would otherwise be indifferent.