Dale Cresap's blog

Do you divide the world into those who are good and those who are bad, with those who are bad and pretending to be good the worst of all? I had no tolerance for hypocrites, but the world is not this simple, and you are not called to make these judgments. Have you not seen impulses for both good and evil in yourself? You can conclude that they are present in others as well and my word gives many examples. It is not for you to decide which of multiple manifestations is the ‘real’ expression of someone else’s identity. Judge yourself rather than others and trust me who can see the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

What do you look for in a church leader? My word says that the rulers of the gentiles exercise authority over them, but it is not to be so among you, for your leaders are to be servants. In the world of commerce there are ‘celebrity’ executives who rule with strong personalities. Even in this realm they are not the most successful, even though people are attracted to them. Are you attracted to church leaders who have charisma in this sense? My word lists the qualifications for those who would lead my church and it says nothing about popularity and personal magnetism. It does speak to demonstrated character and stability. Look for these qualities in church leaders. 

My word teaches you to desire the greater spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Do you think that these gifts are no longer practiced, or that there are only a select few who can make confident correct assertions about future events? Many who claim to do so are wrong, but you do not need to take such a narrow view of prophetic gifting. This gift involves more than foretelling future events. I promised that my sheep would hear my voice. If you take what I tell you and declare it to others in my name and in obedience to me, then what more could I ask of you in the exercise of prophetic gifting? 

Do you see virtue in people who are not believers? Do you see bad behavior in people who are believers? Do you struggle to fit this reality into your Christian view of the world? My word concerning the gospel message and ultimate reality is still true, but your comprehension of my word should be large enough to encompass the reality of the world you observe. Only I can judge the thoughts and intents of the heart, and the destiny of every soul. Unbelievers are still made in my image, and my work is still in progress in my own. Blessed are those who do and teach my commandments, and carry out my commission to proclaim the gospel to every creature. 

Have you ever felt pressured to do something you know is wrong? You may be under the authority of someone who is not listening to me. This puts you in a dilemma, but it is one from which I will provide a way of escape. I gave you a moral agency of your own and this is something you should never surrender, even though you are submissive and obedient to those I have placed in authority over you. Your primary allegiance and obedience is to me and you can appeal to me to intervene and act on your behalf to change hearts, minds, and circumstances, and there is a time to obey me rather than men. 

Did you struggle with tests in school, and feel a sense of relief when you graduated and the tests were over? Were ‘closed book’ tests worse than ‘open book’ tests, and tests with time pressure the worst of all? Yet have you found that you still face testing in your walk with me? This will continue but do not be discouraged. All my tests are open book, and without time pressure. My patience with you is legendary, and I give you repeated opportunities to pass when you fail. The tests are not to find out what you know, for I already know that, but to prove my transforming work in your life. 

You know that physical exercise produces strength and endurance. You also know that it is strenuous and requires a consistent effort to get results; otherwise more people would do it. Do you know that there are also spiritual exercises that produce godliness? My word teaches you that bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things. Do you think of spiritual exercises as consistent prayer and Bible study? These are good, but there are others as well. Consider doing a spiritual review each day, recalling the times you were grateful or aware of my presence, that you may remind yourself and improve your awareness of me. 

Have you ever heard of fighting fire with fire? This implies responding in kind to provocations you receive. Have you tried this and found it to be ineffective? This proverb fails the test of simple logic. You know that it is more effective to fight fire with water. In like manner my word teaches you not to respond in kind to provocations, not to repay evil for evil. Instead you are to turn the other cheek, blessing those who curse you and doing good to those who despitefully use you. In so doing you defy the conventional wisdom of force and escalation, but you also bring Kingdom principles to bear and enlist my aid in coming to your defense. 

You know that everyone has a unique personality with characteristics and traits. In yourself you see some of these as beneficial and others as liabilities to overcome. Are you resigned to being just the way you are and making the best of what you have? Do you see me at work in your life on the areas you see as weaknesses to enable you to use them effectively? I didn’t make you incomplete and you will always retain your unique identity. Yet I am transforming you to bring you into a position of enlargement and balance for serving me. I am equipping you for every good work as a vessel unto honor, that you too may do all things well. 

What is the first subject of your formal education? Once you learn to read you have the skill to acquire all other knowledge. What is the first subject of discipleship for new believers? For once you pass from darkness to light by entering my kingdom your process of discipleship begins. For most believers this starts with the study of my word, that you may know the truth of foundational doctrines, and hide my word in your heart. I also want you to learn to hear my voice, for this is equally important. This is how you are led by the Spirit. You understand the importance of obeying me. It is only possible to do this if you can hear my voice to obey.