Dale Cresap's blog

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.

Do you delight in the ongoing revelation I give you, spiritual treasures from outside your familiar traditions and denomination? I want you to receive these with joy. Yet do not look at this as an occasion to reject the truth you have already received. It is as valid as it ever was, and I do not force you into a choice between the two. My word describes a man who had old and new treasure. He was blessed and valued them both. Keep casting your net in new seas. Sort out your catch on the deck right away, keeping that which is good and throwing back that which is not. Keep seeking, asking, and knocking and you will continue to find and lay up treasure in heaven. 

Have you ever believed that you received my clear leading for a course of action, and followed it, only to have it not work out? Did you then assume that you were mistaken in the guidance you received, or that any failure you encountered was my will? The truth is not necessarily either of these. That course of action may have been my will for you for a short time, and I may have accomplished my purpose even if you didn’t think it was successful. I do not give you guidance and then send you off on your own. I go with you and I want you to walk in the constant awareness of my presence with you, giving you guidance every step of the way. 

Does it seem to you that people say more and more about less and less? The ability to transmit and receive information has grown exponentially, so that you have access to a steady stream of talk. Could there ever be a good reason to turn it off? Do you find truth and value in everything you hear? Does this endless stream enhance or diminish your ability to hear from me? I sought out solitary places to pray because my Father speaks in a still small voice. If this was true of me in my time how much more is it true of you in yours? Is it hard to find a quiet place to meet with me? Make this choice of your desire to turn off the sources of noise and find a place of contemplation and I will provide it and speak to you there. 

Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man open I will come in and sup with him. Have you heard this passage used as an evangelical tool, to provide some imagery in encouraging people to be reconciled to me through salvation? Use whatever illustrations are helpful in gospel work, but know that this passage was written to people who were already saved. How then was I still standing at the door and knocking? Even after you are saved you still need to make a daily decision to abide in me, to make your life an experience of ongoing communion with me. Listen for my knocking and open the door for an abundant life in me. 

I promised that you would find what you seek, so be careful what you seek. Do you seek the truth? Yet how many people do you know whose first response to everything they encounter is to contradict, criticize, or oppose it? Their argument that this type of scrutiny is necessary to establish the truth is invalid. If they seem to be looking for faults, is it surprising that they find them? In so doing they fulfill my promise in a negative sense, and become anti-seekers. It would be better that they gave up the search. Be sure to keep your own search positive, for whatsoever things are true and lovely.