Dale Cresap's blog

I have given you my Great Commission to preach the gospel message to every creature. What are your ‘selling points’? For a dispassionate presentation is rarely effective. You want your audience to respond. Forgiveness of sin is central, but will this create a deep hunger to know me in an audience in darkness, not as aware as you are of sin and consequences? I heal and provide but will this be effective in reaching an audience that is not sick or needy? The universally appealing aspect of the gospel is that I am a God you can know. When you call I will answer. This is a word to bring forth hunger in the human heart for me, as I said, this is life eternal, that you may know me.

Are you familiar with the physical affliction of inflammation? You may have experienced tender swollen areas that are painful to touch and movement due to allergies or infections or other reasons. Medical science is beginning to understand the long term negative consequences of this. Do you know that it has a spiritual counterpart? Spiritual inflammation can occur without your awareness in the same manner as spiritual blindness as I was asked in scripture, are we blind also? Spiritual inflammation also has long term negative consequences. Examine yourself that you may remain in the peace that surpasses understanding.

You know the importance of forgiveness toward people who have offended you, lest you should become bitter. Do you think the same principle of forgiveness extends toward large abstract groups like governments or corporations? What about churches? Even if there is no designated individual to be reconciled to the principle of forgiveness still applies. It is just as important to avoid bitterness in the abstract as it is in a narrowly focused sense. This is more for your own sake than for the target of your wrath. If you refuse to carry the burden of bitterness it will restore your own soul. 

How highly do you value knowledge, education and understanding? These are highly rated in your culture. Yet there were two trees in the garden, and to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the first mistake. The tree was desirable to make one wise, but it brought forth death because it caused separation from me. Do you take pride in the things you figure out for yourself? I didn’t intend for you to reason in isolation from me. My word invites you to come and let us reason together. Abide in me and I will share with you the riches of knowledge and understanding in my Kingdom, and lead you into all truth. 

My word warns of a great tribulation to come. This is in connection with the end of the age and you sense that the day is approaching. Are you worried about this or convinced that it will not affect you? Yet my people have been persecuted throughout history. I warned them that this would come for they persecuted me and the servant is not greater than his master. I promised that all who desired to live godly lives would suffer, yet at the same time told them not to fear the things they would suffer for they have my comfort during them and they are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed in them. Look up, for your redemption draws nigh. 

Are you fearful of being deceived? Deception is bad, but so is fear. You should not mindlessly open yourself to any thought or idea passing but should mindfully seek me and meditate on me. This requires you to be open to receive. If fear of deception causes you to close yourself off then you are cut off from revelation as well as deception. Have I not implied in my word that it is not possible to deceive my elect? My presence is a safe place in which you can relax and hear from me. You can trust me to guard you in this sacred space from any attack of the enemy. The more you are open to revelation the less you are susceptible to deception. 

Have you ever noticed some prominent gospel ministers who appear to think they get special indulgences on their own conduct because of the importance of the ministry they do? Have you ever had this thought about yourself? I care more about the condition of your soul and your personal holiness than I do about the work you are doing for me. In comparing the world and the Kingdom my Word poses the question, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Yet even within the work of the Kingdom my apostle was diligent that he should not be cast away after he had preached to others. 

Please pray for baby Lucas - 2 pounds 3 ounces. 

Have you ever heard of someone being severely injured in an accident and taking the time to tidy up their appearance before allowing themselves to be treated by the paramedics? This is obviously absurd, yet how many people insist on putting on a favorable outward appearance before coming to me for healing? The medical people who respond to save your life know that your internal processes are more important than the superficial ones and respond accordingly. I am the great physician and know just what you need to be restored. I work from your innermost being outward so when you look healthy you really are healthy. The only thing you can do to assist is to come to me without delay.

Are you more accepting of attractive articulate people who present themselves well than of those who do not? I am not a respecter of persons, and you should not be either. A person’s message should be judged on its own merits. That way you are judging the content of the message rather than the character or appearance of the messenger. I can speak to you through a messenger who is a mess. Are you willing to receive it? He who is seeking the truth is hungry and thirsty for knowledge and insight. This motivation drives him to look beyond his familiar surroundings and favorite people. I promise that if you seek you will find, but you may have to search far and wide.

Have you considered how much of my ministry took place at events where food was involved? I fed the multitudes but there was also a wedding feast, a lesson for Mary and Martha, and even fish for breakfast by the sea after my resurrection among many more. Does this imply that food has a deep spiritual connection? No, but it is a part of everyday life, and I used these occasions to join the natural and the spiritual. The moral of the story is that your spiritual life should not be a separate entity from the rest of your life. The two should be fully integrated together that your whole life should be a spiritual life. Do this in remembrance of me.