Dale Cresap's blog

Have you ever seen an altar of human sacrifice? This phrase conjures up images of ancient pagan civilizations and blood rituals, but every church should have one. The shape, size, and construction are not really important but every church should have a place where people can consecrate themselves to me. In this case it is for the living rather than a place of death, but in a larger sense it is a place to lay down your life that you may really live. For I have called you to lay down your lives bearing about in your body my death that the power of my resurrection may also be manifested in you. 

Have you ever heard of fertile ground? This is a misnomer. The fertility is not present in the soil, but in the seed planted in the soil. In my parable of the sower and the seed, the soil represents the hearts of people on whom the fertile seed of my word falls. The soil can bring forth nothing by itself even as without me you can do nothing. Yet it is only in good soil that the seed can bring forth fruit. In like manner you are to abide in the vine, for I am the vine and bear you as the branches. This is such a simple concept and readily understood by natural illustrations. Are you walking in the reality of it? 

Do you have mirrors in your home? Have you ever broken one? This is bad luck according to superstition, but it may be a good idea. It is possible to be too devoted to oneself. A mirror has the obvious function of allowing you to see your own image, but even without one you can focus too much on your own interests and point of view. My word says that you see in a glass darkly, but then face to face. You have higher quality mirrors available to you than when this was written, but they will still only give you your own reflection. Turn away from your figurative mirrors and look to me that you may see me face to face, and brighter than any reflection of you.

Economists understand the connection between demand, supply, and value as it applies to money. Do you understand that this principle can be more broadly applied? Compliments and affirmation tend to be in short supply and high demand. This gives them tremendous value. Those who understand this can use them for flattery and manipulation, but if your motivation is pure you can affirm the work I am doing through someone else and exhort and encourage them to continue. Don’t you thrive on such recognition yourself? Ask me for opportunities to affirm others and I will give them to you for creating so much value at so little cost.

How do you respond to those with whom you disagree? This must include everyone for there are no two people with the same positions on everything, and probably none who disagree on everything. Some people are quick and eager to find areas of disagreement, and then to create distinction and distance, but I have called you seek peace and harmony as much as you are able. Even if your differences with others are irreconcilable there is no need for you to pronounce judgment upon them. If I did not come into the world to condemn the world, how much less should you? Speak the truth in love, and do and teach my commandments with grace.

Do you find that everyone wants to be considered attractive, and makes some effort to present themselves favorably? Yet even those who find acceptance for their appearance would rather have acceptance for their mind than for their body. The mind is more enduring than the attractiveness of the body, and also closer to your true identity. Yet even minds age and decline, but you still love and relate to your friends and family in their declining years. The spirit is even more enduring than the mind, and is the true essence of your being. Learn to live in the awareness of your own spirit and to know others in the spirit for this is the greatest reality. 

Do you value your freedom of speech? Some countries make this an explicit right and others do not, but in reality no one can prevent you from saying what you want. The consequences may be different, and there can be unpleasant consequences for inadvisable statements even if speech is free. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and this applies to believer and unbeliever alike. You will prosper or fail and even live or die according to what you say. Have you noticed that people who control their speech do better than those who do not? Let your words be of life and grace and you will eat the fruit thereof. 

Have you ever suffered afflictions in a situation that you were unable to share with your friends because to do so would be ungracious toward other people involved? I taught my followers to pay their alms in secret that their Father in heaven would reward them openly and in like manner for prayer and fasting. Those who sought approval from men already had their reward and by implication missed out on a heavenly reward. Suffering is also a part of the Christian life. Don’t you admire those who suffer in silence? Even if you don’t complain to your friends I am aware of your situation and if you suffer in secret I will comfort you more than they ever could. 

My word assures you that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Do you find your prayers to be more effective when you have a personal emotional investment in them? Perhaps this is not because of the effect it has on me, but because of the effect it has on you. An emotional attachment serves to motivate you. It focuses your attention and sustains you to persist as long as it takes to pray it through. Do you find that you cannot obtain fervency at will? Ask of me and I will give you fervency for the prayer burdens I assign or you request, and your prayers will avail much.

Do you find it difficult to be thoughtful toward others? Even when you are willing to take the time and consideration it is not easy because you don’t have access to their thoughts, but I do. You are wise to acknowledge and depend on me in everything, but particularly in this area, for only I have access to information you need to do it well. I will not violate the inner thought processes of someone else for your sake, just as I would not violate yours for theirs, but if you are willing to take an interest in my redemptive process in their life out of genuine love, then I will show you ways to minister to them and meet needs they were unaware of, for I know them better than they know themselves.