Dale Cresap's blog

Do you understand your identity in me? I have called you a partaker of the divine nature and made you kings and priests. You are not just a subject in my Kingdom, you are princes. There are few real kingdoms left in the world, but you are aware that princes have both privileges and obligations. Which of these has greater appeal for you? Princes have great resources available to them, but they are also expected to rule well and attend to the welfare of their people. Do you take this duty seriously, appropriating every type of material and spiritual wealth from the King to distribute to those in need? Follow the principles of your King, and minister life to those around you.

Do you search for something more diligently the more you need it and the more confident you are it exists? You are diligent in searching for your car keys because you know they exist and you need them. It is easier to give up looking for things that are unnecessary or unknown. How does this principle apply to your spiritual life? He who comes to me must believe that I am, and that I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek me. In other words, you seek me because you know I exist, and am necessary and important. In addition to these strong motivations to persevere, you have my promise that if you seek me you will find me – your search will be fruitful.

Is the standard measure of success to be rich and famous? Money provides a measure of comfort and security in this world, but why is fame important? You don’t have to be famous to know that even having your material needs met in a totally obscure life is not a satisfactory human experience. In the beginning it was not good for man to be alone and this is still true. This principle applies more widely than the provision of a mate, for even single people need others with whom to share the experiences of their lives. Yet even those who are married will go through times of feeling alone. Know that I am with you always as your constant companion who understands. 

Have you never repented boldly because you never really needed to? Blessed are those who have been raised in the faith and have never explored the depths of sin. Yet even those benefit by repenting boldly. Those who do not are too confident in themselves and too prone to the temptation that they are justified by their own righteousness. They are proud and eager to judge others who do not attain the high standards they do. But I know the proud afar off, and am eager to extend mercy to those who know they need mercy and ask for it. Those who repent boldly can be bold as agents of mercy and redemption in the lives of others. 

Do you notice that everyone at some point needs extra consideration and special treatment? Everyone has at least their own hour of need. You have been in this position yourself. Do you notice that some people need extra consideration at all times? There are those with obvious physical disabilities and those emotional and personality disabilities that are less obvious but just as real. I put them among you for a reason. When you encounter them remember that at one time you also needed special treatment. Condescend to those of low estate and remember that the gospel is for those who need a physician, like yourself. 

Have you ever lost touch with old friends and drifted apart from them? In some cases you have both moved on to other phases of your life, but in others there is a real sense of loss. You expect friendships to be enduring, but there is an inherently transient quality to life. To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Learn to expect this, and live in the present, enjoying your current situation and experiencing it fully while it lasts. I have called you to follow me in a journey and this implies change and a progression of events and circumstances. The one constant on this sojourn is that you are travelling beside me. 

Do you look around in church and see people with issues? You have them too. My word teaches the development of virtue and character, yet this is a process that takes time. You see people who are poor examples of Christlikeness. Yet to compare them to others is the wrong approach. The real question is where would they be without my influence in their lives? For I am not a bad influence on anyone. I delight in seeking out the lost, the lowest, those with the greatest defects and needs. I redeem and transform those who have been rejected by everyone else that I may be glorified. 

The Bible gives you direction for removing a heretic from your midst after you have exhausted the process of correcting him. This is an extreme step. It also gives direction for redemption and restoration. You are to forgive those who repent and restore those who oppose themselves in a spirit of meekness. You are to seek and save the lost sheep and rejoice when they are returned to the fold. Which approach do you prefer to take? Your heart will lead you one way or the other. My word addresses both subjects, but it places much more emphasis on redemption. I had to correct my own disciples who wanted to call down fire from heaven on their enemies. Do justice out of necessity, but love mercy and you will be an agent of mercy.

Have you ever been pressured into doing something you didn’t want to do? It may have been something required of you by someone in authority over you. I ordain those authorities, but I do not allow them to require you to do evil. What is your attitude toward authority? You know that rebellion is wrong, but so is subservience. No one else can take responsibility for your actions. There may be unpleasant consequences for you if you refuse to comply out of the conviction of your conscience, but if you are truly doing this out of obedience to me I will back you. Keep your conscience active and engaged and remember that your first loyalty is to me.