Dale Cresap's blog

Do you ever encounter times when everything seems to go wrong, when minor setbacks cascade together to thwart you and wear you down? This may be more frustrating than a single enormous problem.

There are deceivers and con artists in the world seeking to ensnare you and steal from you. They come to you with ever more devious schemes. Yet my people are not as gullible as those in the world, for they have set their hearts on the things above rather than the things of this world.

My first followers were Jewish and assumed that the gospel of the Kingdom was for the Jews, but my plan was to open the door to whosoever would come. They were familiar with Jewish practices, but I told them that new wine would require new wineskins.

My word teaches you to give generously into the work of my Kingdom. There have been excesses and abuses by some pastors in the way they raise funds. Others are reluctant to bring this up for fear of driving away those who have been sensitized on this issue, but my word is clear whether men misrepresent it or refuse to declare it.

Mary received an amazing message from an amazing messenger, yet she kept these things and pondered them in her heart. In her case this was a good idea. Who would believe her report? What do you ponder in your heart?

Can you imagine heaven? My word says that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things I have prepared for those who love me. Conversely, can you imagine hell?

Vengeance is mine, I will repay. Does it seem to you that I am depriving you of an activity that would give you great satisfaction? You may long to settle scores with those who have wronged you, and may feel that you are justified in doing so.

Your justice system starts with the presumption of innocence. This is appropriate for a system administered by people with limited reasoning and access to information. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor, but a case can still be made to convict and punish the guilty.

Have you ever heard of thinking outside the box? This implies a release from the restraints of arbitrary convention and tradition. How about putting God in a box?

Why do the righteous perish? My word says they die and no one takes it to heart. Why do the wicked prosper? The Psalmist pondered this and was disturbed at this apparent injustice.