Dale Cresap's blog

When you consider a new task, do you evaluate the time and other resources it will require before you commit to taking it on? In other words, do you consider whether it is not too large for you? There are Biblical references for putting your hand to the plow, and considering the cost of a tower or the strength of an enemy you face. Yet shouldn’t you also consider whether a task is large enough? I have equipped you for great things. Don’t you feel the call for them within your soul?

Do you like answers? Are you quick to arrive at answers for the questions you face? An unanswered question is a source of tension, and tension is uncomfortable. Have you ever arrived at a wrong answer because you were in a hurry? Are you sure that all the answers you currently hold are correct? As uncomfortable as it is to have unanswered questions, the resulting tension keeps you looking for a better answer. So it is better to have no answer than a wrong answer.  Can you see examples from my own teachings where I left my audience with questions?

Have you heard it said that money doesn’t grow on trees? That is true, but food does, and food is a more basic and essential requirement for life. Do you marvel at the abundant provision available to you in the earth? Do not let the fact that it requires effort on your part to distract you from this essential truth. The fact that it is available at all should fill you with gratitude. I created a world that meets all your needs. Do you see this as an expression of my basic nature, of my goodness and love for you? I will perfect that which concerns you.

Do you know that communication can be one-way or two-way? For the flow of information in one direction counts as communication, and anything that is broadcast or printed is an example of this. You are a passive receiver with no opportunity to interact with the author. This is a successful means for the dissemination of information, and one-way communication can occur even in person, but don’t you find interactive communication to be more satisfying? In this case you can both hear and be heard, and experience a give and take exchange.

When you need help do you prefer to get it from those of your own community by the principle that ‘we take care of our own’? Do you find it hard to accept help from those outside of your group? Is there anyone from whom you would refuse help? Have you ever considered the story of the Good Samaritan from the perspective of the man who was hurt? How do you think he felt about getting help from a Samaritan? Have you ever been in such dire need that you would accept help from anyone who offered it, no matter how alien from your own familiar group?

Do you consider truth to be eternal and unchanging? You are right. But every generation needs a voice to remind them of it. Elijah lived long before me, but those in my generation correctly understood that God would send Elijah before the coming of the Messiah. I declared that this had taken place, and that John the Baptist was serving as Elijah to prepare the way for me. Do you also understand that God will send Elijah before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord? Whose voice will declare eternal truth to this generation? Don’t think of this as limited to an individual?

Do you enjoy your freedom? Do you appreciate the luxury of unlimited possibilities? Even my word tells you to stand fast in the liberty in which I have made you free. But freedom doesn’t exist as an end in itself. It is an open door to find the future that is right for you. Of what value is your freedom if you don’t spend it to commit to your own destiny? In like manner, of what value is money if you don’t have anything to spend it on? Have you observed the loneliness and isolation of those who can’t relinquish their freedom to make a commitment?

Are you familiar with the concept of a counterweight? Elevators typically have a large mass about the same weight as the car that moves in opposition and serves to balance it, reducing the power requirements. This is standard engineering practice. Is there a human equivalent? You live in a world of commerce. This is not an evil thing, but it does have its own system of values it wants you to adopt. You also live in a spiritual world with a  different system of values.

Do you think of faith only in terms of doctrines and creeds? This puts you in conflict with others who have other doctrines and creeds. Yet faith is a universally admired virtue along with courage and generosity. But to come into agreement on this you need a large version of faith that applies universally. If you commit yourself to a worthwhile cause or task that is much larger than you, and apply your efforts to it, do you know what the outcome will be? Do you know if you, even working with others, will change the world? You do not.

Are you led by the Spirit? Is this something you are conscious and aware of in the moment? Can you explain how it works? If you don’t have a regular approach to receiving guidance in the moment here is something to try. When you encounter a situation in which you need to make a decision or that seems like an opportunity to speak for me, pose the question in your mind, What can I do right now to further your redemptive purpose in this situation? Do this with intention and expect a response. If an answer comes to you then consider that it may be the leading of the Spirit.