Dale Cresap's blog

Are you easy to classify on the basis of your beliefs? Do you think that Christians have a certain set of predetermined political positions that you signed up for when you committed yourself to me? Beware of those who know the answers before the questions are asked, and of those who would pressure you to recruit you to their cause. My word leaves the door open for everyone to consult his own conscience on some issues and be fully persuaded in his own mind. Hold your political opinions with a loose grip. Paul was willing to become all things to all people that some might be saved.

Are you familiar with the story from the garden about eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? This is used by theologians as an event that established conditions that exist to this day. Do you think this was a one-time once only story, and that this decision set the course of conditions to follow forevermore? Do you think this rule was made for Adam and Eve but not for you? I tell you that this commandment applies to you, and that you face this decision every day.

Do you expect to have the same set of friends for a lifetime? Yet the circumstances of life open you up to new friendships and old ones can die from neglect or when one or both of you changes interests or locations. If you find your network of friends changing, it may be because you are changing. If your view of life and reality expands, it should follow that your circle of contacts expands also. You are attracted to different people, and different people are attracted to you. Are you known by the company you keep?

What sort of things do you think I care about? Do you think I care only about believers and activities that take place in church? You know I care about the poor. What about helping you in the world of commerce, in the way you make your living? Do you think I care about whether your favorite team wins the game? Sports fans are some of the most devout believers in the world and offer the most fervent prayers. Would it surprise you to find that that I do care about who wins the game? This is because I care about everything, for everything is in my Kingdom and has a purpose.

Do you find that everyone has their favorite subjects to talk about? Given an opportunity and audience they can talk for a long time. Have you ever been the audience and given someone the opportunity to take the lead in the conversation? Did you find this interesting or boring? How do people feel about your stories when you have a chance to do this? Do you find stories more interesting if  they contain something you can relate to rather than being detached particulars?

Have you ever heard someone receiving recognition saying that they are humbled and honored? This is a commonplace phrase, but does it occur to you that these are opposite concepts? How is it that they are so often used together? Is it reasonable to think that both could occur together? If you follow me you may find yourself performing some exploits along the way. If people notice and commend you it is an opportunity for you to say that the credit is due to me. What do you have that you did not receive?

Do you expect worship to be therapeutic or transformational? It can be both. Therapeutic implies healing, and healing is available in my presence. My healing ministry is as active as it was on earth, and more so, being released from the limitations of time and space. Everyone needs healing at some time, but the purpose of healing is to restore you to a prior functional condition. I offer you that, but I want you to look ahead. The transformation I offer you will take you to a place you have never been before. Are you ready to go there?

How do you select the books you read, your teachers, and other sources of instruction? Do you have a methodical process for this? Does it seem that you come across just the right thing at the time you are ready for it? Perhaps you are being led by the Spirit. Have I not promised  to perfect that which concerns you? You are constantly surrounded by lessons. When you are ready you will see them. Be alert, be aware, be attentive, be receptive and the lessons will find you. He who has ears to hear and eyes to see, let him hear and see. When I open doors for you walk through them.

What is your motivation for going to church? Do you go for your own benefit or for the benefit of the Kingdom of God? Is it possible to get both? How many people do you know who do not go to church because they don’t get anything out of it? I addressed this matter when I said that if you seek to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake and the Kingdom of God, you will find it. Is this passage a mystery to you?

Have you ever heard of anything described as awesome? Have you heard this term being applied to every item of passing interest? Awe is a legitimate concept, but the term is applied far too loosely today. Things that are really awesome have a profound effect on you. Awesome things have an expansive scope and scary intensity that leaves you shook up and reminded that you are not the center and measure of all things. This is what the prophet experienced when he said, Woe is me, for I have seen the Lord. It is what you long for but cannot endure.