Dale Cresap's blog

Is your presentation of the gospel a closely structured argument starting at the beginning? That may be necessary for atheists, but only for them. Most people you meet already have some sense of spirituality and the eternal, even if it is not a saving faith. You honor them and the progress they have already made by starting there rather than establishing my existence at square one. Approach this task with the conviction that I can give you something for everyone, from the most militant atheist to the most mature devout believer. If you do not find it already within you then ask me for it and I will give it to you on the spot.

Do you think of anger as a sin? But my word says be angry and sin not. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Do you think that resentment is more acceptable than anger because it is more subtle? Yet resentment is anger accumulated over time. It is internalized and grown cold and hard, going hand in hand with bitterness. It is far easier to deal with anger in the day it occurs. Be honest with yourself to recognize the things that bother you for what they really are. Seek to resolve conflicts but realize that some will remain. Bring those to me that you may grow in grace and godliness rather than resentment and bitterness. 

Joseph had a dream, and Mary had a visit from an angel. Joseph told everyone about his dream, and it got him into trouble. Mary pondered these things in her heart. Which do you think took the wiser course of action? Both the dreams and the visitation were proven true, but Joseph had to learn a few things before the fulfillment was complete. Sometimes the destiny I reveal to you is not meant to be public knowledge at the first. You must be prepared and molded to step into your destiny and it can take time and be accomplished in greater secrecy than you expected. Humble yourself and be patient, and I will exalt you in due time. 

Do you understand that my resources are unlimited and that I am generous? My capacity and willingness to give are without measure. What is you capacity to receive? For I said that if you bring your full tithe to me that I would open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there would not be room to receive. Have you found this to be true? Yet do not limit this to the financial and material realm, for I have heavenly treasure for you that is not of this world. As you walk in the Spirit and grow in understanding you will be enlightened and increase your capacity to receive the spiritual wealth I long to pour out on you. 

Precious in my sight is the blood of the martyrs, those who have given their lives serving me. Have you ever heard of someone having a martyr complex? This is not really the same thing. It describes those who use their suffering to manipulate others. They will find a direct or indirect way of letting you know how much pain they have experienced, particularly if it was due to your negligence or offense that can be used to make you feel guilty. Yet I taught that the giving of alms and prayer done in secret would be rewarded openly. The same principle applies to suffering. Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him and not complain. 

Do you notice that people who are self-confident, outspoken, and assertive tend to get their way and people will follow them even when they are wrong? Truth is not determined by a majority vote, and neither by force of will or argument. Those who know the truth may be meek and lowly in heart even when they are right. I was the personification of truth in this world which rejected me. Embracing the truth may not give you popularity and you have no assurance that others will accept it or you. Yet the alternative of walking in darkness is worse. Love the truth and pay the cost of walking in the light. 

I said that false Christs would arise. Are you aware of anyone claiming to be a messiah and offering redemption through his own atoning blood? Yet the warning is not so easily dismissed. For I also said that many would come in my name and deceive many, and that anyone who brings another gospel is anathema. You shall know them by their fruits, and so it is your duty to examine the life and doctrine of anyone who speaks in my name. I have given you my word, and the witness of my Spirit within you to serve as a standard and confirmation. Yet I would not have you fearful about the darkness around you, for my word implies that it is not possible to deceive the elect.

Do you think I talk to everyone or just a select few? My word says that my sheep hear my voice, so this must include all believers. Yet no one can come to me unless I call him, and I am not willing that any should perish. Does this imply to you that I speak to everyone? The fact that so many are inattentive does not mean I am not speaking. What am I saying to you? I speak in many different ways. Are you willing to listen to all of them? It is not a question of whether I am speaking but what I am saying. You serve me by speaking my words, being my voice to those around you. I commission you to enlighten those in darkness by pointing out the ways I have already spoken to them.

Do you prefer to associate with your peers, those with a similar cultural, financial, and educational background? I told a story of a rich man who threw a wedding feast. The invited guests were presumably from among his friends, but they would not come. He was upset and told his servants to go far and wide to find the poor and blind and crippled and compel them to come in. This illustration uses strong language to show this man would rather associate with those outside his circle of equals than have an empty banquet hall. So I give my great commission to preach the gospel to every creature. As my servant are you willing to invite those you would not otherwise associate with?

Do you think it is a virtue to never give up when you are right? It depends on the cause. This is referred to by believer and unbeliever alike as fighting to the bitter end. If you continue to fight to defend your rights or obtain what you perceive to be your due then the end can be very bitter. Is there a point at which what you hope to obtain is not worth the cost? My word tells you that it is better to suffer yourself to be defrauded than for brother to sue brother in court. If you are acting in obedience to me then I will give you peace even as you fight. If not, for what price are you willing to sell your peace?