Dale Cresap's blog

Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone who was called by my name followed my teachings and kept my commandments? What about those who make no profession of faith or belief in anything? Do they live without restraint as if there were no moral law? You can be glad they do not. For I wrote my laws in the conscience of every man whether he confesses and affirms me or not. Don’t you see some level of restraint and moral judgment even in those who deny me? Blessed are those who know me, who consciously affirm the truth of my word, and do and teach my commandments. 

When I created the world I said that it was good. It still is. The fall did not change this. When you see lighting and hear thunder, does it remind you of me? What about a rainbow? What about mountains and rivers and forests? My creation points to my goodness and testifies of me. To a greater degree this includes the animal kingdom, and to an even greater degree your fellow men, for I created them in my image. Do you think that the fall of humanity precludes this? You see much in others that is not Christlike. Even so, the creature points to the creator, even as the inanimate mountain points to me. He who has eyes to see, let him see.

Are you eager to speak? Are you eager to speak for me? My word tells you to be quick to hear and slow to speak. You see my own words recorded in the Bible. Do they seem brief and concise to you, sufficient to address the situation with nothing extraneous or frivolous thrown in? My word warns those who pray against vain repetition. There is risk of error in a multitude of words, but enormous power and authority can be expressed in few. If you are eager to speak for me are you willing to wait and hear from me first? If you do I will give you the words you need on the spot. I can give you something better than you can make up. Prefer my words over your own and you will have them.

Have you ever heard of an accident waiting to happen? Safety professionals refer to these as accident precursors, that increase risk and reduce the margin of safety. Do you know that sins also have precursors? There are situations that you should avoid because they are full of spiritual danger and the risk of temptation. Can you think of places you should not go and situations you should avoid? These may be different for every person. You accrue no benefit if you engage in them even if you avoid stumbling into sin. I would not impose this unnecessary source of stress upon you and would have you take measures to avoid it. There is wisdom in avoiding risks.

Do you know the difference between being sorry you did something wrong and being sorry you got caught? If someone else has to bring your faults to your attention does it lead you to true repentance, or to redouble your efforts to hide what you do? My word is full of directions to examine yourself, to search and try your ways, to purify yourself, to judge yourself that you would not be judged. For I desire truth in the inward parts, that my Kingdom may be present within you. You can’t accomplish this on your own, but if you come to me in humble petition I will put my laws into your mind and write them in your heart and shall be your God and be pleased to call you my son.

If you have ever looked for a job, you know that employers are looking for certain skills and experience and character. I have jobs for you also, and though you do not apply for them in the same way I am also looking for talents and experience, but primarily character. I have a job for everyone, but your current state of spiritual development may limit the ways in which you can serve me. You can increase your value in the job market through education by acquiring skills but in my Kingdom you do this through refinement. If you look for ways to minister and encounter closed doors examine yourself to see why this may be. Strive to be a vessel of honor, equipped for every good work.

Do not be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. This admonition from my word is simple and plainly stated. How do you implement it in your life? If you encounter evil outside yourself you may be tempted to respond in anger, but you know it is right and more effective to respond with character and grace. What if you examine yourself and find a flaw within? Do you cease to do good because you are not qualified to? Yet my commandment tells you not to take this approach. I would not tell you to do this if it were not possible. You can oppose evil with good and win. 

Have you ever heard of a fish out of water? This is a vivid metaphor for someone in unfamiliar surroundings. You have seen the symbol of a fish used to represent my people. In a sense they are out of water in this world, for their home is in heaven. Do you ever feel out of place here? Your citizenship is in heaven, making you strangers and sojourners in this world. It is only proper for you to seek a city with foundations in heaven, for that is your true home. Devote yourself to seeking my Kingdom and I will provide for your needs in this world, and will not be ashamed to be called your God. 

Do you expect blessings in this world because you follow me? Do you think this may present a conflict of interest in the minds of prospective believers that they might believe for the sake of temporal blessings? My word says that if in this life only you have hope you are of all men most miserable. I ask of you total commitment and obedience. This is a high price for mere worldly blessings but for those who understand these are the keys to eternal life. Your light and temporary afflictions are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed in you. Neither are the blessings you receive in this world. 

Does it seem to you that everyone has a concern for the animals of the world, and if they are not willing to take action on their behalf at least they think someone else should? It is as if they were given dominion over the earth to replenish and subdue it. This was my commission to all humanity from the beginning. Can you see it present even in those who do not believe in me? This responsibility is hard-wired into them. Why else would they care about exotic animals that they will probably never see and certainly never domesticate? You can see this impulse in yourself as well, but I have given you a still greater commission, to preach the gospel to every creature.