Dale Cresap's blog

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.

How many different versions of the manner of my return have you heard? How many dates for this event have been proposed and passed without effect? Those who put them forth inevitably claim that they are based on scripture, yet they are wrong. How many scholars of the scriptures correctly predicted my first advent? My word proclaims my return, and it also tells you how to approach this topic. It does not say to study and predict, but rather to watch and pray. Some things are not easily explained but if you pay attention you will be aware and learn as you see them unfold. So it is with my return. If you look for me you will see me.

Does it ever seem to you that I am leading you to learn or gain experience or save for something without knowing the purpose for it? If you are confident of my leading you can do these things in faith even if you don’t know what they are for. I assigned Noah a major project in building the ark and he didn’t really comprehend it until the flood, but the work still had to be done in advance and I was pleased that he moved in faith. I have a plan in the purposes of my Kingdom for every resource I commit to your hand. Be diligent to keep and develop them so that you will be prepared when I open the door for you to use them for me.

Is it difficult for you to believe in things you cannot see, even, or especially, if your life depends on them? Your life depends on receiving oxygen in every breath. What does it look like? The skeptic and unbeliever have this dependency as much as you do, and they cannot see it either. It is no accident that I said that I created man from the dust of the earth, and then breathed life into him. You have heard of artificial respiration. This was not artificial. It was spiritual respiration. The wind is a Biblical image of the Spirit. You cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes, but your life depends on this as well. If you can depend on invisible things in the natural world, how much more can you depend on me?

Are you courageous? Do you think that courage is a dramatic manifestation of strength, only available to a few who face great risk and danger? Do you understand that it takes great courage to acknowledge weakness? Does pride or pressure force you to appear to be capable and independent even when you are not? It can take great courage to admit that you need help. Are you quick to offer to pray for others and reluctant to ask for the prayers of others for your own needs? If you seek you will find and if you ask it will be given, but you must first humble yourself to acknowledge your need.

[I'm leaving town to visit family and will resume messages Tuesday]