you can do it

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 06, 2016 - 21:30

Have you ever sensed that I was offering you an assignment and you responded by asking how it could happen? In some circles it is considered rude to answer a question with a question. I will ask things of you that are beyond your ability to figure out in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t do them. If you insist on knowing everything in advance of the first step it will greatly limit what you can accomplish for me, or for yourself, or for anyone else. When I offer you an assignment the correct response is ‘yes’. How it can be accomplished will be supplied to you when it is needed. 

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love your enemies

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 05, 2016 - 21:19

I tell you to love your enemies and pray for  them. Does this imply that you need to keep a list of them so that you can pray for them consistently? Prayer lists can be effective reminders but this approach is prone to problems.  Can you keep track of your enemies with gracious intent to love  them rather than to review the reasons why there is an offense between you and why you are right? If you approach this task properly it will give you life. Your prayer of love and blessing for those who have hurt you is a blessing to you, for it releases you from the power of your past to hinder your present and future. 

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instant miracles?

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 04, 2016 - 23:04

Do you think that miracles must happen in an instant to be authentic? If a miracle is something that can’t happen without my intervention then there is no need to impose a time constraint. If something won’t happen without me and it does happen then it is just as much of a miracle whether it is instant or over a long period of time. Do you need a miracle in your own life? Do you want it right now? That is understandable but I have my own schedule and agenda. A transformed life only occurs with my intervention. It is a worthy goal and a miracle even if it takes a lifetime to occur. In patience possess your souls. 

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self-esteem?

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 03, 2016 - 20:05

What is your level of self-esteem? Do you think it is too low? You hear about this as a serious problem everywhere you go. Do you ever encounter someone who thinks their level of self-esteem is too high? Yet my word is full of admonitions to be humble and lowly in heart. Do you find anything in my word to tell you to think more highly of yourself than would otherwise? Yet the answer is not to heap condemnation on yourself. That is false humility because it is still an expression of self-consciousness, even if expressed negatively. Let go of your ego management project and look to me. 

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love your enemies

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 02, 2016 - 19:50

I want you to expend every effort to avoid making enemies, as much as you are able. I know that this can be difficult because there are those who are determined to extend the invitation. Yet my word is full of ways that you can decline. Go the extra mile, turn the other cheek. Insofar as it lies within you be at peace with every man. It is still true that a servant is not greater than his master, and that if they hated me they will hate you too if you follow me. I do not say it is possible to be at peace with everyone for this reason, but let your enemies be due to the fact that you display too much love rather than too little, and then love your enemies. 

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off the hook

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on December 01, 2016 - 21:46

Are you familiar with the idea of letting someone off the hook? If you have a case or a complaint against someone and decide not to pursue it this is a common expression used to describe your releasing them from judgment. Have you ever heard people complain about unfair treatment from me? Perhaps you have done this yourself. People assume that I am to blame for all the calamities and tribulations they encounter in life, and in many cases become bitter against me. These experiences may leave you with some difficult questions to struggle with about my sovereignty but the way you resolve them may lead you to false conclusions. You can start by letting me off the hook. 

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positive words

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on November 30, 2016 - 21:49

Have you encountered Christians who make only positive confessions? This good principle can be carried to extremes. Those who have been diagnosed with fatal illnesses and deny it are living in unreality and rejecting the truth. Yet even here there is a greater truth in the promise of eternal life and that nothing shall separate you from my love. How many people make proclamations of doom and gloom regarding future events where there are no facts to deny or affirm? Your future is not written but you can obtain a bad one if you want it, or you can trust in my diligent care for you to give you a future and a hope. 

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hearts desire

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on November 29, 2016 - 21:14

What are you looking for when you gather with others in my name? Is it important to you that I show up too? If this is what your heart hungers for, then you will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen, no matter what else happens. If you are indifferent to my presence then other things take on more significance. I have promised to be with even 2 or 3 who are gathered in my name. Yet beyond this, you have my promises that if you seek you will find, and that if you hunger and thirst after righteousness you will be filled. Invite me to your meetings. If this is your only desire you can be sure that I seek such to worship me and I will come. 

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born again

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on November 28, 2016 - 22:07

Have you found that people are amazingly adaptable and can learn just about anything? You may have surprised yourself by learning things you didn’t think you could master. Yet some skills seem to be innate, and no amount of training will make you proficient in them. You say of those in such positions that they are born, not made. How does this apply to spirituality? For some people the practices of the Christian faith and conduct seem to come easily, and for others they are a great struggle. Yet you know from basic doctrine that you are not saved by your own efforts. So are Christians born or made? They are born again. 

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oaths?

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Submitted by Dale Cresap on November 27, 2016 - 20:33

My word cautions you about making oaths. It is better that you not make an oath than that your oath be false. Have you ever made a firm declaration that you will never do a certain thing? You may not consider this an oath depending on the language you use, but what else would it be? Have you ever done something you said you never would? That thing may not be inherently evil, but going against your stated intentions will leave you conflicted either way. This disconnect can come through your weaknesses, or from coming to greater understanding and maturity. It is an expression of humility to refrain from making promises about what you will or won’t do. 

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