dialogue

Dale Cresap's picture

Do you enjoy conversation? Have you ever listened to someone who seemed to have a hidden agenda, who was steering toward his favorite and familiar place with arguments rehearsed in advance? Did you find this to be less satisfying than a real dialogue in which both parties were willing to adapt and go where the conversation led rather than steering it themselves? This type of conversation requires trust, commitment, and openness, and is therefore less common than the former. How would you describe your conversations with me? Are you willing to let go when you engage with me? Come and let us reason together. 

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Am I Enough? by Tamlynn Rideout

Mark Virkler's picture

After hearing that same question ring in my own head and heart for many MANY years, I finally did it! On September 1st of 2015 I asked God Himself: AM I ENOUGH? That I was so hesitant to do so was a huge indicator of my core belief regarding my own value. The words below are from the nine pages of free flowing and uninterrupted journaled response that bubbled up from the still small voice of the One who created and loves me beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. 

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betting on you!

Dale Cresap's picture

Do you think of education as speculation? It is expensive to provide or obtain, but you don’t have to have a resume or proven potential to get one. Some will do great things with what they learn and others not as much. So it is an uncertain investment made in faith. This illustrates a larger principle, for your entire life is my investment. I have lavished resources upon you to bring you where you are today. I can see your potential. Will it be realized? I’m willing to take the chance that it will. You can facilitate this by consent, and seeing yourself at the center of a divine project to bring you into your destiny. I'm leaving town for a few days. 

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win-win

Dale Cresap's picture

Do you think of life in terms of win-lose or win-win? Your economy is regarded as a zero sum game, and buyers and sellers negotiate over price. An advantage for one becomes a disadvantage for the other, and each one tries to gain every advantage for himself. Does this view of reality lead to an ideal situation for everyone? The economy of my Kingdom runs on a different principle. It is not a zero sum game. In fact, the solutions that are the best overall for everyone involved are the best for each individual involved. Does this seem impossible to you? If you ask me for the godly wisdom it requires I will give it to you. 

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brothers and sisters

Dale Cresap's picture

In some churches the members refer to each other as brother and sister. This reflects a spiritual reality, for the members of one body are also the members of one family. So more important than using these terms as titles is the conduct it calls for. How well did you get along with your brothers and sisters while you were growing up? This may not be something to emulate in your church. My word says it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity. Whether you use the terms brother and sister in church or not, you should relate to them also as friends for whom you would lay down your life. 

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SPIRITUAL WARFARE (PART THREE)!! The 101 best ways to fight the dark enemy

Mark Holloway's picture

The 101 best ways to fight the dark enemy – listen to me, listen, listen, listen, listen, listen – and then 95 times more – listen to me. It’s the only way to win.

God you want to talk more about spiritual warfare don’t you?

I do.

Are you sure? It’s a bit of a morbid conversation God. Won’t people just get sick of this topic?

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rejection

Dale Cresap's picture

Have you ever felt rejection from others? Who is not in a position to know firsthand how painful this is? In addition to the rejection you feel just from human existence you may experience rejection from people because you are faithful to me. Have you rejected other people? Is there anyone who would say you have? You have no control over the actions of others, and they are free to reject you, but you are not free to reject them in return. This may seem like an unfair burden, but I have called you to be the children of your Father in heaven, and he does not reject anyone, so you should not either. 

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fishing

Dale Cresap's picture

I called some fishermen to come and follow me, promising that I would make them fishers of men. You understand that I was talking about evangelism and since this call applies to you as well you can learn from this illustration. Fishing requires patience. You must be diligent, but trying too hard can drive away what you are trying to attract. When you are fishing you care whether it is you or the person next to you who catches a fish, but this should not apply to evangelism. Don’t beat the water with your fishing pole or present the gospel in such a way that it ruins the waters for those around you. 

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spirit knowing

Dale Cresap's picture

My disciple who reclined with me at dinner later said that he once knew me by the flesh but now knew me by the spirit. There were witnesses to my life on earth and he was one of them. Have you ever wished that you had been too, or heard your fellow believers make this lament? Compare and contrast knowing by the flesh and knowing by the spirit. The apostle who experienced both would not hesitate to say that knowing by the spirit was better. Do not live with regret that you were not able to know me in the flesh, for the better part is as available to you as it was to John.

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