The Future

Dale Cresap's picture

Do you worry about the future? I have counseled you against this. Do you wonder if I have mapped out your future for you, or if you are making it up as you go? This question leads you to issues of foreknowledge and foreordination. This is too great a burden for you to bear. You can move forward without a definite answer to this. I told you that my thoughts toward you were of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. My plans are to prosper you, and I will complete the good work I have begun in you. Don’t worry about tomorrow, but seek my will today. It will surely come to pass. 

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My gifts

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Do you have a list of people to whom you give Christmas or birthday gifts? Would you consider it rude to neglect one of these? Are you responsive to their suggestions of things they would like? I am generous, and everyone in the world is on my list. I give gifts to everyone, and more than one. My word says that I give them severally as I please. It also instructs you to desire the greater gifts, especially that you may prophesy. So which is it, my generosity or your request? My generosity should not bring forth a passive response from you. Be grateful for what I give you, and look for my purpose as you exercise it, but also realize I am open to suggestions. 

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heavenly treasure

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Do you know, or know of, people whose ultimate goal is money? They take the concept of the almighty dollar seriously, and typically acquire much more money than the average person. But it is never enough. It seems that getting more causes their goal to advance even further, so they don’t make progress toward satisfaction. I placed in you a desire to seek the infinite and transcendent. It is a mistake to apply this quest to infinite money, because this is an unreal goal, but the longing still exists. I teach you to be content with your material things, and apply your desire for the infinite to things above, that your treasure may be in heaven.  

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inner work

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Have you realized the need for a change and moved to a new location, job, or church (or marriage) as a result? Were you disappointed to find that you encountered the same problems in the new location or situation? The problem is that you brought your old self with you, and the cause of the problem in the first place was still in effect. Some people call this running from your problems (but your old self can keep up with you). Sometimes situational changes are called for but they should be in response to internal changes. Do your internal work of transformation and doors will open for your situation to conform to your inner changes. 

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good work

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Do you see the need to earn a living as being a consequence of the fall? Does this give you a negative view of work as an unpleasant necessity? This would be a dismal perspective on something that requires so much of your life. There were those employed as servants in my time who had no control over the  terms of their employment. My word instructed them to seek freedom if they had the opportunity, otherwise to view their positions as serving me. You don’t have to be an involuntary servant to hold this perspective. Be glad if you have voluntary employment, and look at your job as sacred service for me. 

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be patient

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Do you lament that the people to whom you present the gospel message do not respond? Do not be discouraged. Multiple exposure is more often necessary than not. In addition, life has a way of catching up with people. Over time, false ideals and ways of living will be challenged by real life. Nature sides with eternal truth. Some people have to go their own way until it is obvious that it isn’t working. Be patient. You are called to plant and water. When the time is right there will be an open door and I will bring to their remembrance the message you gave them and the seeds you planted will grow. 

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destiny

Dale Cresap's picture

You share the good news of the gospel by telling people that I have a plan for their life, and you are right. You want them to respond to me, but my plan for them is not a stock, one-size-fits-all answer. It is a unique destiny crafted just for them. Would you like to know your own? But I do not show it to you all at once. Yet I will show you enough today for you to do what you need to do today. It may not seem significant to you, but if you are faithful in these small things, I will build them into great things. Trust me to the point that you can give yourself completely to the task at hand, and I will build it into a destiny. I will complete my good work in you. 

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surrender

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My word set forth religious practices including sacrifices in the Old Testament. But even there I made it clear that to obey was better than sacrifice. Sacrifices may be very costly, but they can still be a calculated expense that leaves you in control. To obey is an acknowledgment that you are not in control; that there is a higher authority over you. This makes obedience the ultimate sacrifice. It is a matter of surrender. This is superior to all religious rituals, and it is what I ask of you. You speak of my love as unconditional and you are right. Let your surrender to me be unconditional as well. 

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brother's keeper?

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Am I my brother’s keeper? This question was first asked in a disingenuous way by someone who had just killed his brother. It was never really answered, and so it remains as a timeless question. Are you your brother’s keeper? Do you view all of humanity as connected and related? My word proclaims liberty. Do you see liberty as an expression of autonomy and isolation? I didn’t secure your freedom for you to spend it on yourself alone. Don’t be so blind as to fail to see your connection with others. You are your brother’s keeper. What this requires of you is a question you should keep asking and answering. 

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