Dale Cresap's blog

Have you heard that revenge is best served cold? This is a violation of two of my commandments. Vengeance is mine rather than yours, and you are not to let the sun go down on your wrath. Do you think that I am doing an acceptable job of executing vengeance on your behalf? Do you think that I should act more quickly and severely? Are your enemies getting more lenient treatment than they deserve? Yet when you accept the principle that vengeance is mine you forfeit the right to make such judgments. It is one thing to love mercy extended to you, and another to love mercy extended to your brother who has offended you. I delight in mercy, and in those who delight in mercy for all.

You understand the importance of mercy and grace. Do you understand the difference between them? It is merciful that you do not get the punishment you deserve. This is necessary for the forgiveness of your sins in salvation. Grace is unmerited favor. It is the gift of the good things you do not deserve. It is by grace that I equip and enable you to serve me effectively. Do you see how these things are both beneficial and work together in your life? I did not save you to set you aside in a redeemed but static condition. I have greater plans for you. Receive mercy and grace from me that you may walk in the fullness of the abundance of your destiny. 

Do you have compassion for the poor? It is tragic for any to perish for lack of food, and those who minister to those in need are blessed for it. This is a central theme of Christian service. Can you imagine anyone starving even when food is available? This is incomprehensible because hunger is such a strong motivator. Yet how many are starving spiritually even though they know that I am the Bread of Life? Blessed are those who deliver this bread to those who are in darkness and are unaware of the gospel. Blessed are those who stir up the complacent and remind them to be nourished in me. 

Do you think that you are low-maintenance as a believer if you do not ask for much in prayer? You have seen the excesses and abuses of those who ask for much out of greed and self-indulgence. Yet their error is not in asking for much, but the purpose and intent of their heart. In the context of seeking my will to advance the Kingdom of God you cannot ask for too much, and moderation here is not admirable. Have you noticed the audacity of those in the Bible and others who did great things for me because they asked for great things? I was pleased with them and their great faith. The principle of asking and receiving works at any scale and magnitude. 

Do you find that your days have a way of quickly immersing you in concerns? If you don’t get your day off to a good start with a proper perspective it is hard to get it back under control. The Psalmist said early in the morning will I rise up and seek thee, and he communed with his own heart upon his bed. It may seem that your time is not your own during the day, but if you give it to me when you first get up it will be mine and that is even better. Not all time is equal in availability or effectiveness. Give me the first of your time as you do the first of your money and I will bless the remainder to make it more effective. 

Do you think that tithing is a New Testament principle? You are right, but there is a still stronger principle about giving. Let each one give as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for I love a cheerful giver. Don’t give against your will because you are pressured to do so. Do you think there is a blessing that comes with giving? I want you to understand that you are already blessed or you would not have anything to give. If you comprehend this you will see your resources as an abundance from which to give. I spoke in my word of higher principles than tithing and said this you should have done without leaving the other undone. This is a general principle that applies to your attitude toward giving cheerfully as well as the amount.

In military organizations there is a clearly defined structure of command. Every soldier knows who his commander is, and every commander in turn knows who is over him. I encountered a Centurion and found his great faith remarkable. He knew about authority because he was under authority. Believers are also in structured organization called my church. Yet they are free to choose who is over them. Who else has such latitude in selection? Yet this is not a choice to make lightly, or for the purpose of your own ease and comfort. Those in positions of authority in my church watch for your souls and will give an account for you. You want someone who takes this responsibility seriously.

Do you love the fruit of righteousness? Do you hate the process by which you acquire it? Do you see any inconsistency between these positions? You know that apples and pears do not develop overnight. It is the same way with the fruit I produce in you. If you love the end product then embrace the way it is developed, even if it is difficult. Knowing the connection between the result and the method makes the process easier to take, and the fruit endures after the process is complete. How many mothers who love their babies enjoy the discomfort of pregnancy? Yet they choose it freely for the joy of bringing life into the world. In patience choose the path that leads to righteousness and walk in it.

  I tell you that I am the living water and invite you to drink. I tell you that except you eat and drink the flesh and blood of the Son of Man you have no life in you. Does this bother you? Yet when you see the magnificent sights of nature or a stellar performance it is accepted terminology to say that you are drinking it in. if you can accept this concept for things that are visible and natural, then it is a small extension to apply it to things that are spiritual and eternal. In this case it is even greater – more profound and significant. Come to me all who are thirsty, and drink of the water of life freely. 

In an age of instant electronic communication and huge databases, are you concerned about who has access to your personal information? You can take steps to secure your data, but I still know the number of hairs on your head. You have an intense desire to be known, yet you have a justifiable concern that you not reveal yourself to anyone and everyone, for some would use your openness against you. You want to reveal yourself to those you trust, who love and care about you. This is a valid description of me, and you life is already an open book to me. I know more about you than you know yourself. Come and walk with me and one day you will know as you are known.