Dale Cresap's blog

Do you understand the importance of evangelism? My apostles asked me for boldness in proclaiming the gospel message and you should make it a priority as well. Yet it is still a process that calls for patience. It is an area in which pushing faster and harder doesn’t always give better results. People react badly when they feel they are being coerced or turned into a project. They become defensive and resist even when there is no reason to resist. Look for and respond to every opportunity to obey me, but realize that there are times when you plant and times when you water, but only I can give growth and increase. 

Do you meet believers who say they wish they had lived when I lived on earth? This is not available to you and is not as desirable as you may think. Many who saw me in person did not follow me. Yet you have something better available to you. A witness in my word recounts that though he knew me in the flesh, henceforth he knows me in the spirit rather than the flesh. This same relationship is available to you. This is a superior way of knowing, transcending the limitations of appearance. It is the ultimate reality, and the way you are able to know me as I know you. 

Have you ever seen an altar of human sacrifice? This phrase conjures up images of ancient pagan civilizations and blood rituals, but every church should have one. The shape, size, and construction are not really important but every church should have a place where people can consecrate themselves to me. In this case it is for the living rather than a place of death, but in a larger sense it is a place to lay down your life that you may really live. For I have called you to lay down your lives bearing about in your body my death that the power of my resurrection may also be manifested in you. 

Have you ever heard of fertile ground? This is a misnomer. The fertility is not present in the soil, but in the seed planted in the soil. In my parable of the sower and the seed, the soil represents the hearts of people on whom the fertile seed of my word falls. The soil can bring forth nothing by itself even as without me you can do nothing. Yet it is only in good soil that the seed can bring forth fruit. In like manner you are to abide in the vine, for I am the vine and bear you as the branches. This is such a simple concept and readily understood by natural illustrations. Are you walking in the reality of it? 

Do you have mirrors in your home? Have you ever broken one? This is bad luck according to superstition, but it may be a good idea. It is possible to be too devoted to oneself. A mirror has the obvious function of allowing you to see your own image, but even without one you can focus too much on your own interests and point of view. My word says that you see in a glass darkly, but then face to face. You have higher quality mirrors available to you than when this was written, but they will still only give you your own reflection. Turn away from your figurative mirrors and look to me that you may see me face to face, and brighter than any reflection of you.

Economists understand the connection between demand, supply, and value as it applies to money. Do you understand that this principle can be more broadly applied? Compliments and affirmation tend to be in short supply and high demand. This gives them tremendous value. Those who understand this can use them for flattery and manipulation, but if your motivation is pure you can affirm the work I am doing through someone else and exhort and encourage them to continue. Don’t you thrive on such recognition yourself? Ask me for opportunities to affirm others and I will give them to you for creating so much value at so little cost.

How do you respond to those with whom you disagree? This must include everyone for there are no two people with the same positions on everything, and probably none who disagree on everything. Some people are quick and eager to find areas of disagreement, and then to create distinction and distance, but I have called you seek peace and harmony as much as you are able. Even if your differences with others are irreconcilable there is no need for you to pronounce judgment upon them. If I did not come into the world to condemn the world, how much less should you? Speak the truth in love, and do and teach my commandments with grace.

Do you find that everyone wants to be considered attractive, and makes some effort to present themselves favorably? Yet even those who find acceptance for their appearance would rather have acceptance for their mind than for their body. The mind is more enduring than the attractiveness of the body, and also closer to your true identity. Yet even minds age and decline, but you still love and relate to your friends and family in their declining years. The spirit is even more enduring than the mind, and is the true essence of your being. Learn to live in the awareness of your own spirit and to know others in the spirit for this is the greatest reality. 

Do you value your freedom of speech? Some countries make this an explicit right and others do not, but in reality no one can prevent you from saying what you want. The consequences may be different, and there can be unpleasant consequences for inadvisable statements even if speech is free. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and this applies to believer and unbeliever alike. You will prosper or fail and even live or die according to what you say. Have you noticed that people who control their speech do better than those who do not? Let your words be of life and grace and you will eat the fruit thereof. 

Have you ever suffered afflictions in a situation that you were unable to share with your friends because to do so would be ungracious toward other people involved? I taught my followers to pay their alms in secret that their Father in heaven would reward them openly and in like manner for prayer and fasting. Those who sought approval from men already had their reward and by implication missed out on a heavenly reward. Suffering is also a part of the Christian life. Don’t you admire those who suffer in silence? Even if you don’t complain to your friends I am aware of your situation and if you suffer in secret I will comfort you more than they ever could.