Dale Cresap's blog

Have you ever heard of a fish out of water? This is a vivid metaphor for someone in unfamiliar surroundings. You have seen the symbol of a fish used to represent my people. In a sense they are out of water in this world, for their home is in heaven. Do you ever feel out of place here? Your citizenship is in heaven, making you strangers and sojourners in this world. It is only proper for you to seek a city with foundations in heaven, for that is your true home. Devote yourself to seeking my Kingdom and I will provide for your needs in this world, and will not be ashamed to be called your God. 

Do you expect blessings in this world because you follow me? Do you think this may present a conflict of interest in the minds of prospective believers that they might believe for the sake of temporal blessings? My word says that if in this life only you have hope you are of all men most miserable. I ask of you total commitment and obedience. This is a high price for mere worldly blessings but for those who understand these are the keys to eternal life. Your light and temporary afflictions are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed in you. Neither are the blessings you receive in this world. 

Does it seem to you that everyone has a concern for the animals of the world, and if they are not willing to take action on their behalf at least they think someone else should? It is as if they were given dominion over the earth to replenish and subdue it. This was my commission to all humanity from the beginning. Can you see it present even in those who do not believe in me? This responsibility is hard-wired into them. Why else would they care about exotic animals that they will probably never see and certainly never domesticate? You can see this impulse in yourself as well, but I have given you a still greater commission, to preach the gospel to every creature.

How many different versions of the manner of my return have you heard? How many dates for this event have been proposed and passed without effect? Those who put them forth inevitably claim that they are based on scripture, yet they are wrong. How many scholars of the scriptures correctly predicted my first advent? My word proclaims my return, and it also tells you how to approach this topic. It does not say to study and predict, but rather to watch and pray. Some things are not easily explained but if you pay attention you will be aware and learn as you see them unfold. So it is with my return. If you look for me you will see me.

Does it ever seem to you that I am leading you to learn or gain experience or save for something without knowing the purpose for it? If you are confident of my leading you can do these things in faith even if you don’t know what they are for. I assigned Noah a major project in building the ark and he didn’t really comprehend it until the flood, but the work still had to be done in advance and I was pleased that he moved in faith. I have a plan in the purposes of my Kingdom for every resource I commit to your hand. Be diligent to keep and develop them so that you will be prepared when I open the door for you to use them for me.

Is it difficult for you to believe in things you cannot see, even, or especially, if your life depends on them? Your life depends on receiving oxygen in every breath. What does it look like? The skeptic and unbeliever have this dependency as much as you do, and they cannot see it either. It is no accident that I said that I created man from the dust of the earth, and then breathed life into him. You have heard of artificial respiration. This was not artificial. It was spiritual respiration. The wind is a Biblical image of the Spirit. You cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes, but your life depends on this as well. If you can depend on invisible things in the natural world, how much more can you depend on me?

Are you courageous? Do you think that courage is a dramatic manifestation of strength, only available to a few who face great risk and danger? Do you understand that it takes great courage to acknowledge weakness? Does pride or pressure force you to appear to be capable and independent even when you are not? It can take great courage to admit that you need help. Are you quick to offer to pray for others and reluctant to ask for the prayers of others for your own needs? If you seek you will find and if you ask it will be given, but you must first humble yourself to acknowledge your need.

[I'm leaving town to visit family and will resume messages Tuesday] 

Do you ever wish that people would leave you alone? They can be annoying and wearisome. Have you ever wished that I would leave you alone? That would be the worst thing that could happen to you. At the final judgment I tell those who did not know me to depart from me. As difficult as it is for you to go through my process of refinement and transformation in your life, it is what you really need. I love you too much to let you wander alone. So I intervene in your life and I don’t always wait for your permission. How would you be able to seek me if I did not call you? Answer my call and come to me.

Do you realize that I care about your morale? There are things in your life that need correction, but I do not willingly grieve or afflict my children. Sometimes I allow things to continue in your life because you could not bear to have them dealt with yet. Do not mistake this for my approval. I tell fathers not to provoke their children to wrath. Can you see that I follow the same advice I give? Haven’t my dealings with you been kind and gentle? Do not be discouraged. I tell you to rejoice and deal with you in such a way that you are able to. Guard your joy that you do not discard it, or let anyone else take it from you either. 

My word tells you to lay up treasure in heaven. Do you understand what this means? You are so surrounded by the material wealth of this world and the pursuit thereof that it may be difficult for you to comprehend true spiritual wealth. Treasure in heaven is not something you own like any other possession. It is something you are. Another promise in my word is that I will change you into my likeness. Do you understand that this is the same thing? This process is long and painful but as I accomplish it I am imparting true wealth to you. Do you value this form of wealth enough to see the process through?