This is my friend Dave (pictured with his wife, Michelle).  He is my ‘brotha’ from another motha’.  By trade, Dave is highly trained (and poorly paid) technician for Orkin Pest Control.  Often times, when you call him during the day and ask him how he’s doing, he’ll say, “driving around, killin’ stuff.”  He has a tremendous sense of humor.  When someone says, “they have a lust for life,” Dave embodies that statement. He is funny, loud, goofy, and has a youthful innocence that just oozes from his pores.  You cannot get within 20 feet of Dave on not immediately love the guy.

I’ve been in ministry for almost a decade, and Dave knows more Bible than most ALL the pastors I have known.  Dave is Matthew 6:33 brought to life.  Quick story…  A coupel years back, Dave had some heart concerns and he was in the hospital for a few days.  I got him a NIV Bible because he only had a Message translation.  The NIV version Dave got has been read, re-read, thumbed through, taught from, researched, poured over, and it is NEVER far from him.  He keeps it on his dashboard and I believe that he reads it during red lights.

Dave plays guitar, also.  Is he Lincoln Brewster, no. But then again, who is? But Dave plays with passion for God and a love of his instrument. I understand that lately, Dave has been singing and leading more at his church, and God has been blessing every note.  Dave has other gifts as well.  You see, Dave has never met a stranger and he has the gift of relation: when he meets you, you instantly become family.  It truly is a gift.  Dave’s other passion is food, and if you have ever had some of Dave’s pork ribs, you KNOW he is Da’ Bomb with a grill.

They say that to truly love someone, you should put their needs first.  And that speaks to Dave.  I cannot ever remember a time when I’ve asked Dave for help, or let him know there was a need, that he was not the FIRST person to step in and put their hands to whatever is needed.  He truly gives and gives until it hurts.

Today is Dave’s birthday…and it’s a holiday week, so is Dave at home taking it easy?  Nope, he’s working his ass off trying to get as much done so that he can get on a plane and fly up to Atlanta to help Sarah and I move.  We called and asked if he would be willing to fly up and drive a vehicle down to Tampa, and he whole-heartedly said, “well, yeah!”  That is Dave.  He is amazing and I am honored and privileged to call him my friend.  I look forward to spending more time with Dave and his family.  I look forward to eternity with my friend Dave.  I pray that God blesses him and gives Dave a GREAT birthday.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”