not the gladiator on the field of battle, UP TO DAVE.  A spectator to the orchestrations of the CreatorSustainer of the Universe, in me, others, circumstances.  Curious and expectant to see what He does NEXT, in me, others, circumstances.  Not my problem, nor my job to fix.  When the blinders come off by the convicting…

it’s UP TO DAVE to make the right decision.  ShepherdDave, feeling pressure to get it right.  DumbSheepDave on the other hand, feels zero pressure, because he’s curious/expectant to see what his SovereignShepherdJesus does NEXT, in Dave, others, circumstances.  Not DumbSheepDave’s problem.  DumbSheepDave is always eager to be led, always expects to be led, because he’s…

has been amazingly helpful to me lately.  Huh?  Here’s how it works.  When I notice one of my idols distracting me from fixing my eyes and thoughts on Jesus, I say to myself, “So what, Dave?” So what if your car is cooler than their car?  Or theirs cooler than yours?  So what if you’re…

how is Jesus-dependency even possible?  If the Christian life is UP TO DAVE, if facing my daily challenges is UP TO DAVE, if obeying Jesus is UP TO DAVE, if surrendering to Jesus is UP TO DAVE, if loving Jesus and loving others is UP TO DAVE, if seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness/worthiness…

Encouraging story of Aslan on the move in the Middle East.  Reported in the New York Times no less.  Jesus, You are amazing! “It is a transition that has surprised everyone, not least of all himself.  Four years ago, Mr. Mohammad tells me, ‘Frankly I would have slaughtered anyone who suggested it.’  Not only have…

with others, or circumstances, I feel ENTITLED.  To better, easier.  When I’m not THANKful for evathang just as it is, and everyone just as we are, I’m functioning as IndependentDave/ProudDave/JudgeDave/WorldlyDave/ShepherdDave.  Not a created-dependent.  Not a humble bone in my body.  Because I’m confident-I-know-what’s-best.  Wise in my own eyes, leaning on my own understanding. —EntitledDave, needing…

worships, his ShepherdJesus and SERVES Him only, but ShepherdDave is focused on, worships, his circumstances, and SERVES his addictions.  What are Dave’s addictions?  Ministry, cars, physical-and-emotional health, sports teams, investments, bargains, appearance, relationships, critic/judge of everyone and everything.  Addicts do not experience happiness/contentment/sanity.  Addicts work hard to appear normal to others and to self, but…

the other day.  I’ve got these C/E notes (curious/expectant) all over my house, and the dashboard of my car.  I was surprised by how unexpectant I was of His blessing in my long drive through heavy traffic, to eat at a Golden Corral.  It was one of those times when it seemed like everything went…

the more confident I am I know what’s best for me and others.  And.  The less contented I am, with myself, possessions, accomplishments, Jesus, and His genius plan for my life, and the more easily irritated I am with others, and the more competitive I am.  Inwardly.  But outwardly I’ve learned to fake niceness, kindness,…

I’m always confident-I-know-what’s-best, leaning on my own understanding, wise in my own eyes, not THANKful for the harrrd in my life that comes from the hand of my loving Savior to retrain me in a better way of living, and what’s worst — I’m circumstance-dependent for my joy and peace, feeling entitled to easier, claiming…