Jared,
When I started coming up with names for this list, yours was one of the first few I wrote down. Your writing has been a continual blessing to me over the last several years. I’ve not only enjoyed your books myself, but have given them away regularly to bless others. Your words have been useful to me for Sunday School lesson writing, for sermon prep, and most often for daily devotional reading as I seek to be a better disciple of Jesus.
I’ve also had the blessing to sit under your teaching at a few different conferences. There, you shared your heart in a way that was courageous and honest. Rather than put on a front or try to carry off a persona of strength and accomplishment, you’ve sought to glory in your weaknesses. The deep and genuine humility I have seen in you is refreshing in a world of platform-building and name recognition. Please, please don’t ever lose that.
Every interaction I’ve had with you has left me encouraged and strengthened. I have been struck by your sincerity and kindness. I have described you more than once as “a legitimately good dude.” Thanks for being that.
As you have detailed in books and talks over the years, God has taken you on a pretty rigorous and challenging path. In recent months and years, that seems to have continued. I want you to know that I pray for you when you come to mind, that God would strengthen your heart, protect you from the Enemy, and remind you of His mercy.
In recent weeks, it seems like you’re taking a lot more flak than usual online. And truth be told, there are places in the current cultural conversation where you and I would probably disagree on how to address certain issues or which teachers or speakers to take seriously. My hope and expectation is that, should we have the chance to interact again, we will continue to do so with gentleness and respect.
Thank you for your ministry, and all the ways it has blessed and challenged me. I pray for the peace and grace of God over you, sir. God bless you.
–Dave
The4thDave Blog 