Beyond Any Mask

The contrast between Christian and non-Christian, for some in the world today, has become quite blurred because there are professing Christians who, in God's eyes, are stained from and smell like the polluted garbage of the world. With a mask on, they appear to be the model Christian, but beyond the disguise, they disobey God, lie, covet what's not theirs, and sadly practice other fruits of the flesh.

God reminded Samuel the prophet (see 1 Sam. 16:7) that our inner qualities – our character traits – mean far more to Him than “outward appearances.” Why” Because your character drives your destiny.

If you really want the character of Jesus and want to live out God's purpose for your life, you must:

• Allow the Holy Spirit to expose your ungodly weaknesses
• Shed your hypocrisy (i.e. stop pretending to be someone you're not)

Please accept this personal challenge to join me on this journey as we boldly:

• Seek to remove any mask you may be wearing
• Come to the altar of repentance before God
• Learn to live as the “real deal” before a generation that needs you.

David is a layman who is actively involved at Church of the Highlands. On a near-weekly basis, he can be found serving and ministering in various capacities throughout north Alabama and surrounding area. This service and ministry consists of, but is not limited to: prison ministry (i.e., fellowship, feeding inmates, prayer, and sharing the Gospel), hospital visits (i.e., fellowship and prayer), driving a Salvation Army canteen truck to feed the homeless and needy, and participation in miscellaneous benefit events (e.g., children’s homes, VFW posts). In addition to the aforementioned, David has had an opportunity to share the Good News in churches (e.g., preaching, teaching) and at secular (non-Christian) venues. He has a heart for meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of God’s people.

David holds several educational degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, a Master of Science degree in Systems Analysis, and also a Master of Business Administration degree. In addition to the degrees he also holds several world-renown professional certifications. David has held job titles from computer programmer to … VP of Professional Services. He leverages his education and extensive experience to manage projects for his Birmingham, AL-based employer. David also holds a computer engineering patent and has published over a dozen technical white papers during his lengthy career.

David and his wife, Marina, enjoy living in the north Alabama area. They are blessed to have their two married daughters and their families nearby. With their extended families nearby, they stay quite involved and busy with their seven, energetic grandchildren (five boys and two girls). To relax, David likes to get away on his motorcycle, with Marina, on a country back-road. He is also a long-time (over forty years) runner and still gets out and pounds the pavement three or four days each week.