David Male Fresno, CA United States: Share; Share on Twitter; Share on Facebook

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David replied to David's discussion 'What does it mean to ‘Serve’ the Lord?'

Hello Bill, Yes, I think you are quite on target. Thanks for the input! :)

August 30

Carolyn replied to David's discussion 'What does it mean to ‘Serve’ the Lord?'

Hey Sandy, I was looking around to see what's up... some of the same influencers that are mormon or universalist are still here, but many of the others working in their area of faith and practise are busy with other things. I still follow Sean and M…

August 30

Reuben Rai left a comment for David

August 14

Reuben Rai left a comment for David

August 14

My website is www.roughhewnministries.com

Someone sent this to me and I think we all need to see it.
DRESSED FOR CHURCH I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70's, with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come to church. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him. He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never accepted Christ, nor entered the doors of the church. "Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" I had asked him a few years ago. We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking. He hesitated. Then with a bitter smile he told me of his childhood experience some fifty years ago. He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them. The Sunday School class had been very exciting! He had never heard such songs and stories before! He had never heard anyone read from the Bible! After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, "Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God's house." He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls. Then looking at his dirty bare feet, he answered softly, "No, ma'am, I won't-ever." "And I never did," he said, abruptly ending our conversation.

There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart. I 'm sure that Sunday School teacher meant well. But did she really understand the love of Christ? Had she studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James? What if she had put her arms around the dirty, ragged little boy and said, "Son, I am so glad you are here, and I hope you will come back every chance you get to hear more about Jesus."

I reflected on the awesome responsibility a teacher or pastor or a parent has to welcome little ones in His name. How far-reaching her influence was! I prayed that I might be ever open to the tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.

Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him say, "No, ma'am, I won't-ever."

And I wept.

~ Author Unknown ~

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At 7:31am on August 14, 2010, Reuben Rai said…: Please pray for this program.

At 7:31am on August 14, 2010, Reuben Rai said…: Hi David
How are you doing? We have Pastors meeting beginning from yesterday and will go untill 16 August. We are making many evangelistic plans together.
Reuben

At 11:33am on May 22, 2010, Dale Interactive said…: Thanks David!

At 8:26pm on March 8, 2009, Daniel & Heather said…: sure david, feel free to re-post anything you like. thanks for the encouragement.

peace,
daniel & heather
we're looking forward to gettin to know you more!

At 7:35pm on December 14, 2008, Annette Land said…: Hi David,
Yes I am already aware of Molong - he is on another island and is doing good work.
Thankyou.

At 7:37pm on October 22, 2008, molong nacua said…: Hi David, cool.
Just been wandering in 8 cities in my country, have meals with the networks and leaders, encourage others to start house churches.
Home now, and nice to be home with family.
How are yah mate?

At 7:29pm on October 4, 2008, Reuben Rai said…: Hi David
I just post a September blog here. www.freewebs.com/reubenrai and click on blog.
Reuben

At 1:22am on September 16, 2008, Dena Brehm said…: I got a notice that you asked about my signature line, but I can't find it via the link. Oh well.

As for the sig-line, I just copy and paste it from my own email package each time I post. Yeah, a bit troublesome, but I love my sig line (you should see the ones I left OFF!).

Shalom, Dena

At 11:18pm on September 14, 2008, Dena Brehm said…: Javaman! Fancy meeting you here! Glad you joined the party!

Yeah, we all get around, no? Spiritual promiscuity maybe? (yeah, let's redeem the word!)

Shalom, Dena

At 11:24pm on September 12, 2008, molong nacua said…: Hi David, thanks for inviting my friend, just came home my trip Indonesia-Singapore trip joining 3rd Asian House Church Conference.