John,
Some of the things that were said tonight about being proud about what one knows, or being supremely confident in being right, were so good. It brought to mind the scene with the Pharisee and the publican:
Luke 18 (KJV)
[10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
[13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
God help us to see things how God sees them! And be the kind of people that can hear and recognize God’s voice and respond without any coaxing (like a “soft touch” horse as with Judy’s testimony, or the small gentle motions of God’s gently guiding hand, as with Darren’s testimony tonight).
Also, on the topic of Revelation, and God sifting out His Old Testament people gradually over the centuries until the final sifting, when the Beast attacks Israel, I opened my Bible to a random spot this morning, and it opened to Psalm 102. When I read this, I was amazed at how you can begin to see things differently, in light of some of the things Jesus has been showing you lately.
Starting in verse 11,
[11] My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
[12] But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
[13] Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
and then in verse 17,
[17] He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
[18] This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
And it ends with,
[28] The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
I loved this when I read it! I don’t know if this is altogether talking about Jesus rescuing His people when He returns, but it sure seemed related, and it felt good reading it.
Praying for you all to have a safe and productive trip.
Vince