A few thoughts from Ambato convention

• There are many experiences in life that aren't resolved overnight.  It's like a long war.
• We want to live so we would be available to take on necessary responsibilities but not be discouraged if we're not chosen.
• Pride caused Saul to be rejected.
• There's a wonderful strength in humility.
• Eliab misunderstood David (I Sam. 17) because Eliab was proud.  He was proud, so he thought David was the same.  Pride has poor judgment.  
• Eliab belittled David's job.  That's why he was refused from being king.  He thought there were great and not so great places in the kingdom.  David knew that every place is important.  The main thing is to be responsible in our place, whatever it is.  It's not usually able people who rise up to fill places; it's responsible people.
• Is it worth fighting the lion and the bear for one lamb?  Many wouldn't think so.  David was responsible.  
• Humility isn't always grasping for justice.  Humble people feel their need for mercy.  Do we seek more for mercy or for justice?  Which one do we need more?
• If we don't submit, we won't be able to see the Savior.
• After selling all he had to buy the field containing the treasure, the man in Matthew 13:44 had nothing left.  That meant his whole future would have depended on the treasure.
• The slothful man in Proverbs 24 was becoming poor with something in his possession that could have made him very rich.
• Jesus didn't serve out of obligation.
• There are certain difficult experiences that we could possibly avoid, but what effect would that have on others?  Jesus knew that His friends would have no hope if He didn't face the experience of the cross.
• He who pardons lifts two burdens - that of the offender and that of the offended.
• As we love the truth more, it becomes easier to obey.
• It's not just about loving what is good and true; it's also about hating that which is false.
• How do we react to correction?
• If what I share in a meeting doesn't apply to me, it's not helpful for others either.
• When we forgive, we don't necessarily forget what happened; we just remember it differently.
• After the music and dancing was over, the prodigal son had to begin reforging his testimony, to show his repentance in his service.
• Our perception of the passing of time is very revealing.  (Luke 15:29 / Gen. 29:20)