Words of Encouragement

God offers to us his good fruit, but what good is it to us, until we take the first bite? (sketch done by Joselyn L. Williams)


Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. - Psalm 25:8-10

What Changes Us? Humbling ourselves. It is amazing to think about the goodness of God and how he will guide any that come to seek what is right from him. God wants all to have from his abundance, but it is our own pride that keeps us from coming and receiving what God has for us.



There is a exchange that must happen if you and I are to be changed from a sinful condition to one called the righteousness of God. That exchange cannot happen until we make the first step of humbling ourselves. Oh, yes the ultimate first step was made by God, which was the avenue of salvation. Yet we cannot receive until we come and humble ourselves and ask for it.



It is as a thirsty man seeking water and coming to a clear spring of pure water. You would think the man would gladly take of the water he so desperately needs to live, yet he sits down at the bank of the water and crosses his hands and will not drink. And to your amazement he simply sits there until his need for water overtakes him and he dies of thirst. Why didn't he drink when the water was right there? Many would not believe this could be possible because we would say, at some point he would have become so thirsty that he would drink.



As silly as this story may seem, do you know men and women are dying daily sitting at the bank of what will revive them and bring them new life? There are many that come to seek what will fill the thirst in them, the hunger and when you give them the answer of Jesus, they cross their arms and refuse to accept it. The refuse the thought that they must humble themselves and accept that they are not capable of doing things themselves. So instead they sit down by the side of the bank and die of thirst.



We cannot change anything in our lives no matter how much we think we can. True change does not come until we humble ourselves before God and allow him to show us and equip us to live by his standards and by his way.



I pray today that we would humble ourselves before our awesome God so that we can be changed to reflect him more and more. Lord, you are a faithful God and you will help us to become more faithful to your ways.