Thirsty For Truth has a brand new site!! Please go to www.thirstyfortruth.com to view my new blog!!!
Blessings,
Heather
Thirsty For Truth
"but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst..." John 4:14
January 06, 2010
May 15, 2009
God's Way
"Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists." Acts 12:7
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose." Acts 16:25-26
This is God's way. In the darkest hour of need, He shines His light. It was on the day of Peter's execution that an angel of the Lord was sent to deliver him of such a fate.
In Esther 5:14 and Esther 7:9, we learn the fate of the Jew, Mordecai and his tormentor, Hamman. It was when the gallows were complete and in place that the Lord intervened. God saved Mordecai and the gallows were used to kill his enemy, Hamman.
God may keep you waiting until it seems you can't wait any longer, but He is ever mindful of His promise and His Word will be fulfilled. This is how God shows His magnificent Glory...
"Difficulty is the very atmosphere of miracles. It is a miracle in its first stage. If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty but impossiblity. The clinging hand of His child makes a desperate situation a delight to Him." -Unknown
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose." Acts 16:25-26
This is God's way. In the darkest hour of need, He shines His light. It was on the day of Peter's execution that an angel of the Lord was sent to deliver him of such a fate.
In Esther 5:14 and Esther 7:9, we learn the fate of the Jew, Mordecai and his tormentor, Hamman. It was when the gallows were complete and in place that the Lord intervened. God saved Mordecai and the gallows were used to kill his enemy, Hamman.
God may keep you waiting until it seems you can't wait any longer, but He is ever mindful of His promise and His Word will be fulfilled. This is how God shows His magnificent Glory...
"Difficulty is the very atmosphere of miracles. It is a miracle in its first stage. If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty but impossiblity. The clinging hand of His child makes a desperate situation a delight to Him." -Unknown
May 14, 2009
No Reply
"‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply." Matthew 22:12
In this parable, Jesus is relating the story of the wedding feast to the Kingdom of God. What this parable means is that God calls each and every one of us into service. He comands us to go forth and make disciples - He calls us into the Kingdom of God. God paid a high price for us, He chose us to be His people. But, not answering Him, or responding to Him WILL result in disaster.
When we place the will of the Father first and foremost ,above our will, for our lives, we will become fulfilled! Not having that causes utter destruction, confusion and lack of purpose.
Reading on to verse 14 (Matt. 22), the Word tells us that "Many are called but few are chosen".
Be part of the chosen few. Pray for God's Will to be first in your life, overcoming your own desires. Walk in the blessed knowledge of your purpose!!
Seeking and realizing God's plan for your life offers you freedom to be what God created you to be because we were formed for a specific purpose. Just be sure to have your reply ready when He calls...
Read: Jeremiah 29:11
In this parable, Jesus is relating the story of the wedding feast to the Kingdom of God. What this parable means is that God calls each and every one of us into service. He comands us to go forth and make disciples - He calls us into the Kingdom of God. God paid a high price for us, He chose us to be His people. But, not answering Him, or responding to Him WILL result in disaster.
When we place the will of the Father first and foremost ,above our will, for our lives, we will become fulfilled! Not having that causes utter destruction, confusion and lack of purpose.
Reading on to verse 14 (Matt. 22), the Word tells us that "Many are called but few are chosen".
Be part of the chosen few. Pray for God's Will to be first in your life, overcoming your own desires. Walk in the blessed knowledge of your purpose!!
Seeking and realizing God's plan for your life offers you freedom to be what God created you to be because we were formed for a specific purpose. Just be sure to have your reply ready when He calls...
Read: Jeremiah 29:11
May 13, 2009
Divine Promises
"I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses." Joshua 1:3
Divine Promises...
What did God say to Joshua? He said, "EVERY PLACE that the sole of your foot treads upon - that - I have given you".
God then outlines the land - but, on one condition. They have to march through the land and measure it by thier own feet.
The land that God had promised proved to be a vast land and the people pnly marched through about a 1/3 of it...and guess what? They never recieved more than a 1/3 of the land. They got what they measured off and no more.
Are you recieving all of the Divine Promises of God?
It is so important for us to take God at His word, He promises us so much and it's up to us to recieve those promised through faith and obeidience. So walk confidently, measuring off the promises that God intends for us to have.
May 12, 2009
Only A Voice...
"And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.” John 10:41
You may not be as important as you'd like to be. You may be discontent in your life and possibly feel a little insignificant. Your days may not include any real action or adventure. Yet, you might live a great and wonderful life.
John the Baptist never performed any miracles but Jesus says in John 11:11 that 'none is greater than he'. His job was to 'bear witness' - to prepare the way for Jesus (John 1:6 & 7) and this may be our job too. John was content to be only a voice.
We should be willing to be only a voice too, to be heard and not seen. It's not the most glamourous job but we are doing more than we know. We never who we will touch in a day with just a single word - sowing the seeds of life, starting trickles of peace and love - giving others thoughts of Christ in which they may reflect over later, possibly growing in the knowledge of Him.
I read a quote recently that I've come to love...
"I will be satisfied if no great masoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls would gather there when I'm gone and say, 'He was a good man; though he brought no great miracles, he spoke words about Christ which led me to know Him myself'."
Now, that's living a life that matters!
You may not be as important as you'd like to be. You may be discontent in your life and possibly feel a little insignificant. Your days may not include any real action or adventure. Yet, you might live a great and wonderful life.
John the Baptist never performed any miracles but Jesus says in John 11:11 that 'none is greater than he'. His job was to 'bear witness' - to prepare the way for Jesus (John 1:6 & 7) and this may be our job too. John was content to be only a voice.
We should be willing to be only a voice too, to be heard and not seen. It's not the most glamourous job but we are doing more than we know. We never who we will touch in a day with just a single word - sowing the seeds of life, starting trickles of peace and love - giving others thoughts of Christ in which they may reflect over later, possibly growing in the knowledge of Him.
I read a quote recently that I've come to love...
"I will be satisfied if no great masoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls would gather there when I'm gone and say, 'He was a good man; though he brought no great miracles, he spoke words about Christ which led me to know Him myself'."
Now, that's living a life that matters!
May 11, 2009
Stand!
"But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Exodus 14:13
In this verse lie one of God's greatest commands to any believer that has done everything they can do and can't do anything else. They can't turn back - they can't move forward - all they can do is stand!
The enemy may come in during these times and tell us, "Just lie down, just give up". The enemy may tell us, "Standing idle is a waste of time, Do something".
But, God tells us to stand where we are, firmly planted. Kepp the posture of an upright believer, ready to move when told, expectant of further orders, patiently and cheerfully waiting on the gentle voice of the Lord. It won't be long before God will tell you, just as He told Moses to "Go forward".
It can be quite difficult but wait. If any doubts come, wait! Don't force yourself into any action. I promise that whatever you need is already in the works...God is never late!
In this verse lie one of God's greatest commands to any believer that has done everything they can do and can't do anything else. They can't turn back - they can't move forward - all they can do is stand!
The enemy may come in during these times and tell us, "Just lie down, just give up". The enemy may tell us, "Standing idle is a waste of time, Do something".
But, God tells us to stand where we are, firmly planted. Kepp the posture of an upright believer, ready to move when told, expectant of further orders, patiently and cheerfully waiting on the gentle voice of the Lord. It won't be long before God will tell you, just as He told Moses to "Go forward".
It can be quite difficult but wait. If any doubts come, wait! Don't force yourself into any action. I promise that whatever you need is already in the works...God is never late!
May 10, 2009
The Power of Words
I know two families, both going through the exact same struggles. Both families had undergone the layoff of a job that was sustaining their families. What is so interesting about this is that both families handled this storm of life in two very distinct ways. One family was positive in their speech and trust in the Lord while the other family was negative and angry that God had allowed this to happen. Can you guess the outcome of these families?
Because of the positive attitude, joyful praises and prayerful life, one family was called back to work. The other family, I regret to say, was let go permantly along with 154 others from the company.
I'm not sure that we realize just how powerful our words truly are. We have such awesome power to bring things to pass by the words we speak.
According to the Hebrew language, the word 'dabar', means word, statement, acts or things. This double meaning tells us that words are things. When we understand this, we can begin to understand what power God gave us when He gave us speech.
Proverbs 18:20-21 says, " Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
If we are constantly negative, we will experience negative things. Constant negativity breeds negative blessings. Being careful with the words we choose is most important.
Things are heard before they are seen. At just a word the world was created. We have the right to use God's word to bring His will to pass! Even more, God created us in His image so just as He spoke the universe into existence with just a word, we can create our own world.
For example, the children of Isreal had it made. They were God's chosen people. They had been rescued from bondage and had seen miraculous things but they sopke fear and doubt when they complained constantly about their uncomfortable circumstances in the wilderness.
Murmuring and complaining are considered evil in the sight of God. The negative words the children of Isreal sopke framed their world and many of them died in the wilderness having never made it to their promised land. They were slaves to their comfort zone.
They constantly doubted God and they doubted Moses - they complained that he brought them to the wilderness to die. In essence, their words became their reality!
In Matthew 21:19, Jesus demonstrated how powerful words are when He cursed the fig tree. When He saw the tree bore no fruit, He said," Let no friut grow on thee henceforth now and forever more", and the tree withered away.
Jesus told the disciples that they could do the same things He could do and greater works IF they had faith and did not doubt.
It is so important for us to remember the words that come out of our mouths. The bible says, speak things that aren't as though they are. "We will be debt free!" "My job will be restored." "I will be healed." "This is a great day!" Whatever you speak the most of, you speak into existence.
Success comes from speaking them as we want them to be according to what God has said. So many of us are trianed to speak words that only progress the negative things in our lives.
It's not easy. Trust me, I know. But, I promise you that you will begin to see a difference not only in your life but in the lives around you if you remain steadfast with positive thinking and speaking. I challenge you for one week, speak positive.
Because of the positive attitude, joyful praises and prayerful life, one family was called back to work. The other family, I regret to say, was let go permantly along with 154 others from the company.
I'm not sure that we realize just how powerful our words truly are. We have such awesome power to bring things to pass by the words we speak.
According to the Hebrew language, the word 'dabar', means word, statement, acts or things. This double meaning tells us that words are things. When we understand this, we can begin to understand what power God gave us when He gave us speech.
Proverbs 18:20-21 says, " Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
If we are constantly negative, we will experience negative things. Constant negativity breeds negative blessings. Being careful with the words we choose is most important.
Things are heard before they are seen. At just a word the world was created. We have the right to use God's word to bring His will to pass! Even more, God created us in His image so just as He spoke the universe into existence with just a word, we can create our own world.
For example, the children of Isreal had it made. They were God's chosen people. They had been rescued from bondage and had seen miraculous things but they sopke fear and doubt when they complained constantly about their uncomfortable circumstances in the wilderness.
Murmuring and complaining are considered evil in the sight of God. The negative words the children of Isreal sopke framed their world and many of them died in the wilderness having never made it to their promised land. They were slaves to their comfort zone.
They constantly doubted God and they doubted Moses - they complained that he brought them to the wilderness to die. In essence, their words became their reality!
In Matthew 21:19, Jesus demonstrated how powerful words are when He cursed the fig tree. When He saw the tree bore no fruit, He said," Let no friut grow on thee henceforth now and forever more", and the tree withered away.
Jesus told the disciples that they could do the same things He could do and greater works IF they had faith and did not doubt.
It is so important for us to remember the words that come out of our mouths. The bible says, speak things that aren't as though they are. "We will be debt free!" "My job will be restored." "I will be healed." "This is a great day!" Whatever you speak the most of, you speak into existence.
Success comes from speaking them as we want them to be according to what God has said. So many of us are trianed to speak words that only progress the negative things in our lives.
It's not easy. Trust me, I know. But, I promise you that you will begin to see a difference not only in your life but in the lives around you if you remain steadfast with positive thinking and speaking. I challenge you for one week, speak positive.
May 09, 2009
Slow To Speak!
"For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." 1 Peter 3:10
I don't know about you but there have been more times than I can count where I've opened my big mouth and said something I've immediately regretted. From that point on, the day seemed to get worse.
Words have so much power...they can heal, they can comfort and they can even damage relationships. James 3:2 says, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." We can control our whole body IF we control our mouths.
Before we respond too quickly, we should stop and listen to that 'check' the Holy Spirit gives us. "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offense AND slow to get angry" James 1:19
Committing our speech to God can save us alot of trouble and regrets. We must remember to speak healing and comforting words to others.
May 08, 2009
Psalm 91
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." Psalm 91:14 & 15
I love Psalm 91. It's one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible. If you haven't read it, please do so...
When we think of shelter, we think of houses - a place to protect us from the elements. Elements are those forces that can harm us; cold, rain, heat, frost, etc. But, Psalm 91 shows us that God is our shelter. When we look to Him for protection, He can shield us from the elements of evil, hurt, loss, and godlessness.
God can and WILL protect us. His arms cover us from hurt and pain. His lap comforts us. He spreads His self completely on top of us, caresses us with His loving hands. He is our sanctuary, a place of safety.
We can run and hide behind His leg as children do when they are scared. The only thing He wants us to do is believe. To trust in His love for us - to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that He has our best interest at heart even if we don't know what it is.
We are not to fear even the darkest night or the cruelest sicknesses - not even the daily terrors that strike when we least expect it. We are to remain steadfast, standing on His promises and His word to us. Through Him, we will have the protection of angels encamped around our homes, our lives, our situations - for they are His soldiers.
He will rescue us - as long as we love Him, give our whole heart to Him and belive! As long as we call upon Him, He will hear. He will honor us and rescue us. This is His promise.
May 07, 2009
Unconditional Love
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Humor me for a moment - Think about who you would lay your life down for. Your children? Definately. Your spouse? Probably. Your parents? Likely. What about your next door nieghbor? Or, a co-worker?
Would you lay your life for an enemy? The people who have mocked you and spoke evil against you or your family? What about the people who have hurt you or one of your children in some way? Could you die for them?
The Lord has really laid upon my heart the LOVE that He has for us - but, not only us, not just believers whom already know the sacrifice He made, but for the lost too. Those people that seem so unlovable, those who are so close-minded to christian efforts...yes, Jesus died for them too.
I think sometimes we forget about the cross. We are so wrapped up in trying to maintain our lives, trying to get by, trying to overcome the enemy in strongholds that we lose sight of the fact tht God loved us (and still does) enough to GIVE His Son for us.
Not only that, Jesus was willing to be persecuted, tortured, ridiculed, laughed at and mocked. Jesus was willing to suffer at the hands of those He was sent to save.
For a long time, I was unable to read the account of the crucifixion in the four Gospels. Though, I knew the final outcome -that Jesus raises from the dead thereby overcoming Satan- I couldn't bring myself to read the steps that my Lord had to take to get to that point. But, no more!
I have to think about it. We have to think about it! We ahve to have it burned into our core what Jesus did for us. What He suffered for us. You and me.
He was the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. The blood He shed was for our atonement (Rom. 5:11) so that we could live with Him forever. We have been bought. Purchased by the blood of Jesus-we are no longer 'free men', we are slaves of Christ.
Therefore, we owe it to Him to honor the sacrifice He endured for our sakes. To be ever so mindful of His love for US, as a whole people. To praise Him constantly for His wonderful mercy and unfailing love.
Ephesians 2:11-13 says that we (Gentiles) used to be outsiders by birth - we had been excluded from the glorious promises of God. But, now we belong to Christ. We have been adopted because of the blood of Jesus.
I challenge you today...set it apart in your mind. Think on it. Feel it. Jesus loves you. He loves all those around you. He loves the angry customer at your desk. He loves the child that won't listen. He loves us all.
Let's spread that love around today...Galatians 5:14 says it best, "The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Humor me for a moment - Think about who you would lay your life down for. Your children? Definately. Your spouse? Probably. Your parents? Likely. What about your next door nieghbor? Or, a co-worker?
Would you lay your life for an enemy? The people who have mocked you and spoke evil against you or your family? What about the people who have hurt you or one of your children in some way? Could you die for them?
The Lord has really laid upon my heart the LOVE that He has for us - but, not only us, not just believers whom already know the sacrifice He made, but for the lost too. Those people that seem so unlovable, those who are so close-minded to christian efforts...yes, Jesus died for them too.
I think sometimes we forget about the cross. We are so wrapped up in trying to maintain our lives, trying to get by, trying to overcome the enemy in strongholds that we lose sight of the fact tht God loved us (and still does) enough to GIVE His Son for us.
Not only that, Jesus was willing to be persecuted, tortured, ridiculed, laughed at and mocked. Jesus was willing to suffer at the hands of those He was sent to save.
For a long time, I was unable to read the account of the crucifixion in the four Gospels. Though, I knew the final outcome -that Jesus raises from the dead thereby overcoming Satan- I couldn't bring myself to read the steps that my Lord had to take to get to that point. But, no more!
I have to think about it. We have to think about it! We ahve to have it burned into our core what Jesus did for us. What He suffered for us. You and me.
He was the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. The blood He shed was for our atonement (Rom. 5:11) so that we could live with Him forever. We have been bought. Purchased by the blood of Jesus-we are no longer 'free men', we are slaves of Christ.
Therefore, we owe it to Him to honor the sacrifice He endured for our sakes. To be ever so mindful of His love for US, as a whole people. To praise Him constantly for His wonderful mercy and unfailing love.
Ephesians 2:11-13 says that we (Gentiles) used to be outsiders by birth - we had been excluded from the glorious promises of God. But, now we belong to Christ. We have been adopted because of the blood of Jesus.
I challenge you today...set it apart in your mind. Think on it. Feel it. Jesus loves you. He loves all those around you. He loves the angry customer at your desk. He loves the child that won't listen. He loves us all.
Let's spread that love around today...Galatians 5:14 says it best, "The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Heather Smith
I am a mother of 2 and bonus mother of 2.
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