Water for the Panting Deer

As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs after Christ. God's boundless love ignites our deepest longing for Him. Join me on the journey to discover the profound joy of intimacy with Jesus (Psalm 42:1-8) Author's Note: Immerse yourself in a divine narrative with this blog. Because it is penned in the voice of Christ, it unveils a fresh perspective and a profound sense of God's presence. By shifting away from rigid tradition, my goal is to liberate people from condemnation and restrictive rules. Instead, I seek to present the fluidity of grace by emphasizing God's unconditional love, acceptance, and the life-giving truths of Scripture. Click here to get new posts via email

[gracefulthirst]

[gracefulthirst]

My beloved, you have embraced My command to love others with patience, kindness, and care. Yet, you may have overlooked this: I never meant for you to pour out love to others while withholding it from yourself. Love, as I have shown you, must include yourself.

The world is full of My creation, and as one of My masterpieces (Psalm 139:14), you hold infinite value because you are made by a loving God. You are precious to Me. When I said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), I included you. Cherish yourself as deeply as you cherish others.

My Holy Spirit fills your heart with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts are not just for others—they are for you too. You are My masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), fearfully and wonderfully made. To love yourself is to embrace the truth of how I see you—a reflection of My goodness (Ephesians 4:24).

I know you may fear that self-love is selfish, but it is not. I call you to kindness toward yourself, to patience, gentleness, and tender care. Treat yourself as I treat you—with unfailing love. Love your neighbor, yes, but do not exclude yourself. You are My beloved, and I delight in you.

Love,

When it comes to Christian love, are you excluding yourself?

[gracefulthirst]

A Feast for the Soul (and Spaghetti for the Dog) http://deer-hydration.blogspot.com/2025/03/spaghetti-for-the-dog.html

[gracefulthirst]

Something I truly believe in. “Jesus told them, “This is the only work Good wants from you: Believe in the One he has sent” (John 6:29).

[gracefulthirst]

Tired of striving? Find true rest in God. Surrender self-effort and let His love flow through you

Your Heart, God’s River: Surrendering To The Current Of Grace

Are you weary from the relentless pursuit of doing more, achieving more, and being more? Many of My beloved children are on the brink of exhaustion, caught in a cycle of overcommitment, sleepless nights, and emotional turmoil. You have heard it said, “If the Enemy can’t keep you from doing good things, he’ll get you doing too many good things.”

It’s a common belief that true obedience means trying harder and relentlessly working for Me. But, “anyone who enters My rest also rests from his own work, just as I did from Mine” (Hebrews 4:10). And John 6:29 declares, “This is the only work I want from you: Believe in the one I have sent.”

I dwell within your heart, but do you ever wonder what I am doing there? I long to see through your eyes, touch through your hands, and love through your will and emotions. I yearn to live My life through your heart and body. I want you to be a window through which My Light shines, drawing others to Me with love.

Rest is not a passive activity; it requires surrender. It is the willingness to abandon self-effort and live by My power, allowing Me to live through you. My Holy Spirit is not a judgmental master but seeks your ultimate joy and fulfillment. Picture laying your head on My chest, cooperating with Me, with My desires, love, and dreams. In this, you will find fulfillment like never before.

You are not a robot; the essence of you is enhanced and made even more beautiful by My Holy Spirit. I express Myself through you in a way that is unique and like no other. You are filled with His love, joy, peace, and gentleness. Let Me hold you, comfort you, heal you, and transform you into a watercourse for My Holy Spirit to flow through, just as I created you to convey My love.

This is not about relinquishing your power but allowing Me to amplify it.

So, are you a watercourse or a dam? In the stillness of your heart, can you sense the gentle current of My love, or are you obstructing the flow? What would it look like to surrender fully and let My life course through you? Consider this: if you truly believed that resting in Me was the most powerful act of obedience, how would your life transform?

Share your struggles or victories with rest and obedience in the comments. Let’s journey together towards a life of divine rest and rejuvenation.

You may also enjoy:

Isaiah 64:4: For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!

Matthew 11:28-30: “Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Psalm 23:1-3: The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He makes me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Isaiah 28:12: God has told his people, 'Here is the place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest'…

Love,

[gracefulthirst]

Have you ever felt as if your life had become liquified, messy, utterly unrecognizable. It's when disaster feels like too polite a word. When everything you thought you knew dissolves into a thick, swirling dread. But even in that swirling, soupy chaos, something miraculous is happening. Renewal isn't just on the way; it's already at work. And I am there, right in the thick of it, stirring the pot.

The righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19). Note, it says ALL. It's not just a nice sentiment; it's a promise I keep.

Think about the butterfly; that incredible, impossible transformation. It’s a perfect picture of what I do. The caterpillar doesn't just sprout wings; it goes through a radical, almost violent, breakdown. It actually becomes a liquified worm. But within that “caterpillar soup,” there are a few remaining particles, core pieces that refuse to be destroyed. These particles become wings, eyes, and antennae. And that's the truth about you too. No matter how devastating your circumstances, the essence of who you are—the core of you—the part of you that is one with My Holy Spirit—is indestructible. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

That's where the hope lies. Even in the deepest, darkest moments, a new beginning is in the works. It’s not about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. It's about aligning your actions with Mine. It's about letting Me, the Master Creator, do what seems impossible. Just like the caterpillar doesn't work itself into a butterfly, you don't have to force your transformation. You simply surrender, trust, and allow Me to work. How do you do that? You listen. You soak in the words of My Word. You learn to be still and hear My voice. You let Me guide you, shape you, and transform you.

Remember, that liquified worm had no clue what was coming. She just trusted. And look what happened. You might feel like you're in the middle of your own "caterpillar soup" right now, but trust Me, wings are on the way. You are not defined by your circumstance. In those moments when everything seems lost and your troubles seem insurmountable, remember that transformation is not only possible but is actively taking place. 

Love,

You may also like:

How to Find Enlightenment in Scripture

Listen. For the Silence Has Much to Say

[gracefulthirst]

The Surrender: Finding Peace in the Abyss

[gracefulthirst]

What a sparrow has to say about God's love

Imagine a love so extraordinary that it encompasses every living being, from the tiniest sparrow to the mightiest creature in the forest. A love that knows every bird that soars and every animal that roams, extending even to the very hairs on your head. This is my unshakable, divine affection for you and every living thing. Plunge into the profound truth that I see you, hold you, and cherish you beyond measure.

"What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:29-30).

I am your Champion, the Lover of your soul. My love for all creation runs deep. Even the smallest, most overlooked creatures—such as the insects crawling through the grass or the birds soaring through the heavens—are cherished by Me. I know each one intimately. Every bird that falls from the sky is under My watchful care. Every animal that passes away does so with My tender awareness. Nothing in My creation escapes My notice.

"For every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are Mine" (Psalms 50:10-11).

Therefore, let the sparrow's simple existence remind you that you are never too small, too insignificant, or too overlooked to be held in God's loving gaze. Embrace the truth that you are deeply known and profoundly loved, a cherished part of My magnificent creation. Let that knowledge fill you with peace and unwavering hope, knowing you are forever held in His tender care.

Before you move on to the next post, take just 60 seconds to imagine Me caring for one of the most mundane and minuscule details of your life. Even if it seems insignificant, it is still vital to Me. Then, envision My care extending to every aspect of your life. Feel the comfort and reassurance I provide and find yourself more able to face the difficulties of life.

Love,

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[voiceforjesus]

We plant the seeds, God makes them grow.

[gracefulthirst]

Makes serving God a relief!

[jesuschristisgod]

Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus".

[gracefulthirst]

💦Tiny Faith, Big Miracles: Unlocking The Power Within

Are you trying to cultivate faith? I often hear from my children, "I just need more faith." But all you need is a tiny mustard seed of faith. “Jesus told them. ‘I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible’” (Matthew 17:20).

Faith is being convinced that your wildest imaginings of the passionate love I have for you are still not enough. You don’t need to have 100% faith. So then believe 50%, 20%, or even 5%. Five percent of a mustard seed of faith is enough. It's all you need. It moves mountains.

Life brings mountainous challenges that can feel too difficult to climb. Whether it's a troubled marriage, an illness, or a financial difficulty, you can become overwhelmed and feel powerless. Have faith in the goodness that surrounds you and in the desire to see your mountain  moved. 

Remember, faith is not about size but sincerity. Trust that even the smallest seed of faith can grow into something magnificent. Embrace the journey with patience and hope, knowing that every step, no matter how small, is a step toward moving that mountain. Your tiny faith is powerful enough to change your world.

Love,

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[walkthroughtheword]

God you are so good! You have blessed us far more than we deserve and loved us unconditionally. We thank you for the many, many blessings. Thank you for the ways you have stayed by our side when we tried to push away. Thank you for the joy that you have placed in our hearts. Thank you for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It’s in his name we pray. Amen.

[gracefulthirst]

Your new identity is the cure for guilt

Are you overwhelmed with guilt? Don’t be afraid to believe I have accepted you as you are and made you good through My forgiving blood.

Many of My children say that they are just sinners saved by grace. Untrue. You were a sinner, you are saved by grace, and because of that, you are now quintessentially good.

Even though at times you sin, goodness is now your true identity. At times you may not humanly feel righteous but that does not change the truth about who you are.

Jeremiah 17:9 says that humans are wicked. That is the past. Today you are “truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:24).

In addition, today you are “born again,” fresh as a newborn colt and as innocent as a babe adored by its mother (John 3:3).

Every single thing you’ve ever done wrong I have completely paid for on the cross. I took your sin upon Myself and My goodness was imparted to you. It is the deepest part of who you are now. Approach Me without fear. Your goodness and freedom from guilt are My gift to you, and like any gift, the giver wants you to delight in it. Romans 7 is over, now you live in Romans 8. Rejoice and abide in Me; you are now safe and fully acceptable.

[jesuschristisgod]

Daniel 9:23 says, “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision”.

[gracefulthirst]

Hope is Magic

Hope is Magic

[gracefulthirst]

Hummingbird's Sermon

Hummingbird's Sermon

[gracefulthirst]

Unexpected Harvest: Sometimes you reap what you did not sow

When you plant cucumber seeds, you will harvest shiny, green cucumbers. Cucumber seeds never produce onions, celery, or corn on the cob. Similarly, when you plant tulip bulbs, you will enjoy a beautiful display of tulips. Tulip bulbs do not turn into zinnias, evergreen trees, or forget-me-nots. In nature, you will always reap what you have sown because seeds can only reproduce according to their genetic code (Genesis 1:11-12, 24 NLT).

However, in my kingdom, there is a beautiful exception to this rule: "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5 NIV). If you have cried yourself to sleep countless times and have faced sorrow, depression, disappointment, and sadness, do not give up. Joy is on the way! Your tears have nourished the seeds of joy that I have planted in the garden of your life. Difficult times and sorrows are the fertile ground where joy and blessings grow.

Love,

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