Challenge yourself to recite John 4:13-14 by memory to a friend or family member.

A significant gap can exist between who we profess to be and how we live. God’s Presence guides us to do things pleasing to Him while helping us be consistent with what we say and how we live.

Sometimes thirst rises because of the inconsistencies displayed in our life. Thirst is an invitation to return when inconsistencies arise in our spiritual journey.

In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy,

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Thirst calls us back to pursue the Father and follow Him in the good fight of faith. Thirst is an invitation to return to Him in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Thankfully, God does not call us to focus on each of these individual characteristics all at one time. He calls us first to focus on Him and allow Him to pinpoint where He sees inconsistencies displayed in our life. We can’t get to intimacy with Him except when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, real and honest.

Do you feel God working through spiritual thirst to pinpoint areas of inconsistencies in your walk with Him? For example, how might you expect righteousness and commitment in others but not live the same standards you expect? It could be that you are frustrated when others do not live their faith in love and gentleness, yet you realize you also do not live what you profess.

During this time of Renewal, how may thirst may be at work to reveal inconsistencies in your walk with Him?

Meditate on the words of:

1 Peter 3:10-12 “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

And Paul’s words from Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”