katie rose writes

"Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!" Psalm 119:5 This is from the first stanza of the acrostic poem (psalm 119) and it is a very deep reflection on the author's own heart. The stanza begins with "how happy" [blessed] is the man whose way is blameless, and how happy are those who do no wrong and who seek the Lord with their whole heart. Then the author says (my paraphrase), "for this is what your precepts demand: a diligent, obedient heart." And then he interjects His heart's cry (here in 3 different translations): "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!" (ESV) "Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!" (NLT) "Oh that my ways were directed and established to observe your statutes [hearing, recieving, loving, and obeying them]!" (AMP) Most people would catch this as a moment of weakness. And I guess that could be supported. But, as I ponder that, I realiz...

Please, take a deep breath and then read these verses. They might just blow your mind. So make sure that you have just a few minutes to really read these verses. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19-20) "Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He lives to make intercessions for them." (Hebrews 7:25) I really don't think I could add anything that would make these verses better. Let them invade your heart. Let them sink in. Rest in them. In Hebrews the past few days there has been a theme of Rest for the people of God. So, rest, in the shelter of His wings.

Here's the set-up for this post: Some of the verses God has been speaking to me through this week in the L3 Journal. What they each apply to, in regard to what L3 acctually stands for: Learn, Live, Lead. And lastly, how you can apply them to your life. Here we go! Galatians 4:9 (NCV) "But now you know the true God. Really, it is God who knows you. So why do you turn back to those weak and useless rules you followed before? Do you want to be slaves to those things again?" This verse was first brought to my mind a few weeks ago when I was finishing up "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan, which is about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. The chapter it was in was talking about fear, and how easy it is for fear to rule our lives instead of the Holy Spirit. So when I read this verse again this week, in my L3 journal, I skipped right to the prayer and just talked with God about how much this verse just cuts m...

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20 I think we have heard this verse way too many times. We have become desensitized to the verse, numb to the picture it should bring to our minds. Look at those pictures, study them. That is crucifixion. That is what Jesus calls of us, to be up our cross, daily, and be crucified with Him. Imagine the pain. Nails in your hands and feet. Beaten. Beaten. Beaten. A crown of thorns on your head. A sign above your head saying who you truly are. What would it say? You are bleeding. A rough cross rubs all the cuts, as you push on the nail in your feet to try and breathe. Suffocating. If you didn't die quick enough, your legs are broken. If you still live for too long, a pierce in your side. Do you get what it means yet? It is not easy. It is the hardest thing you ...