ACCESS- A means of approaching or entering a place. To obtain, examine and retrieve.
I count 11 bibles on the bookshelf next to me, 7 of which are covered in dust. In my head I count many problems I have been struggling to resolve. How do I let go of harbored bitterness?, Why are those close to me battling sicknesses beyond their control?, How do I present myself a godly role model for my children without inconsistencies?, Why do I brush important matters under a rug believing they will disappear?, How do I justify not completing a project due to procrastination addiction?
This past weekend I attended a Chris Tomlin concert where hundreds of people were gathered to worship. As I began singing I suddenly was overcome with frustration that I had not brought my camera in and was missing out on amazing photographs. My selfishness in “needing” to capture and impress others began to interfere with my own personal worship. I turned to a friend in the midst of her worship and asked for her to have the people next to her take a photo of us. She kindly looked at me and said, “all of these people are in a heart of worship right now, we should not interfere for a desire to be in a picture, we need to be worshiping and not becoming a distraction to those around us.” I stood there crying, not from being filled with the spirit, but from my selfish anger and although I knew what she said was true, I battled accepting it.
In 2 Kings 22 a scroll was brought before King Josiah stating that their ancestors had not been abiding by the words written within. Instantly the king tore his clothing and wept before God as a sign of remorse and repentance. A realization of disobedience caused immediate change within his heart and kingdom.
I have complete access to God’s word, answers and peace directly at my fingertips, yet continuing to choose to neglect necessary attitude changes I will lose out on complete harmony and fellowship of being in true alignment with His will. I also deprive others of joyful godly insights and become a stumbling block instead of a stepping stone!
Psalms 141:4-5 “Don’t let me lust for evil things; don’t let me participate in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do evil. Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! IF THEY REPROVE ME, IT IS SOOTHING MEDICINE. DON’T LET ME REFUSE IT.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.”
Father, help me align my heart, thoughts and actions to your word and not my own. Give me an openness to receive godly criticism and instruction as you use others in my life to speak to me. Break down my walls of selfishness and disobedience and replace it with a restored heart of worship and desire to gain full access TO YOU, THROUGH YOU. Give me strength to not just ask for change but to make those changes and follow through on them. Thank you for your kindness, love, mercy and rest. Amen
Live 2Love4Him4Ever
~Erica
Sixty-six books in a year 