WORD OF THE WEEK - ACCESS 1-12/25

Definition: ACCESS - Permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and from a place or to approach or communicate with a person or thing.

Scriptures:Hebrews 4:16  - “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”1 John 2:4 - “Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in himEphesians 2:18 - “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: ACCESS - Permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and from a place or to approach or communicate with a person or thing.

Scriptures:Hebrews 4:16  - “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”1 John 2:4 - “Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in himEphesians 2:18 - “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

THOUGHT

Many of us call on the Name of God to meet our needs, give us hope, and provide protection. But when we pray, do we truly have assurance that we access not only God’s will but God’s power to work on our behalf?
As children, many of us learned about the Bible in Sunday school, church services, and summer Bible schools. Some even attended Christian schools full-time, though most of us were in public schools. We memorized scriptures, learned historical facts, and studied the stories of Adam and Eve, Moses, and the Gospels. We were taught to pray in Jesus' name for our needs and desires.
Some students excelled, confidently quoting scripture-chapter and verse or praying with lyricism and poetic beauty.  We were taught to behave, keep the Ten Commandments, and mind our parents who loved, supported, and sheltered us.
But as we transitioned to adulthood, those teachings often faded into the background. College, careers, and new relationships filled our lives, and the freedom of adulthood was exhilarating. Yet, for many of us, the thrill was short-lived.
After the initial excitement of graduation wore off, I realized I was lost, lonely, confused, and scared. I was expected to act like an adult, make adult decisions, and fix my mistakes. I was alone and in need of comfort in this new, cold, and friendless environment.
I tried all the things they taught me in church. I tried to pray, believing God answers prayers, but it felt like God no longer heard me. I tried to recall comforting scriptures, but they offered little solace. I longed for the shelter and comfort of home, with people who loved me and would assure me everything would be okay. I longed for the assurance I had known as a child, but the support system I once relied on had changed.
I reached out to some of my Bible scholar friends, hoping they had answers, but they too were struggling. Some fell into severe depression because the expectation for them to persevere was greater due to their ability to recite, pray, and orate about the goodness of God.
In my desperation, I went to church, where, for the first time, I heard that if I wanted the blessings of God, we needed to have a relationship. Although those words had likely been preached before, I had never felt the need to access God’s love, blessings, and power, as I had always depended on my family’s love and provision. I came to understand that God   wants me to love Him as He first loved me (1 John 4:19).
I came to the knowledge that accessing God’s blessings requires faith. I needed to activate my faith and believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Building a relationship with God meant opening my heart to Him. I now know that I can have access to his blessings and power by allowing God to have full access to me.
That revelation sparked the beginning of my walk with God the Father, Jesus my Savior, and the Holy Spirit as my comforter and guide. I no longer question my access to the fullness of the spirit of God that I know is working in my life.
Are you with me?If not, start today by surrendering your life to Christ.