Sabbath Observance Part 4

Today, we examine the blessings of the Sabbath. Those who keep the Sabbath of YHWH know true spiritual joy that comes from obedience to His Word. One of the blessings is answered prayer. Proverbs 28:9 says: "He that turns away his ear from hearing the torah, even his prayer shall be abomination." Sabbath observance is found in the Torah. By obeying Torah you are placing yourself in a position to have your prayers answered. What is frightening is that those who turn from Torah, i.e do not remember the Sabbath, their prayers are an abomination to YHWH. The Hebrew word translated "abomination" is toevah. It means morally disgusting, things which belong to the worship of idols, and the idols themselves. Other things associated with this word are homosexuality, perversions, eating unclean animals, and engaging in occult activities. Disregard of the Sabbath is a very serious matter. Consider Deuteronomy 28:1-14. The Word describes the blessings for those who "diligently obey the voice of YHWH your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands...." There is a blessing for obedience and a curse for disobedience. Your choice? The Scriptures state clearly that when we show our faith by works, YHWH will hear our prayers. Isaiah 58:9 says: "Then shall you call, and YHWH shall answer; you shall cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity...." Answered prayer and obedience to Torah are connected. Notice this is not about entering into relationship with YHWH, this is about living a set apart life. One should be very wary about a community of believers that does not observe the Sabbath. The Word says that even their prayers are an abomination to YHWH. If you are lacking the blessing in your life, or your prayers are going unanswered, I would start with Sabbath observance. And, I would start this week.