Grace and Blessings

Grace is clearly undeserved, unmerited, and completely non-negotiable.  Grace is the gift of mercy and forgiveness from our Heavenly Father brought through the death and resurrection of His Son.  Grace is also an "atmosphere" if you will.   Once a person has received G-d's grace, they belong to Him, and His grace is present in them, through them, and around them . . . What we have been freely given, we are to freely give.  Although grace is free to us, Y'hshuwah paid dearly.  Those of us who have received grace are called to extend grace, as well.  We are called to be gracious.

First and foremost, we are called to be gracious back to our Heavenly Father.  A covenant relationship involves participation of both parties.  Since Y'hshuwah is our advocate, He leads us that we may properly approach the Throne of Grace.  Hebrews tells us we can come boldly; not presumptuously, and not cowering, but boldly in the Name of Y'hshuwah.  To approach a Holy and Righteous G-d, we simply must follow the Instructions.  Y'hshuwah is the Word of G-d.

In my life, the simplest form of graciousness I can extend to Abba is obedience, gratitude, and thanksgiving.  Let's face it, He doesn't need anything I have to offer.  He is the All sufficient Existing One.  Even my righteousness is as filthy rags, before Him, but . . . He inhabits the praise of His people!   Praise for Who He is, Gratitude for what He does, and Thanksgiving for His many blessings.  I don't want to sound like Victoria Osteen here, but truly, praising G-d and giving thanks leads to more blessings . . . We cannot outgive our Heavenly Father.

We are told in throughout Torah that obedience is key to the blessings of YHWH.  Joshua 1:8 states a pretty bold promise.  This book of  the law [Torah] shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  and Messiah delivered a very harsh statement in Matthew 7:23, to those who would disregard Torah.  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  The word "iniquity" was translated from a Greek term meaning "without law" or in contempt and violation of law.

Obedience doesn't earn our salvation.  Obedience is how we demonstrate that we want to please our Father and obedience is the only way to follow Messiah.  Obedience is the result of salvation.  Obedience does result in blessings . . . not always of earthly standard, but definitely of Kingdom standard.
 Come now, and let us reason together, says YHWH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  Isaiah 1:18-19