Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Praise the LORD, to WHOM all praise is due for ever and ever. YOURS, O
LORD is the greatness and the power, the glory, and the victory, and the
majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is YOURS; YOURS
is the kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as head above all.
—Truly, giving thanks is too precious to be reserved for just one
day a year!

SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING
"Therefore by HIM let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to
GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to HIS NAME. But do
not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices GOD is well
pleased." [Hebrews 13. 15 - 16]

Exactly what was this sacrifice of praise that reflects back to the
offering of old, before the coming of the PERFECT ONE WHO died "once for
all when HE offered up HIMSELF"? [Hebrews 7. 27]

The Answer: The fruit of our lips, which glorify, praise and brag about
the wonders of our GREAT & MIGHTY CREATOR. Just as King David wrote, "I
will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to YOU, and will call upon the
NAME OF THE LORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 116. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Let them
offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare HIS works in joyful song."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "I will bless the LORD at
all times; praise of HIM is continually in my mouth. I glory in the
LORD, my soul boast in HIM; let the humble hear of it and be glad. Oh,
magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt HIS NAME together." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 34. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Our offering of praise and thanksgiving to the LOVING LORD GOD consumes
our time and attention. For the SOVEREIGN ONE is well pleased when we
turn from other activities to such a sacrifice. Like the psalmists,
"Let my prayer be set before YOU as an offering of incense, and my
uplifted hands as an evening sacrifice." [Psalms (Tehillym) 141. 2
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Revelation pictures the saint's prayer as a
sweet-smelling incense wafting through the courts of Heaven, the
"twenty-four elders fell down before the LAMB, each having a harp and
golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
[Revelation 5. 8; also see 8. 3]

However, a sinful and unrepentant heart, cannot bring forth the
sacrifice of praise. Psalm 51 is a song of contrition and repentance.
David, in asking forgiveness for his sin of adultery pleads, "O LORD,
open my lips, and my mouth shall declare YOUR praise. For YOU do not
desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; YOU do not delight in burnt
offering. True sacrifices to GOD are a broken spirit, a crushed and a
contrite heart — These, O GOD, YOU will not despise." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 51. 15 - 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

When, like the disobedient prophet of old, we turn from our rebellion,
we can again proclaim, "I, with loud thanksgiving will sacrifice to YOU;
what I have vowed I will perform. Salvation is of the LORD." [Jonah
(Yonah) 2. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Hosea the prophet warned the people of GOD, that they must return to the
LORD for forgiveness. He suggested that they repent and pray for the
HOLY ONE to— "Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we
will offer the sacrifices of our lips." [Hosea (Hoshea) 14. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

And Jeremiah spoke of a glorious day when Israel would once again
"bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and
frankincense, bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise to the
House of the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"Behold, days are coming— declares the LORD —when I will fulfill
the good thing which I have promised concerning the House of Israel and
the House of Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up of
David's line the TRUE BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; HE shall execute
judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be
delivered and Jerusalem shall dwell secure. And this is the name by
which she will be called: "YEHOWAH is our RIGHTEOUSNESS. " [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 33. 14 - 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Sing praises to the LORD, WHO reigns in Zion! Declare HIS deeds among
the peoples. When HE avenges blood, HE remembers them; HE does not
forget the cry of the humble." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 11 - 12 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] O that each of us, the followers of the MIGHTY KING would
appropriately be known for our praise, worship, thanks and sacrifices of
praise to the TRUE & LIVING GOD WHO dwells in the praises of HIS people,
and is worthy of such adoration.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving — from our home to yours we share, The
Bracha (bounty or blessing): ADONEY — the ONE WHO was, is, and will
ever be, the SOURCE. ELOHEINU — the POWER, the underlying FORCE of
everything. MELECH — the KING & DIRECTOR WHO orchestrates all events
in ha'Olam — the finite world what is filled with the INFINITE.
We give thanks with a grateful heart remembering and praising our
ALMIGHTY CREATOR. To those who know the SAVIOR thanksgiving and worship
are our way of life every day. HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate
YOUR oWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR truth to fall upon our hearts like
seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love YOUR Law ever more
deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it
wrong.

GOD'S SON
"WHO has ascended heaven or come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in
the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO
has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME, and
what is HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

We know the answer to this first question, it is ALMIGHTY GOD, MASTER
CREATOR of everything. But "WHO" has ascended up into heaven or
descended from there? In these verses, HE is called GOD'S SON! There is
only ONE WHO came down to this earth from heaven and WHO has ascended
back into heaven! This was foretold by the ETERNAL LORD GOD through HIS
prophets as coming again. As is written the SON OF GOD is the ONE WHO
will be returning from heaven.

"As I looked on in the night vision, ONE like the SON OF MAN came with
the clouds of heaven!...and to HIM was presented dominion, glory and
kingship; that all peoples, and nations of every language must serve
HIM. HIS dominion is an EVERLASTING DOMINION that shall not pass away,
and HIS Kingdom, one that shall not be destroyed." [Daniel (Danyel) 7.
13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

YESHUA, the MESSIAH\KING is called "THE SON OF MAN." HE had been on
earth as a part of humanity, yet here HE is in heaven and returning to
earth to receive an Everlasting Kingdom!

Two thousand years ago there was an announcement by the angel to the
shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. The great and
wonderful day had arrived for fulfillment of THE INCARNATION as the HOLY
ONE of old had foretold through HIS prophets: "For there is born to you
this day in the City of David a SAVIOR, WHO is CHRIST THE LORD." [Luke
2. 11]

The angel was declaring that this CHILD WHO was born in Bethlehem, the
City of David, is the PROMISED SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN, IMMANU'EL,
GOD-with-us, the ALMIGHTY GOD manifest in the flesh! This CHILD was
born as a human being, yet HE is called "THE MESSIAH YEHOWAH" by the
angel who announced HIS birth to the shepherds. OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD
came to earth and was manifested in flesh to dwell among HIS people,
Israel, just as HE had promised!

The HOLY ONE, GOD HIMSELF, blessed be HE, declared it and we are saved
if we believe it!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Grace, mercy and shalom be with you from GOD THE FATHER and from the
LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER, in truth and love.
Thanking and praising YOU, LORD always for supplying this and so much
more. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on HIS Throne ruling over the
affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in
difficult times.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Power buries those who wield it.

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
"You shall bring forward your brother Aaron, with his sons, from among
the Israelites, to serve ME as priests: Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar
and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 1 Tanakh, Torah]

The meaning of the names tell a story: Aaron (very high), Nadab
(willing), Abihu (my father is HE), Eleazar (help of GOD), Ithamar (land
of palms). Or. . . MESSIAH is very high and HE is willing to obey HIS
FATHER and GOD helps HIM to be victorious.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY instructs Moses that his brother, Aaron, one of
his own flesh and blood, is to be the High Priest for the Israelite
people. This is a beautiful prophecy of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH,
the HIGHLY EXALTED SON OF MAN. HE was born into the human family,
"chosen" and "called" of the MIGHTY CREATOR GOD to be our GREAT HIGH
PRIEST.

The sons of Aaron were also to be taken from among the Israelites that
he might serve in the priest's office. There is an implication here
that Aaron is able to minister only if his sons are with him. Aaron
does not perform his priestly duties without his sons, and they do not
attend to the service of the priesthood without him. They are as one
(Hebrew: echad)!

When an individual receives MESSIAH YESHUA as LORD and SAVIOR, he is
given the power to become a son of GOD ETERNAL. Being born into the
family he is permitted to minister as a priest with the GREAT HIGH
PRIEST. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood who do not serve
as priests without HIM; HE does not minister without us. We are HIS
hands, HIS feet, HIS representatives on earth.

"And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by GOD,
just as Aaron was." [Hebrews 5. 4] Only those who are in the heavenly
family can be priests, not man-appointed priests, but the Called of GOD.
[Ephesians 4. 1 - 2; 2 Thessalonians 2. 13 - 15] They must be sons of
HIS OWN flesh and blood. They cannot buy the priesthood, but they must
be born-anew into it.

"That he may minister unto ME" — not to men but to GOD. [Ephesians
6. 6 - 7; Colossians 3. 22 - 24] The LORD JESUS does not minister to
please men, but serves according to GOD'S desire that HE might bring the
DIVINE approval. "This is MY BELOVED SON (we are sons in the SON) in
WHOM I am well pleased." [Matthew 3. 17; 17. 5] How wonderful it will
be at the end of this earthly life to hear those blessed words from THE
MASTER. . ."WELL DONE, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of
your LORD." [Matthew 25. 21]

"They shall approach ME to minister to ME; and they shall stand before
ME to offer to ME the fat and the blood." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 44. 15
Tanakh, Nevi'im] One of the primary duties of the priests was the
offering of sacrifices. Likewise, we as believer-priests are to offer
acceptable, spiritual sacrifices of praise continually to ALMIGHTY GOD
with which HE is well pleased. [see Psalms/Tehillym 27. 6; Hebrews 13.
15; 1 Peter 2. 5]

Let us not be as those who stop in the Outer Court and kneel at the
Cross (Altar of Sacrifice) to accept MESSIAH YESHUA as SAVIOR, but let
us go on into the Holy of Holies and meet OMNIPOTENT GOD at HIS Throne
(Ark of the Covenant) to gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our
lives! If we gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our lives, we
can "come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 16] Those who are wise
are ever blessed with unsurpassed riches of knowing the GREAT OMNISCIENT
GOD personally, intimately!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless
and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the
NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE. . . holy is
HE. Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give
sanction to one another to bless the CREATOR. In tranquil joy of spirit,
with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD
OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory."

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
He that keeps the Law brings offerings enough.

LOVE GOD & MAN
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of
your people. Love your fellow as yourself; I am the LORD." [Leviticus
(Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

The OLD COVENANT is frequently rejected and overlooked by peoples on the
basis that it speaks about a harsh, vengeful GOD OF JUDGMENT; in
contrast to the NEW COVENANT GOD OF LOVE as manifest in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH. Definitely, this viewpoint is an obviously completely
wrong concept.

A young lawyer asked the LORD JESUS — "MASTER, which is the greatest
commandment of the Law? YESHUA replied — "You shall love the LORD
your GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like
it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets." [Matthew 22. 36 - 40]

Both commandments were first recorded in the OLD COVENANT. The first is
the most revered of all passages to my Jewish people and quoted, at
least, every evening and morning. "Hear, O Israel! The LORD, our GOD,
the LORD is ONE. You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim)
6. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Torah]

The second great commandment is unassuming and hidden in the heart of
the most unlikely Book of Leviticus [opening verse] in the OLD COVENANT.
In the NEW COVENANT, it is called The Royal Law — "If you really
fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself' — you do well." [James 2. 8]

Therefore, the essential doctrine of the OLD COVENANT is "LOVE" —
love for the OMNIPOTENT COMPASSIONATE CREATOR and love for others —
and this truth is emphasized by the LORD JESUS CHRIST throughout the NEW
COVENANT. Even greater is GOD'S eternal love which was ours "from
before the world began" and will never end. "The LORD revealed HIMSELF
to me of old saying: Yes! I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore with loving kindness I have drawn and lead you. I will build
you again, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!" [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 31. 3 - 4a Tanakh, Nevi'im] The everlasting union of beauty,
perfection and love is obtainable in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
For GOD so loved the world. . . HE offers us HIMSELF. How then shall we
give less then our all to HIM?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, loving-kindness and mercy to us
and to all Israel. Bless us, O FATHER, even all of us together, with the
LIGHT of YOUR countenance; for by the LIGHT of YOUR countenance YOU have
given us, O LORD our GOD, the Law of life, loving-kindness and
righteousness, blessing, mercy, life and peace; and may it be good in
YOUR sight to bless YOUR people everywhere at all times and in every
hour with YOUR peace. YOU alone are our HOPE. We thank YOU, praise YOU
and glorify YOUR HOLY NAME; YOU alone are good. Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The LORD places reverence due to the Mother before that due to the
Father. ["You shall each revere his Mother and his Father, and keep MY
Sabbaths; I the LORD am your GOD." Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 3 Tanakh,
Torah]

JACOB, AN HONORABLE NAME
"Then his brother emerged holding on to Esau's heel, so they named him
Jacob." [Genesis (Bereshith) 25. 26 Tanakh, Torah]

Few in number were the godly remnant of Abraham's household. It was
their heritage of faith, though they had only a few cherished chapters
of Genesis; eagerly, the promises weighed in their hearts.

Though she came from a strange land, Rivkah (Rebekkah) was heir of that
faith, when she became the wife of Itshak (Isaac). She was the mother
of the twins, Jacob and Esau, and was mindful of the promise the
ALMIGHTY HOLY ONE had given to her forefathers when sin entered into the
world and attempted to put out the LIGHT OF HOPE among men. The promise
was for "THE SEED" of woman WHO would battle Satan, the evil serpent,
the Evil Adversary, the Arch-Deceiver and enemy of man. In that
conflict the "heel" would play an important role. With the heel, the
woman's "SEED" would crush the serpent's head; in turn, HIS heel would
be bruised. Therefore Rivkah (Rebekkah) called her son Jacob — a
name which literally means he shall fight with the heel or heel grabber!
The name, "Jacob" is a play on the Hebrew word "aqeb" that means "heel"
— which can also be correctly translated, supplanter.

Often the first seeds of anti-Semitism are planted by the habit of
calling Jewish people names. . . "a Jacob, a Heb, a kike, a supplanter."
One should not condone the crooked deed of Jacob, when he deceived his
father to get the blessing, which was rightfully his according to
GOD'S OWN WORD before they were born. [Genesis/Bereshith 25. 23]
Jacob's heart yearned for holiness, purity, and for the likeness of the
IMAGE OF GOD. In HIS grace and mercy, the LORD GOD MOST HIGH covered
Jacob with perfection and righteousness. Even Isaac acknowledged that
Jacob was the one he should have blessed, and trembled exceedingly when
he realized he almost disobeyed the LORD GOD. [Genesis/Bereshith 27. 33]
Correctly translated, Genesis/Bereshith 25:27 should read, "Jacob was a
perfect (Hebrew: tam) man (Hebrew: 'ish) who stayed in camp." Most
English versions of the BIBLE read: Jacob was a plain, quiet, peaceful
or mild man, dwelling in tents.

Nevertheless, in naming her son Jacob, we see and understand what was in
his mother, Rivkah's heart — it was the hope that through this son
of hers, "THE PROMISE" regarding the "heel" might be fulfilled... that
Jacob might be that "PROMISED SEED" — and that through him the
SALVATION OF GOD might be ushered in.

Then why was Jacob's name was changed to Israel (prince of GOD, GOD
prevails, he will rule as GOD) by the SOVEREIGN One? Was it because
"Jacob" is a name of dishonor? No! for GOD continued to call HIMSELF
"the GOD of Jacob" even after HE changed the name from "Jacob" to
"Israel" — this was GOD'S doing! In the event of the burning bush,
about 400 years after that incident, speaking to Moses, the LORD GOD
said: "I am the GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of
Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob." [Exodus (Shemot) 3. 6 Tanakh, Torah]
These are the exact words spoken by the LORD JESUS to prove to the
astonished Pharisees and Sadducees that the doctrine of the resurrection
of the dead was found in the Law. [Matthew 22. 31 - 32] Even the last
prophet, Malachi, writes of the LORD declaring: "Esau is Jacob's
brother, yet I have loved and accepted Jacob; but Esau, I have hated and
rejected." [Malachi (Malakhi) 1. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The name "Jacob" is not only honoured, it is used to denote "THE
ANOINTED ONE" WHO is equal with the HEAVENLY FATHER, the very SON OF
GOD, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. "This is the generation of them that see HIM,
that seek YOUR face, O JACOB! Selah." [Psalms (Tehillym) 24. 6 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] Here in these words, Jacob is brought right into the holy of
holies of the PRESENCE OF OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD. MESSIAH
YESHUA—JACOB is made equal to YEHOWAH GOD HIMSELF. Jacob, in this
occurrence, is another name for the SON OF GOD WHO is in the presence of
GOD THE FATHER. Indeed, Jacob prefigured the ANOINTED MESSIAH WHO is
the true JACOB, WHO crushed the Serpent's head. And, by HIS victory,
liberated captive humanity from the dominion of the Devil and death, and
opened up the gates of liberty and eternal life!

There are two stages in the life of Jacob characteristic of the MESSIAH:
1. The stage of conflict and suffering — the Jacob stage.
2. The stage of triumph and glory prefigured by Israel.
The life of Jacob is also typical of the Church of the LORD JESUS
CHRIST:
1. The Jacob Stage — that of the Church on earth, the Church
militant.
2. The Israel Stage, that of the Church triumphant in glory.

But whether in conflict or victory, whether militant or triumphant, the
person and the name "Jacob" are dear to the heart of the LORD GOD.
Therefore, do not treat that name lightly. Like Jacob of old, our cry
should be, "I wait for YOUR DELIVERANCE, O LORD!" [Genesis (Bereshith)
49. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

We, like Jacob, must yield to the GOD/MAN (MESSIAH YESHUA). We are
called to give up our striving for autonomy, for self-determination,
self-realization, actualization, and all the other self-stuff, and
submit by a life-long yielding to the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. In
so doing, we are transformed (regenerated) and become princes and
princesses of ALMIGHTY GOD. As KING JESUS promised, "To him who
overcomes, I will give the right to sit with ME on MY Throne, just as I
overcame and sat down with MY FATHER on HIS Throne." [Revelation 3. 21]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We use all of our senses to bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah
("difference" ) Service; we taste the wine, smell the spices, see
the shadows of candles, hear prayers & songs, and touch family and
friends as we wish them Tov Shavua —Have a good week!!
Go with GOD!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The older you are the more like yourself you become.

KEEPING CLEAN
"When they enter the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to serve, to turn into smoke an offering by fire to the LORD, they shall wash their hands and feet, that they may not die. It shall be a Law for all time for them — for him and his offspring — throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah]

The hands and feet represent the "work" and "walk" of the priests. Their work and walk must be clean when they enter the service of HOLY GOD or they would die. Even though the Priests had met with the MIGHTY CREATOR at the Altar of Sacrifice and had been cleansed of their sins; yet ever afterward, there was daily defilement that must be washed away.

Even after we have been cleansed of our sins on acceptance of the LORD JESUS as our BLESSED SAVIOR, we must keep on being cleansed by the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD daily in order that we may walk with our HOLY GOD and have fellowship with HIM. YESHUA said, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean." [John 13. 10] MESSIAH YESHUA, the MIGHTY ROCK of our salvation fulfilled the service of the priest; not in washing HIS OWN feet, but in washing the feet of others. [John 13. 14]

In our LORD'S time, people returning from the public baths found it necessary to wash their feet which had become soiled from walking through miry streets. So the CHRIST-like-one has been cleansed once for all. But in walking through the world, he often contracts defilement, and therefore needs daily cleansing. Though once clean, unless he keeps himself cleansed, can again become dirty.

In the old country there is a special sidewalk for the Jews to walk on who were coming home from the Temple. So the priests of GOD MOST HIGH are to walk in a special way after they are washed for the LORD will not have fellowship with uncleanness. It is necessary that believer-priests bathe in the LIFE-CLEANSING WORD every day. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water." [Hebrews 10. 22]

Aaron's sons died, not only because they offered strange fire in the Holy Place, but also they neglected to wash at the Laver before their entrance and service there. They failed to regard the SOVEREIGN ALMIGHTY GOD as "holy" and also failed to glorify HIM before all the people.

We criticize those who never avail themselves of the opportunity to wash their physical bodies, and consider them offensive to our sight and smell. But what a stench in the very nostrils of the AWESOME GOD are HIS children who never give themselves a spiritual bath at the Laver! GOD OMNIPOTENT has provided a beauty bath for HIS royal priests and it is expected that they wash in the WORD OF GOD before they perform any service to HIM. The PURE WORD OF GOD is here for us that we might be able to be cleansed thereby. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9]

The OLD COVENANT priest was required to wash each time before he could perform a service. This was "a statute forever." And the NEW COVENANT priests continually apply the WATER OF THE WORD, which is required for a state of continual holiness, a continual communion with GOD OF MERCY. [Philippians 3. 12 - 14; 1 Corinthians 9. 24 - 27; 1 Timothy 6. 17 - 19]

Revelation 15:2 records the last mention of the Laver in the HOLY WRIT; it is in Heaven described as "a Sea of Glass." The Redeemed of the LORD Stand on the Sea and sing of the LAMB. In Heaven, the Altar of Sacrifice and the Laver never are forgotten. The ALTAR bears witness that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." The LAVER testifies that "without holiness, no man shall see the LORD." We shall behold HIM, our SAVIOR, LORD & KING, face to face. What a day that will be!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold on to the promises of LORD GOD. HE is in complete control. "The ROCK! - HIS deeds are perfect; Yea, all HIS ways are just; a FAITHFUL GOD, never false, true and just is HE." [Deuteronomy/Devarim 32. 4] Nothing can be achieved in haste, the spreading tree and the soul of man grows slowly to perfection. Thus sang King David, "Trust in the LORD, wait patiently for HIM!"
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME.


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In prayer, always associate yourself with others and say, "Our GOD, lead
us."

URIM & THUMMIM
"Inside the Breastpiece of Decision you shall place the Urim and
Thummim, so that they are over Aaron's heart when he comes before the
LORD. Thus Aaron shall carry the instrument of decision for the
Israelites over his heart before the LORD at all times." [Exodus
(Shemot) 28. 30 Tanakh, Torah]

There is no command of the HOLY LORD GOD to make the Urim and the
Thummim, only to place them in the breastpiece. They indicate a kind of
oracle, "Eleazar the priest, shall seek the decision of the Urim before
the LORD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 27. 21 Tanakh, Torah] In Hebrew,
"Nathan" is the word meaning "put in" which is the same word used for
the law to be IN the Ark of the Covenant, with the idea that it is to be
covered completely. Therefore, it informs us that the Urim and Thummim
were to be put inside the doubled-over pouch of the breastpiece and
covered — even as the Law was inside the Ark.

No one knows for certain what these were and there is much speculation
concerning them. Some translators give these two Hebrew words as "Light
& Perfection" others as "Manifestation & Truth." The first time the
word "perfect" is found in the HEBREW SCRIPTURES, it is used to speak of
a walk or life. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 9] The word is "tamiym" meaning
complete, entire, without blemish, perfect, integrity, truth. The last
occurrence of "perfect" plainly refers to the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, HE is
the ROCK, HIS work is perfect. ["The ROCK! — HIS deeds are perfect;
Yea, all HIS ways are just; a faithful GOD, never false, true and
upright is HE." Deuteronomy/ Devarim 32.4] The first and last
occurrences of words or subjects in HOLY WRIT are always important
indicating a richer meaning that is otherwise overlooked. In this
connection, the words "without blemish" — with references to the
Passover lamb and the sacrifices in Leviticus/Vayikra and
Numbers/B'Midvar, is the word also translated "PERFECT" and is very
similar to the word "THUMMIM (Tamiym)!"

The first word of this combination (Urim-Thummim) is the plural of UR
which means "Light." GOD OMNIPOTENT is the CREATOR OF LIGHT. The LORD
YESHUA is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD WHO manifests the FATHER OF LIGHTS.
[James 1. 17] YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE makes the counsels and purposes
of GOD known. The mind and will of the HOLY ONE can be perfectly
revealed by HIM and communicated by HIM to HIS people.

These two words are considered to be plurals of MAJESTY (the singular
light) and PERFECTION. [Majesty is a metaphor for what is brought to
light — GUILT, Ephesians 5. 13 — whatever makes manifest is
light. Perfection is the metaphor for moral perfection —
INNOCENCE.] A black stone was given to the guilty at trials in ancient
times. [1 Samuel/Shemuel Alef 14. 41 — "gives a perfect lot."]
Urim gives clear evidence. Thummim gives or shows the innocent.

Only the LORD JESUS is the PERFECT WALK, the PERFECT WORK, the LIGHT,
the TRUTH, the INNOCENT ONE WHO was made as the guilty that the guilty
might be declared innocent by believing on HIS NAME!

URIM begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Alef). The
first letter of THUMMIM, is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Tav)
and each of these words is preceded by the combination of the first and
last of the Hebrew alphabet. This is the Name of the MESSIAH written
many times but hidden in the OLD COVENANT and carried forward into the
Greek as "Alpha-Omega. " The LORD YESHUA calls HIMSELF by this Name.
[Revelation 1. 8, 11; 21. 6] YESHUA, the MESSIAH & SAVIOR is the FIRST
and the LAST; HE is the URIM and the THUMMIM. Urim first, the DIVINITY
of our LORD. HE is the CREATOR of light which reveals. Thummim equals
PERFECTION, the HUMANITY of our LORD. JESUS is the PERFECT HUMAN; HE is
the UNBLEMISHED LAMB and the UNDEFILED HIGH PRIEST.

The MASTER DESIGNER commanded that these items were to be put into the
breastpiece. This implies the doubled pouch of the breastpiece since
the word for "put in" indicates that it is covered by material of some
kind. We find this same implication in Proverbs: "Lots are cast into
the lap; the decision depends on the LORD." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 33
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Here, bosom is used for the clothing or covering
over it. In this same verse, the word for "lot" is "goral (a stone)"
— and "the decision (or judgment) is of the LORD". . . from which
comes the name "BREASTPIECE OF JUDGMENT."

The lots or stones of the breastpiece pouch were used or cast as dice;
and by their fall somehow revealed the Divine will or judgment. The
book by Samuel Midvar supports this, where casting of lots is referred
to twice in close association with seeking revelation through Urim and
Thummim. [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 10. 19 - 22; 14. 37 – 42]
Casting of lots was known among the Hebrews and other people of
antiquity. [see Esther/Ester] It was common practice to use black and
white stones, casting them on the ground to decide matters and as a form
of gambling (dice — black dots on white). This, no doubt was taken
from the sacred lots, the custom of standing before Urim and Thummim to
determine the mind of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD in important matters. Also,
in ancient times it was the custom for a white stone to be given to one
returning from battle having won a victory and given to a man as a token
that he was a free man of the city.

The Prophecy of the Stones is fulfilled in heaven! The names of the
twelve apostles are in the foundation gems of the wall of the New
Jerusalem. [Revelation 21. 19] Yes, the sacred lots will be there too.
A white stone with a new name will be given to the redeemed. [Revelation
2. 17] We will be fully acquitted, declared "innocent" before all the
HOSTS OF HEAVEN. The victory was won through the Testimony of the LAMB
and we each will be a "free man" of the Holy City! O what absolute
overwhelming joys await us!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We bless and praise YOU, LORD JESUS, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL and ask YOU
to purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of
YOUR PRESENCE. Turn our daily thoughts to YOU and help us to see that no
work truly prospers unless it brings blessings to other lives, and no
gain truly enriches if it does not add happiness to others. Help us so
to live that when we have gathered our final harvest, many shall rise up
that we have told or shown the way to YOUR Kingdom. Continue to give
YOUR blessings upon us. Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the
sanctuary of our souls, within the shelter of YOUR mighty wings.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Tradition really misses the mark —
GOD: And remember, Moses, in the Laws of keeping kosher, never boil a
kid in its mother's milk. It is cruel.
Moses: So, YOU are saying we should never eat milk and meat together?
GOD: No, what I'm saying is, "never cook a young goat in its mother's
milk."
Moses: O LORD, forgive my ignorance! What YOU are really saying is we
should wait six hours after eating meat to eat milk so the two are not
in our stomachs together.
GOD: No, Moses, listen to ME — I am saying, "do not cook a kid in
its mother's milk!"
Moses: Oy, LORD! Please don't strike me down for my stupidity! What YOU
mean is we should have a separate set of dishes for milk and a separate
set for meat and if we make a mistake we have to bury that dish outside
for 3 days?
GOD: "Whatever!!! "

KOSHER FOODS
"The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, speak to the
Israelite people thus: —These are the creatures you may eat from
among all the land animals: Any animal that has true hoofs, with clefts
through the hoofs, and chews the cud — such you may eat. And of
those that live in water: Any that has fins and scales you may eat. You
shall not eat any abominable bird. You may not eat anything abhorrent;
no detestable thing." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11. 1 - 23; Deuteronomy/ Devarim
14. 4 - 21]

The ALMIGHTY HOLY GOD gives the children of Israel HIS Laws concerning
their food. They were forbidden to eat the flesh of animals whose hoofs
are not cloven or which do not chew the cud (horse, camel, swine,
rabbits, etc.); the fish that lack fins and scales; birds of prey; all
creeping things and insects except for certain types of locusts. It
should be observed that even of those animals permitted for food,
certain parts were forbidden: The Blood [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 23];
Fat [Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 3 - 5; 7. 23]; and in Jewish custom, the Hind
Quarter, because it contains the sciatic nerve. The hind quarter is
avoided as food because of the occurrence in Genesis, the story of
Jacob's wrestling with the ANGEL OF THE LORD — "the children of
Israel to this day do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the socket of
the hip, since Jacob's hip socket was wrenched at the thigh muscle."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

These dietary laws were given to the Israelites primarily for hygienic
reasons to bring to their attention the importance of being Clean and
Holy in the sight of the RIGHTEOUS ETERNAL ONE. Their difference from
other peoples was not only to be in their religious worship but also in
their eating habits. The HOLY LORD GOD explained this conclusively and
definitely. . .
The primary reason for giving these food laws to Israel was to sanctify
them, to establish a difference between them and the heathen. "I the
LORD am your GOD; you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am
holy...you shall not make yourselves unclean." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11.
44; Deuteronomy/ Devarim 14. 2 - 3] They were to be a holy people to
GOD MOST HIGH.

CREATOR GOD called some animals and fish "clean" and some "unclean" to
teach lesson's by the very nature of these animals and fish (for their
meat was good to eat). The "Divided Hoof" depicts separation. An
animal with divided hoofs can climb to high places. The people of GOD
are to be like the clean animal — separated from the worldly system
to climb the high mountains of spiritual victory!

The "FINS" are for propulsion, to swim against the current, to stay off
the mud below. The people of GOD are to be like the clean fish with
fins; refuse to slide along in the mud or to drift with the tide, but
swim against the current. "Scales" (Hebrew: "qasqeseth" means coat of
mail) on the clean fish are for protection against muddy waters and any
contamination. GOD'S people are to be like the clean fish with scales,
though in the world, protected against all the filth of the world,
encased in a "coat of mail."

ALMIGHTY GOD commanded HIS people only to eat the meat of those animals
who "chew the cud." The HEBREW TORAH translates "chewing the cud" as
reflect, think, to muse, to ponder, to meditate. This is a mark of the
sanctified life — "to chew the cud" — the WORD OF GOD, to
meditate upon it day and night.

There is significance also in the command of the ETERNAL ONE which
prohibits fat and blood. However, it is Jewish custom, not GOD'S Law
which forbids the hind quarter of animals which were "clean" for food.
Blood because the life of the flesh is in the blood.
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 23; Leviticus/Vayikra 7. 26; 17. 10 - 11] Fat
because the fat belonged to the LORD God Almighty. [Numbers/B'Midvar 18.
17; Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 16] The Sinew [that shrank] because
INVINCIBLE GOD touched the human "strength" of Jacob (Israel) while
wrestling with him. [Genesis/Bereshith 32. 32] In all this we see:
Blood is the Life; Fat shows Abundance; Sinew portrays Strength. . . and
all belongs to the LORD GOD!

Consider this also, there was a difference between Clean and Unclean
animals before the Law was given. At the time of the flood, Noah was to
take seven of every Clean animal — male and its female; and two each
of the Unclean animals — male and its female. [Genesis/Bereshith 7]
Even in the foods one eats, the HOLY OMNIPOTENT LORD OF HOSTS wants HIS
children to be set apart, consecrated.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The sword comes into the world because of justice being delayed, because
of justice being perverted, and because of those who render wrong
decisions. Wisdom belongs to those who seek advise. Keep watching and
praying.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love is like a ladder; it connects us to heaven, and it also brings
heaven to earth.

NAIL IN A SURE PLACE
"I will place the keys of David's palace on his shoulder; what he opens,
and no one shall shut; and he shuts, and no one shall open. I will fix
him as a peg in a secure place on which all the substance of his
father's household shall be hung; and he will become a glorious throne
to his father's house." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 22. 22 € ¦’¶ 23 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

This prophecy was originally applied to Eliakim, the keeper of the
treasuries in the reign of King Hezekiah. The wearing of the key to the
treasuries on his shoulder was symbolic of "authority or power."
Isaiah, had used this same symbol in his great prophecy of the coming
MESSIAH YESHUA, saying that "the authority has settled on HIS
shoulders." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Therefore, Eliakim is a type of MESSIAH in his capacity to open and shut
doors with his special key (authority, power). The LORD JESUS quoted
from this passage in HIS promise to the church at Philadelphia: "These
things says HE WHO is HOLY, HE WHO is TRUE, HE WHO has the KEY of David,
HE WHO opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens € ¦’· I know
your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut
it; for you have a little strength, have kept MY WORD and have not
denied MY NAME." [Revelation 3. 7 - 8] YESHUA, the REDEEMER holds us
in righteousness and HE is our "ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and
steadfast" [Hebrews 6. 19], WHO will never fail. The MAN OF SORROWS has
been judged for our sins, and with GOD'S promises as the "cords of love"
around us, we are secure in HIS salvation.

Eliakim was also called "a nail in a sure place" and in this also he is
a wonderful type of MESSIAH YESHUA our BELOVED KINSMAN REDEEMER.
Eliakim was trustworthy in his office, even more so is our LOVING LORD.
The Hebrew word for nail, "yathed" can also be translated "tent pin"
[see Judges/Shofetim 4. 21], or "stake/peg." [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 33.
20; 54. 2] The "nail in a sure place" speaks of stability and constant
endurance in times of trouble. "But now for a short while grace has
been shown from the LORD our GOD...to give us a nail (peg/stake) in HIS
Holy Place" [Ezra 9. 8] "not one of its stakes (nails/pegs) will ever be
removed, and none of whose cords shall break." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 33. 20
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The ETERNAL CREATOR GOD OF HEAVEN is interested in the smallest detail
of our lives and is concerned that these details coincide with HIS great
plan for us. Through MESSIAH YESHUA, ALMIGHTY GOD has drawn us to
HIMSELF and HE has the power to hold us, to keep us from failing, and to
present us faultless before the presence of HIS glory with exceeding
joy! [Jude 24] "Though he (the righteous man) stumbles, he shall not
be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with HIS hand." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 37. 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Our ADORING SAVIOR holds us fast
and secure in HIS love and tender mercy. O, the joy that fills the
heart from the precious touch of the MASTER'S hand!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Let us adore the EVER-LIVING GOD, and render praise to HIM WHO spread
out the heavens and established the earth, WHOSE glory is revealed in
the heavens above and WHOSE greatness is manifest throughout the world.
HE is our GOD; there is none else. We bow the head and bend the knee
and magnify the KING of kings, the HOLY ONE, praised be HE. Amen!
Just to let you know that we are praying for each of you!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May you have the hind-sight to know where you've been; the for-sight to
know where you're going; and the in-sight to know when you've gone too
far.

LIGHT & TRUTH —
"Oh, send out YOUR Light and YOUR Truth! Let them lead me; let them
bring me to YOUR holy hill and to YOUR Tabernacle." [Psalms (Tehillym)
43. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This old troubled world we live in certainly is in desperate need of
light to find the only way out of the terrible darkness it is in; and
the truth to rightly exist instead of constant chaos.

The Hebrew word 'emeth means truth — 'owr means light. ALMIGHTY GOD
is the AUTHOR of all truth and light. HE has already sent out HIS light
and HIS truth, but "men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does
not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." [John 3. 19 -
20] Although they profess to be ever learning, they are always learning
but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. In fact, "they
will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to
fables." [2 Timothy 3. 7; 4. 4]

Although we have much more light than in the days of the Psalmist, as
well as access to the truth, because, we have GOD'S complete WRITTEN
WORD —from Genesis to Revelation. As SCRIPTURES promised, "YOUR
WORD is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] And again the promise, "For the commandment
is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of
life." [Proverbs (Mishle) 6. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The truth of the LORD GOD OF HOSTS is what we all need for our faith as
we live in a world of woe and the future looks so dark. Times of
tribulation are also revealed in the light of HIS HOLY WORD, both the
inspired WRITTEN WORD and the LORD JESUS, the INCARNATE LIVING WORD OF
TRUTH. "That you may know that I am the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 10. 2
Tanakh, Torah] "Be in fear of the sword for yourselves; for wrath is
iniquity worthy of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."
[Job (Iyob) 19. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "These things I have written to
you who believe in the Name of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that
you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name
of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 13]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH not only claimed: "I am the WAY, the TRUTH,
and the LIFE" [John 14. 6], HE also prayed for us saying, "Sanctify them
by YOUR Truth. YOUR WORD is Truth." [John 17. 17]

And as a privileged blessing for all who believe the EVER-LIVING ETERNAL
MASTER revealed truth, "GOD, WHO commanded light to shine out of
darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 4. 6]

HalleluYAH! There are many great joys and benefits now in serving the
ETERNAL LOVING LORD OF GLORY.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The LORD loves truth and peace: "Speak each man the truth to his
neighbour; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice and peace; let
none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbour; and do not
love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says YEHOWAH,
the GOD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah/Zecharya h 8. 16 - 17]

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Freedom without restraint leads to bondage.

WALKING IN THE LORD'S STEPS
"HE will guard the steps of HIS saints, but the wicked shall perish in
darkness— for not by strength shall man prevail." [1 Samuel (Shemuel
Alef) 2. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im],

Living according to GOD'S command is every true believer's
utmost desire. To be like our MASTER delights not only the follower of
the LORD YESHUA, but it is also HIS highest calling as HE observes HIS
children obeying HIS voice. How wondrous to know that each of our steps
were ordered of the LORD, "The steps of a good man are made firm by the
LORD, when HE delights in his way. Though he stumbles, he shall not be
utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with HIS hand." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 37. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "For to this you were called,
because CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you
should follow HIS steps." [1 Peter 2. 21]

Even when the path seems difficult, especially in these last days, it is
the only path that honors the HOLY ONE. "He leads me in the paths of
righteousness for HIS NAME'S sake." [Psalms/Tehillym 23. 3] "O LORD,
lead me, in YOUR righteousness [path] because of my enemies; make YOUR
way straight before my face." [Psalms (Tehillym) 5. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"For YOU are my ROCK and my FORTRESS; YOU lead me and guide me as befits
YOUR NAME." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

We need to be in the WRITTEN WORD daily to insure we do not get off the
path of righteousness or drift from what is written. Like the Prophet
Jeremiah affirmed, " I know, O LORD, that man's road is not his [to
choose], that man, as he walks, cannot direct his own steps. Correct me,
O Lord, but with justice; not in YOUR wrath, lest YOU reduce me to
nothing." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Thus our constant prayer should be, "Direct my feet by YOUR WORD, do not
let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of
man, that I may keep YOUR precepts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 133 - 134
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Our LOVING & FAITHFUL GUIDE promised, "Whenever you deviate to the
right or whenever you deviate to the left, your ears shall hear the
command from behind you, saying— This is the way, walk in it."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 30. 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"You must be very strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do
according to all the law which My servant Moses commanded you. Do not
turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper wherever
you go. Let not this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, but
meditate in it day and night, that you may observe faithfully to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous and only then you will have good success." [Joshua (Yehoshua)
1. 7 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The GREAT SHEPHERD also affirmed, "MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know
them, and they follow ME." [John 10. 27] As servants of the MOST HIGH
we can be confident that we are led by the LORD and HE faithfully will
instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; HE will guide you
with HIS eye. [Psalms/Tehillym 32. 8]

Let us follow in the MASTER'S footsteps, HE knows the way to life
everlasting.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen!
Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously
welcomed!
Those who keep Sabbath and call it a delight shall rejoice in GOD'S
Kingdom. Through the common days flow the refreshing waters of GOD'S
loving-kindness, yet we forget THE SOURCE. May this hour awaken within
us a sense of our dependence upon YOU. Create in us a clean heart and
renew a right spirit within us that we may face our daily duty with a
firm courage and a tranquil mind. May we learn to know that in loving
and serving our fellowmen, we are loving and serving YOU, O MERCIFUL
ONE. May the spirit of the Sabbath fill our life with its blessed peace
through YOUR PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. Amen.
Good Shabbos!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
One's Jewish identity is often a liability, not an asset.

SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION
In the HEBREW SCRIPTURES GOD gave a number of pictures concerning a new
beginning, a new life which HE promised to HIS children. The most
important one of these pictures is the rite of circumcision. This is the
oldest and most sacred of our Jewish instructions. Many of you, my
Jewish people, know the Hebrew word "brith (bris)." The HOLY ONE OF
ISRAEL made this Covenant with Abraham:
"And GOD said to Abraham— As for you, you and your descendants to
come throughout the ages shall keep MY Covenant. Such shall be the
Covenant between ME and you and your descendants offspring to follow
which you shall keep: every male child among you shall be circumcised.
You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the
sign of the Covenant between ME and you. And throughout the generations,
every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days, he
who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is
not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought
with your money must be circumcised, and MY Covenant shall be in your
flesh for an Everlasting Covenant. And the uncircumcised male child, who
is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be
cut off from his people; he has broken MY Covenant." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 17. 9 - 14 Tanakh, Torah]

You know the custom of our people: how that when a boy is eight days
old, there is a great celebration. When the child is brought in for
circumcision, all those who are gathered for the occasion call out:
"Blessed be he who comes in the name of the LORD." Then the
baby is placed upon a chair which is called The Chair (or) Throne of
Elijah. We Jewish people had been taught that Elijah was the Messenger
of the Covenant who was to announce the coming of MESSIAH. This promise
of GOD is recorded in the HOLY SCRIPTURES.

The person who performs the circumcision recites a prayers which begins:
"This is the Chair of ElijahÂ…for YOUR salvation, O LORD, I have
waitedÂ…" At the Bris, the Jewish boy is given his Hebrew name
which is his legal or ritual name. It is permitted to add a non-Hebrew
name to this Hebrew name and many of our fellow Jews are called by
either of them.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we Jewish people have heard the
recital of a very important prayer asking the ETERNAL ONE to send the
MESSIAH WHO is the RIGHTEOUS PRIEST and to make us worthy of the days of
MESSIAH and of the life to come!

O my Jewish people — do you not see what GOD is teaching you by this
Covenant with Abraham? HE desires to cut away all your old life of
ritual and ceremony so that HE can give you a NEW life — a NEW
beginning. And HE is trying to show you that the coming of the MESSIAH
will do that very thing for you if you will only believe!

It does not matter if you are born a natural Jew and have gone through
the ceremony of circumcision in the flesh. GOD does not recognize you
as a TRUE Jew until your heart is circumcised — that is: the old
life has been cut away by believing in YESHUA — JESUS OF NAZARETH as
your MESSIAH.

Here is GOD'S pronouncement upon our Jewish forefathers in the words
of Jeremiah: "Behold, the days are coming — says the LORD —
that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised —
Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the
farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are
uncircumcised, and all the House of Israel are uncircumcised of heart
(for their minds are blocked to GOD'S commandments) ." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 9. 25 - 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

GOD wants to give you a new life, a new heart. This is made possible
when your heart believes in YESHUA, and your mouth confesses HIM to be
your RIGHTEOUS PRIEST, your MESSIAH-KING. Then it will be possible for
your to love the LORD GOD with all your heart and soul. GOD promises
this to you in your own JEWISH SCRIPTURES: "Then the LORD your GOD will
circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants to love the
LORD your GOD with all your heart and soul, in order that you may live."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 30. 6 Tanakh, Torah]

The NEW COVENANT tells us who is a TRUE Jew. The Jewish apostle Paul
wrote by GOD'S inspiration: "For he is not a Jew who is one
outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but
he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart,
in the SPIRIT, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from
GOD." [Romans 2. 28 - 29]

My fellow Jew, will you not heed the voice of the LORD? HE commands you
to circumcise the foreskin of your heart so the OLD LAW is cut away and
a NEW LAW takes its place. The ordinances, rituals, ceremonies and
sacrifices under the OLD COVENANT are fulfilled in the HOLY ONE OF
ISRAEL — YESHUA, the GALILEAN. Why don't you accept a NEW
BEGINNING for yourself? Accept HIS life, HIS love, HIS peace, HIS
righteousness. Let HIM come into your heart as HE so desires to do. HE
will do so if you but ask HIM!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We give thanks to YOU for YOU are the LORD our GOD and the GOD of our
fathers; YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation
through every generation. We give YOU praise for our lives which are
committed into YOUR hands, and for our souls which are in YOUR charge,
and for YOUR miracles, which are daily; for YOUR wonders and YOUR
benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning, and noon. O
YOU WHO are all-good, whose mercies fail not; YOU, MERCIFUL ONE, whose
loving-kindnesses never cease, we have ever hoped in YOU. For all these
things YOUR NAME, O our KING we continually bless and exalt for ever and
ever.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love is a river that must be guarded with the banks of truth and
sincerity.

WALK IN LOVE
"I (Paul), therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you to walk
worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and
gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace"
[Ephesians 4. 1 - 3]

The book of Ephesians uses the lovely term "in love" six various times
each filled with encouragement, hope and enrichment. First, we are made
aware that the LORD GOD "has chosen us in [MESSIAH YESHUA] before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before
HIM in love." [Ephesians 1. 4]

The fact that we are specifically elected (chosen) and positioned in the
LORD JESUS CHRIST with HIS accredited holiness is centered in HIS love.
This means that our spiritual lives are "rooted and grounded in love"
[Ephesians 3. 17], because they are firmly established in HIM WHO is
INCARNATE LOVE.

This amazing love for us from the GIVER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which
illuminates and energizes us, must then display itself through our
lives. . . we must love in lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and
bear with one another no matter the personal frustration or
disappointment it may cause.

In witnessing and teaching, we must always be careful to speak the truth
only, but even that is not enough. We must do so primarily "speaking
the truth in love" — that the whole body of YESHUA "may grow up in
all things into HIM WHO is the head — CHRIST...being built together
for a habitation of GOD in the SPIRIT." [Ephesians 4. 15 w/1. 22]
Consistently practiced by all members of that great spiritual body doing
their share, "causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in
love." [Ephesians 4. 16]

For the final intricately elaborate love statement: "Therefore be
imitators of GOD as dear children. And walk in love, as MESSIAH also has
loved us and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD
for a sweet-smelling aroma." [Ephesians 5. 1 - 2]

The LORD has chosen us in love, rooted and grounded us in love, and now
we should be patient (refrain yourself) with each other, as needed, and
build each other up in love, speaking the truth in love, and walking
daily in HIS wondrous love. In all things love others as we love the
MASTER. Love above all things, it is the bond of perfection.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We praise YOU, MOST HOLY LORD God and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest
to us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts
of YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in
humility and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may
acknowledge that YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and
that YOUR NAME is exalted above all.
Hold fast to the ENDURING ONE and continue to hold each other up in
your prayers, these are going to be hard days ahead, but our RIGHTEOUS
ALMIGHTY GOD is in control.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
GOD has not promised us tomorrow, but HE has promised us eternity!

LIGHT TO GENTILES
"For HE has said— It is too small a thing that YOU should be MY
SERVANT (Hebrew: ebed) in that I raise up the tribes of Jacob and
restore the survivors of Israel: I will also make YOU a LIGHT to the
Gentiles, that YOU should be MY SALVATION to reach the ends of the
earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Here GOD THE FATHER is speaking to GOD THE WORD as HE is about to
announce the PROMISED SEED, the SAVIOR of the world would come to bring
salvation to a lost, sinful world. Not only the restoration of Israel,
GOD'S elect nation, but salvation to all the Gentile nations throughout
the earth. What the LORD has spoken, HE will bring to pass for HE
designed it and will see that it is completed.

The old and revered prophet, Simeon, referred to this prophetic text
when he took the infant JESUS into his arms and proclaimed, "LORD, now
YOU are letting YOUR servant depart in peace, according to YOUR WORD;
for my eyes have seen YOUR SALVATION which YOU have prepared before the
face of all peoples, a LIGHT to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and
the glory of YOUR people Israel." [Luke 2. 29 -32]

The OLD COVENANT again prophecies that MESSIAH would come into the world
to seek and save the lost and dying of humanity. "Behold! This is MY
SERVANT, WHOM I uphold, MY ELECT ONE in WHOM I delight! I have put MY
SPIRIT upon HIM, HE shall teach the True Way to the Gentiles...I, the
LORD, in MY grace have called YOU in righteousness, and will hold YOUR
hand. I will keep YOU and give YOU as a covenant to the people, as a
LIGHT to the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to rescue prisoners from
confinement, from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 42. 1, 6 – 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Even the Magi's coming to
worship the CHILD YESHUA in Bethlehem is foretold: "Arise, Shine! For
your LIGHT has come! And the KABOD (PRESENCE) OF THE LORD is risen upon
you. Behold! Darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the
people; but upon you the LORD will shine, and HIS GLORY (PRESENCE) will
be seen over you. The Gentiles shall come to YOUR LIGHT, and kings to
the brightness of YOUR radiance." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 60. 1 – 3
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In Antioch, the Apostle Paul proclaimed this truth when he preached to
the Gentiles there and everywhere else he spoke. "I have set you as a
light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of
the earth." [Acts 13. 47] And he witnessed to both small and great
"that the MESSIAH would suffer, that HE would be the first to rise from
the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the
Gentiles." [Acts 26. 23]

The LORD YESHUA not only enlightens both the Jews and the Gentiles, but
HE is indeed "ha'NER" — the LIGHT of the world (ha'olam), the LIGHT
of life.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May you be blessed with joy, good health, peace, and all the best things
ALMIGHTY GOD has prepared for you. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If one cannot understand indirect remarks, he will not understand plain
ones either.

RESURRECTION OF ISRAEL
"Thus says the LORD GOD to these bones— I will cause breath to enter
into you and you shall live again." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 5 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

The vision of the "Valley of Dry Bones" had disconnected and scattered
body parts everywhere. It was humanly impossible for these bones to
live but, GOD ALMIGHTY told Ezekiel to preach to them. At the preaching
of the WORD OF GOD, the bones came together. The ETERNAL ONE put sinews
and flesh upon the skeletons making them into bodies; but, with no life
in them. Then the Breath or Spirit (Hebrew: ruwach) was put into them
which caused them to stand upright and live again. The LORD GOD MOST
HOLY described these bones as the Whole House of Israel who had been
dead and whom HE would cause to come up out of their graves from every
land where HE had scattered them.

"In that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah— Ours is a
mighty city; the HOLY ONE makes victory our inner and outer wall. Open
the gates, and let the righteous nation enter, a nation that keeps faith
and truth. YOU have increased the nation, O LORD, when YOU added to the
nation; extending all the boundaries of the land, YOU are glorified and
honored. Oh, let YOUR dead revive and live! Let corpses arise! Together
with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, shout for joy, you
who dwell in dust!—For your dew is like the dew on fresh growth of
herbs; YOU make the land of the shades come to life and the earth shall
cast out the dead. O come, MY people, enter your chambers, and shut your
doors behind you. Hide but a little moment, until the indignation
passes. For behold! the LORD shall come forth from HIS place to punish
the dwellers of the earth for their iniquity. And the earth shall
disclose its bloodshed and shall no longer conceal its slain." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 26. 1, 2, 15, 19 - 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"For the LORD has built Zion; HE has appeared in all HIS glory." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 102. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Zion refers not only to Jerusalem,
but to those who live in that City. The MASTER DESIGNER is speaking of
a literal city and a literal people in connection with HIS literal
appearance. The ALMIGHTY ONE will revive the Jewish people spiritually,
politically and nationally.

The GLORIOUS LORD GOD will revive Israel and put them back in their own
land which HE promised to Abraham and will set one KING over them. "The
LORD will pardon Jacob, and will again choose Israel, and will settle
them on their own soil." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

There is a rebirth of the land as well as of the people of Zion.
ALMIGHTY GOD is giving them the very breath of spiritual life. That
life can only come through faith in the PROMISED ANOINTED ONE OF GOD.
They are coming out of their graves of spiritual death and receiving
eternal life by receiving JESUS OF NAZARETH as their long-awaited
REDEEMER-MESSIAH, the SOON-COMING KING.

Truly, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is THE PROMISED ONE OF GOD to come to Israel
WHO will be their RIGHTEOUS KING in Zion. GOD promised that one KING
will rule in "That Day" when Zion would be built up.

Will you be one of GOD'S called and chosen? Won't you allow the
MESSIAH to rule as LORD of your life? JESUS is coming back very shortly
for HIS OWN special people. Be ready!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The Roman senate was made up of people who were called the Senex — a
word meaning old man. Incidentally, this is the word from which we get
"senile" an/or "senator" . . . I will make no further comment on that
subject, but rest my rationalizing comparison! Be careful, wise and
discerning how you vote.
Shalom U'Vrakah — Peace & Blessings!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Jewish definitions: Pessimist — Things can't get any worse.
Optimist — Yes! they can get worse, absolutely, they can get much
worse.

CONTROLLER OF THE FUTURE
"Thus said King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD GOD OF HEAVEN has given me all
the kingdoms of the earth, and has charged me with building HIM a House
in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any one of you of all HIS people, the
LORD his GOD be with him and let him go up." [2 Chronicles (Dibre
Hayamin Bet) 36. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Cyrus the great emperor of Persia had been called, even named by GOD,
150 years before he was born. "I am the same WHO says of Cyrus— He
is MY shepherd, the king whom I have designated, he shall fulfill all MY
purposes!— He shall say of Jerusalem— She shall be rebuilt
—and to the Temple— You shall be founded again." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 44. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This was at least 175 years before
he would fulfill Isaiah's prophecy by giving Ezra authority to rebuild
the Temple. [Ezra 1. 1 - 2]

When Cyrus conquered Babylon, the prophet Daniel was there.
[Daniel/Danyel 6. 28] The Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote that Daniel
actually became Prime Minister under Cyrus and was able to read Isaiah's
remarkable prophecy to him, thus influencing him to send the Jews back
to Jerusalem.

The GREAT & AWESOME GOD OF ISRAEL is the ETERNAL LORD GOD OF HEAVEN and
HE controls the future and can reveal it if HE chooses, using this very
fact as proof that HE will keep HIS other promises. "Thus said the LORD
to Cyrus, HIS anointed one — whose right hand I have grasped,
treading down nations before him, un-girding the loins of kings, I made
them helpless, opening doors before him and letting no gate stay
shut...For the sake of MY servant Jacob, Israel MY chosen one, I call
you (Cyrus) by name, I hail you by title, though you have not known ME."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 1, 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

King Josiah was also named before he was born with the specific prophecy
concerning him waiting to be fulfilled for over 300 years after it was
first spoken. "O altar, altar! thus said the LORD: A son shall be born
to the House of David, Josiah by name; and he shall slaughter upon you
the priests of the shrines who bring offerings upon you. And human bones
shall be burned upon you." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 13. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im; see 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 23. 15 - 16 for the fulfillment of
this prophesy.]

"Bear in mind what happened of old; for I am GOD, and there is none
else, I am DIVINE, and there is none like ME. I foretell the end from
the beginning, and from the start, things that had not occurred. I
say— MY plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 46. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Beyond doubt, the
LOVING LORD OMNIPOTENT GOD will do all that HE has said.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! If I do not
remember you, let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth — if I do
not exalt Jerusalem and keep Jerusalem in memory even at my most joyous
hours." Psalms/Tehillym 137:5-6

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Nothing from some people, is giving all they have.

THE RED HEIFER
"Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red heifer without
blemish...take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson wool and throw them into
the fire consuming the heifer; and with some of the ashes make a
cleansing for the unclean person." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 19. 1-17
w/Hebrews 9. 12-14; 10. 10-12]

The "Red Heifer Offering" is different from the five offerings of
Leviticus 1 thru 5. They were sin-offerings for atonement and
salvation. The Red Heifer (the genuine holy cow) was not for salvation,
but for cleansing from the daily defilement of the believer. The blood
of this offering was not to be brought into the Holy of Holies and
placed on the Mercy Seat for salvation, but was to be sprinkled OUTSIDE
before the congregation. This was a type of the daily sins of the
believer, being confessed and cleansed by the once-shed blood of the
LORD JESUS.

The Red Heifer is brought outside the Camp and slain as was all other
sin-offering. {JESUS, the PERFECT SACRIFICE/REDEEMER, died outside the
camp.} Even its blood was burned, except what is used in the sevenfold
sprinkling before the Tent of Meeting, where the people went to meet
with ALMIGHTY GOD. And, into the midst of the burning of the red
heifer, were cast cedar wood, hyssop (types of all nature, from the
highest to the lowest — 1 Kings/Melakhim Alef 4. 33) and scarlet (in
type — the glory of the world).

Cedar represents that which is imperishable.
Hyssop was used for purification from defilement.
Scarlet is the emblem of life.

The "Water of Separation" was made from the ashes of the Red Heifer.
This provision was for the removal of ceremonial defilement which
occurred by contact with the dead. [Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 16-21] The
ashes were laid up for constant use for the Israelites.
[Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 9] The effects of MESSIAH'S blood sacrifice is
Continual (once-for-all) .

The person who had touched a corpse or the dust from the grave was
regarded as being defiled and dared not enter into the presence of the
HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD. Death was a constant reminder of the result of sin.
The conscience of man feels the touch of death. He is afraid even to
die, he must be purified from the touch — "the works of death"
before he can render service to the TRUE & LIVING GOD.

Under the OLD LAW, uncleanness is connected with birth, death, meats and
drinks, garments, and places of dwelling. A man could become unclean
even in his sleep. The Law even tracked him closely in his most secret
places and during his most unguarded hours, it is so with sin and
defilement among men. The ashes of the Red Heifer were collected and
kept in a clean place where any member of the camp could have "easy
access" from which a portion could be taken for their uncleanness. When
the ashes of one Red Heifer was used up, another was put in its place.
The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is THE CONTINUAL OFFERING, and all (whosoever
will) may have access to the purification that comes from HIS sacrifice
on Calvary!

The Red Heifer is not a new sacrifice. It speaks of a sacrifice already
completed. The ashes alone remained to testify of the consumption of
the victim. In this way, the Red Heifer represents that which has
already been offered "once for all." [Hebrews 9. 12]

Here the sacrifice victim (Red Heifer) is a female. . . a type which
speaks of submissiveness (obedience), dependence (belief), and
willingness (readiness) — also reproduction (imitating), which we
see in the CHRIST JESUS at Gethsemane. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was subject
to FATHER GOD'S will, not HIS OWN. The LORD JESUS' death became the
means whereby there could be reproduction of "sons born into HIS
KINGDOM!"

The Red Heifer was "without blemish" — with neither defect nor
deformity and "on which no yoke had been laid." Not only sin's yoke,
but any, for a yoke is an instrument to ENFORCE subjection; and the
LORD, KING MESSIAH was not forced to give up HIS life, HE gave it
freely. YESHUA could have called twelve legions of angels to take HIM
off the Cross, but HE did not. . . HIS is the PERFECTION of a WILLING
SACRIFICE.

The HOLY SPIRIT uses the WRITTEN WORD to convict the believer of sin in
their life. Then, when the person is convicted, he remembers that the
guilt of his sin has been met by the PERFECT SACRIFICE of the LORD
JESUS. Instead of despairing hopelessness, the convicted person judges
and confesses the defiling thing that is unworthy of a believer and is
forgiven and cleansed by the blood of our PRECIOUS, PURIFYING SAVIOUR,
the MESSIAH WHO says — "If I do not wash you, you have no part with
ME." [John 13. 3-10; 1 John 1. 7-10; Romans 5. 9]

Allow the LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO, has chosen then called you, to cleanse,
clothe, consecrate and conform you into HIS likeness. Then commit your
life to fulfill HIS commission. What an excellent and select group to
belong to.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we share the blessed hope that, in
YESHUA, every day will be as sweet as Shabbat — a rest of love
freely given in truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and
tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find
favor of the LORD JESUS! Have a good week, may gladness reign and joy
increase.
May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all
Israel, Amen.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
No secret causes GOD concern, HE knows all.

NAARAH — BETHULAH — ALMAH
"He (Abraham's servant) had scarcely finished speaking (to the LORD
GOD), when Rivkah (Rebekkah), who was born to Bethuel, the son of Milcah
the wife of Abraham's brother, Nahor, came out with her pitcher on her
shoulder. The young woman (Hebrew: naarah) was very beautiful, a virgin
(Hebrew: bethulah) whom no man had known." [Genesis (Bereshith) 24. 16
Tanakh, Torah]

Rivkah (Rebekkah) is called a virgin (bethulah); later, in Genesis
24:55, she is called an engaged virgin (Hebrew: almah). The RIGHTEOUS
SOVEREIGN LORD, speaking by the HOLY SPIRIT through the prophet Isaiah
said— "The LORD HIMSELF shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin
(almah – engaged virgin) shall conceive and shall bear a SON and
shall call HIS NAME "IMMANU'EL (with us is GOD or GOD with us)."
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 7. 14]

"Naarah" simply means young woman. But, what is the difference between
an almah and a bethulah?? Two thousand years after MESSIAH was born to
the virgin Miryam (Mary), people would say that almah does not mean
virgin — it simply means a young woman, but not necessarily a
virgin. However, the MASTER OMNISCIENT CREATOR had already set a
precedent (standard), a witness and a testimony for HIMSELF, for Yeshua,
and for Miryam (Mary) from the beginning of recorded history in the Book
of Genesis/Bereshith:
When Rivkah (Rebekkah) appeared at the well in the afternoon, before
she drew the water for Abraham's servant, she was called a bethulah
(un-engaged virgin). A few hours later, still a virgin, she was now
called an "almah." The only difference being that she was now an
"engaged virgin (almah – engaged virgin)" having consented to marry
Isaac, who was still in the Land of Promise. Rivkah is now betrothed or
engaged and has never even seen her husband to be.

Speaking through Isaiah, the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, had specified that the
woman who would conceive and bear a SON, IMMANU'EL, would be an virgin
(almah). . . an espoused, engaged, betrothed virgin (almah). Thus, the
Hebrew words used in the account of Rivkah's engagement to Isaac makes
it absolutely, undeniably and unquestionably clear. All three
descriptions are used to describe the wife of Isaac, long before the
couple even met.

In Deuteronomy regarding the "Law of Marriage" you can see the
differences also. "If a young woman (naarah) who is a virgin who is
engaged (almah) to a husband for whom a bride-price had been paid —
if a man comes upon her in a city and lies with her then you shall bring
them both out to the gate of that city, and stone them to death with
stones; the girl because she did not cry for help in the town, and the
man because he violated another man's wife...But if the man comes upon
the engaged woman (almah) in the open country, and the man lies with her
by force, only the man who lay with her shall die, but you shall do
nothing to the woman." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 22. 23, 25 Tanakh, Torah]
However, "If a man finds a young woman (naarah) who is a virgin, who is
not engaged (bethulah), and he seizes her and lies with her, and they
are discovered, the man who lay with her shall pay the young woman's
father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife. Because he
has violated her, he can never have the right to divorce her."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 22. 28 - 29 Tanakh, Torah]

We know that Miryam (Mary) was engaged to Joseph, and was the chosen
almah who would bring forth a SON, MESSIAH YESHUA. [Luke 1] Joseph, a
most honorable man, "did not know her (Miryam) until she had brought
forth her firstborn SON." [Matthew 1. 25]

The GREAT, MIGHTY & HOLY GOD OF HOSTS not only sets the stage, but
brings about all that HE says HE will do. "For with GOD, nothing is
impossible." [Luke 1. 37] O LORD GOD, my HOPE and my PRAISE, "Nothing
is too wondrous (extraordinary) for YOU!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 18
Tanakh, Nevi'im] HalleluYAH!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen, Sabbath
presence, let us welcome. O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great love YOU
appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that
freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments.
Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble the things of
earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honor and praise the LORD
YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and
gives true Sabbath peace and rest. May peace abundant descend from
heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The one who cannot escape the consequences of the OLD COVENANT, is the
one who will not accept the blessings of the NEW.

BLOOD COVENANT
"Now may the GOD of peace who brought up our LORD JESUS from the dead,
that GREAT SHEPHERD of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant." [Hebrews 13. 20]

The Hebrew word "beriyth" translates to covenant, treaty, agreement,
pledge, testament, divine ordinance or contract. The theme of THE
COVENANT is expressively significant in the book of Hebrews more then
any other book in the NEW COVENANT. It is especially one for the
allotment of an inheritance, which is the most significant of all
covenants.

This NEW COVENANT is also called "a better covenant." [Hebrews 7. 22; 8.
6] "For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel
after those days, says the LORD: I will put MY Laws in their mind, and
write them on their hearts; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be
MY people. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins
and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." [Hebrews 8. 10, 12
— quoting Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 31. 33]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is "the MEDIATOR of the NEW COVENANT, by
means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the FIRST
COVENANT, that those who are called may receive the promise of the
eternal inheritance" [Hebrews 9. 15] "not according to our works, but
according to HIS OWN purpose and grace which was given to us in MESSIAH
YESHUA before time began." [2 Timothy 1. 9]

The OLD COVENANT was signed by ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF: "When the sun set
and it was very dark, there appeared a SMOKING OVEN (Hebrew: 'ashan
tannuwr), and a FLAMING TORCH (Hebrew: 'esh lappiyd) which passed
between those pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram
saying— To your offspring I assign this land, from the River of
Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15.
17 - 18 Tanakh, Torah; see all Genesis/Bereshith 15]

The NEW COVENANT is everlasting and our inheritance is eternal, for the
blood of this COVENANT was made with the infinitely precious blood of
the LORD YESHUA "WHO has been perfected forever" [Hebrews 7. 28] WHOM
GOD has raised from the dead and now "HE continues forever...an
UNCHANGEABLE PRIESTHOOD, since HE always lives to make intercession" for
all who "come to GOD through HIM." [Hebrews 7. 24 - 25] Even now,
won't you come and surrender your life to the MASTER?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
JESUS! . . . Greetings in HIS SWEET & LOVELY NAME. May the flame of
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH burn brightly in your heart as you share HIS light
with others. May GOD, WHO is ALMIGHTY, prosper you in HIS purpose and
grant you mercy, sustain you in HIS power, grace, and peace as you
surrender your whole being to HIS perfecting will.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Believing is a fine thing, but executing those beliefs is a test of
strength.

MESSIAH'S BIRTHPLACE
"And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from
you ONE shall come forth to rule Israel for ME — ONE WHOSE origin is
from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Micah indicates the birthplace of MESSIAH OF ISRAEL as Bethlehem
Ephrathah (about 6 miles southwest of Jerusalem) was also the birthplace
of King David. Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Ephrathah comes from
the root word meaning "fruitful." Both names convey the fertility of the
region. The YESHUA ha'MASHIACH (ANOINTED ONE) is that BREAD WHO came
down out of heaven, WHO was born in the HOUSE OF BREAD and WHO is the
FRUITFUL ONE as it was prophesied.

In this poor, meager and inconspicuous little town, ONE was to be born
WHO could take the foolish things of this world and confound the wise;
WHO, by HIS coming, could transform the unlovely into a thing of beauty;
WHO could, by HIS very presence, compel the learned to bow in humility
before HIM, and kings to lay their authority at HIS feet!

Though HE was to be RULER (KING) in Israel, the LORD JESUS, GOD'S
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON was meek and lowly in heart. The OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD
chose a stable in the smallest town in Judah for birth of HIS UNIQUE
SON, rather than a royal palace. But when the SAVIOR was born there,
the unlovely, unimportant small town was transformed, and the least
became the greatest. Lambs are born in stables, not palaces. GOD'S
PRECIOUS GIFT came as the "LAMB OF GOD" to be sacrificed.

Today, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is still searching for a place in the
heart of the insignificant, unlovely least of all the people. HE
desires to take up HIS abode there withIN such hearts. And when the
GREAT & MIGHTY TRANSFORMER does enter, HE will (in a sense) do with our
useless, worthless life as HE did with the little town in which HE was
born! With GOD, we are no longer just human for HE transforms us into
"new creatures" for HIS glory and praise.

We who have opened the door of our hearts and lives to the LORD JESUS
and allowed HIM room to be born there, though poor, needy, lost and
unworthy we can rejoice exceedingly! The reason: We realize that GOD
MOST HIGH, in HIS infinite, great and boundless love has spoken and
fulfilled HIS promise to us touching our individual lives. "But
you...though you are little, yet out of you shall HE come forth to ME
—THE ONE— to be RULER...WHOSE goings forth are from of old, from
everlasting. "

Just as our BLESSED LORD has promised, we are now HIS OWN special
people, zealous for good works, who have been called out of darkness
into HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
LORD our GOD, sit on YOUR Throne of Truth, establish mercy, bring
justice and hasten righteousness! May all men everywhere praise and
glorify YOUR HOLY NAME — Amen!
Blessings to everyone as you celebrate the coming of our SAVIOR & LORD.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us.

THE LAVER (Part 2 - Conclusion)
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Make a laver of copper and a stand
of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting
and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh,
Torah]

The Foot is the foundation upon which the Laver stands. All the
foundations of the Tabernacle furniture picture the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA
(seen in Matthew as the KING, Mark as the SERVANT, Luke as the MAN, John
as the EAGLE), there is no other foundation! Time and again, it is
written as "the laver and his foot." The WORD OF GOD stands upon CHRIST
JESUS and is upheld by HIM. These are inseparable, not one without the
other.

The Laver was located at the Door of the Tabernacle. It was highly
polished so to reflect the Door and the Copper Altar, for it stood
between them. The WORD OF GOD, like a mirror, reveals the Cross
(Sacrifice Altar) and the Door (MESSIAH YESHUA) which we enter in to
fellowship with the MOST HOLY GOD ETERNAL.

The Copper Basin situated before the Tabernacle of the Congregation
(Holy Place) which housed the Table of Shewbread, shows that there is an
experience of cleansing before feasting. Children are not to be dirty
when they come to the table, they are commanded to "wash first." No
believer is entitled to come to the Breaking of Bread at the Table in
the Holy Place without self-examination. "Let a man examine himself,
and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup; for if we judge
ourselves, we would not be judged." [1 Corinthians 11. 28-31]

The priests could not wash themselves with the Laver, there was to be
water put in it. This points to a great spiritual truth that cleansed
them and made them ready for their tasks. The only water the sons of
Israel had in the desert was that which gushed forth from the SMITTEN
ROCK. [Exodus/Shemot 17. 6] Moses was commanded of the SOVEREIGN
ALMIGHTY ONE to strike the rock (which Moses did) and water came forth
for the thirsty Israelites. [Numbers/B'Midvar 20. 8, 11] For water the
second time, Moses was to speak to the ROCK; but instead he struck it
twice. For this sin of disobedience Moses was not permitted to enter
the Promised Land with the Children of Israel.

MESSIAH YESHUA, THE ROCK, was struck once and ever after we need but sp

eak to HIM for our supply of spiritual drink! "Our fathers…all
drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK
that followed them (went with them), and that ROCK was CHRIST." [1
Corinthians 10. 4] The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is the ROCK OF AGES. It
was only after this PRIZED ROCK was struck (on the Cross, then raised
from the dead, and ascended up into Heaven) that there was poured out
"SPIRITUAL DRINK (HOLY SPIRIT)" for HIS people.

To be effective, the WATER OF THE WORD MUST BE APPLIED. Not only are
we to believe GOD'S WORD by receiving it, but we are to serve GOD'S WORD
by observing (obeying) it. We are to be DOERS of the WORD — not
only HEARERS only. [James 1. 21 – 27; Romans 2. 13]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Whoever serves GOD out of love devotes himself to HIS law and to the
observance of HIS commandments, and walks in the paths of wisdom, not
because of any worldly advantage, nor to protect himself from evil, nor
even to inherit good hereafter; he does the right because it is right,
though in the end the blessing will not fail him. To love the LORD GOD
with all your heart, is its own reward.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Adversity introduces a man to himself.

GOD'S WATCHFUL EYE
"Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear HIM, who wait for HIS
faithful care and hope in HIS mercy, to deliver their soul from death,
and sustain them in famine." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 18 - 19 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The GOD MOST HIGH sees and knows our past, observes all things present
and knows the future, for HE is all-seeing and all-knowing, the
OMNISCIENT ONE. Knowing this, we should fix our eyes constantly on our
LORD & SAVIOR that we learn to fear and trust HIM, the ONLY SOURCE of
redemption. Like a mother who has trained her child well, can guide
that little one by a simple look; so is the LORD our GOD well able to
direct us by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

The LORD directs us by the indwelling SPIRIT and by the SCRIPTURES which
guide us. GOD will always guide us in the right direction as we allow
the COMFORTER to lead us, moment by moment, to control our thoughts and
actions: "When HE, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, has come, HE will guide you into
all truth; for HE will not speak on HIS OWN authority, but whatever HE
hears HE will speak; and HE will tell you things to come. HE will
glorify ME, for HE will take of what is MINE and declare it to you."
[John 16. 13 - 14]

In difficult times, the LOVING MASTER is faithful to direct us on every
side: "The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in
parched places, and give strength to your bones. You shall be like a
watered garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 58. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Fear not, for I am with you, be
not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strengthen you — Yes, I will
help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The LORD is my LIGHT and my
SALVATION; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of
whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked assail me to devour my flesh or
slander me, my enemies and foes are the ones who stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart shall not fear; should war rise
against me, still would I be confident." [Psalms (Tehillym) 27. 1 - 3
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Even in death, the LORD leads us: "For this is GOD, our GOD forever; HE
will be our guide even to death." [Psalms (Tehillym) 48. 14 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
fear no harm, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff — they
comfort me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "When you pass
through the waters, I will be with you; through rivers, they shall not
overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be scorch,
through flame, it shall not burn you. For I the LORD am your GOD, the
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, your SAVIOR." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 2 - 3 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

Keep your eye on the CHERISHED PRIZE knowing that the reward will be
worth it all as we live our life always doing what is well pleasing in
HIS sight and for HIS glorious NAME'S sake.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O that Judah be saved and Jerusalem dwell in safety! May you be a
witnesses of the MOST HOLY God'S care, love and presence. Quickened by
YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble (glorify) the things of earth
by sanctifying them to YOUR service.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

THE LAVER (Part 1 of 2)
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying— Make a laver of copper and a stand
of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting
and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh,
Torah]

This article of furniture, the Laver, is mentioned in connection with
another, the Altar of Incense. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 1] However, not one
without the other. The Laver is for cleansing, it must be appropriated
before the Golden Altar of Prayer & Praise can be approached. The
priests must be clean before there could be any Fragrance of Worship to
OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD.

The copper of the Laver was obtained from the Jewish women who donated
their looking-glasses to the service of the LORD MOST HIGH. They were
willing to give up their prized possession which they had taken for a
spoil from the Egyptians before they left the land of bondage. These
looking-glasses revealed to them their natural beauty. How they
delighted to see their reflection in these highly polished copper
mirrors!

Copper is a symbol of judgment for sin; they judged their outward
appearance here. Yet, they gave up that outward judging for the
spiritual judging when they turned over these mirrors for the work of
the Tabernacle. Now, they were used in the construction of the Laver
for the washing of the priests. In other words, they gave up the desire
for natural beauty, the outward adorning, in preference for that beauty
which comes from within. [1 Peter 3. 3-5] Man's mirror shows and judges
spots on the outward appearance, but GOD'S Mirror reveals and judges the
blemishes of the heart.

The looking glasses of Egypt tell us of the intense desire of mankind to
appear beautiful outwardly to impress others and attract attention to
self. But, this is all changed when redemption is applied to the soul.
Then, the primary, highest and most important desire is the adorning of
the inner-man and the beauty of the LORD OF HOSTS to shine forth from
the life which will attract the attention of on-lookers to HIM WHO is
altogether lovely.

Twice in the NEW COVENANT the Laver is referred to for a spiritual
washing or cleansing. Paul speaks of the LORD JESUS having cleansed the
Church "by the Laver of water by the WORD." [Ephesians 5. 26] Then
again of ALMIGHTY GOD having "saved us through the Laver of regeneration
and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." [Titus 3. 5] We are born-anew
(regenerated) by the INCORRUPTIBLE SEED, the WORD OF GOD (the LAVER)
through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (the WATER in the LAVER).

The Copper Altar of sacrifice has already been built and is for the
Sinner. The Laver is for the Saint. We meet the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD
first at the Cross and are cleansed by the blood of the LAMB OF CALVARY.
Then, we must come daily for cleansing by the WATER OF THE WORD. The
Altar is for saving us and shows us what the ANOINTED MESSIAH is. The
Laver is for keeping us saved and shows us what we are. At the Altar,
we learn that what YESHUA ha'MASHIACH has done meets the need of the
sinner. At the Laver we learn that what the LORD JESUS is meets the
needs of the CHRIST-like- one.

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O LORD GOD Almighty, YOU direct the destinies of men and nations
according to YOUR wisdom and justice. Happy and most blessed is the man
who forgets YOU not, for he who seeks YOU will not stumble, and he who
trusts in YOU will not be put to shame.
May you receive blessings in abundance as you wholly trust and
fellowship with the GOD your LOVING CREATOR & SUSTAINER.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Death is also a door.

GATES OF HELL —
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (or truth) I
will build MY church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
it." [Matthew 16. 18]

Many take this verse to teach security, that although the Devil and his
henchmen are attacking, the church and the CHRISTians are safe within
their fortress. In fact, many translators understand Gates
figuratively, feeling that since gates are strong and important, they
can be viewed as synonymous with power. . . implying that the "power of
hell" is assembled against the church of LORD YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE
OF GOD.

However, it never appears, in any case, to be understood to mean "power"
— it always means "gates" — either literal gates in a literal
wall or a metaphorical entryway. The text is not talking about the
Power of Hell, but the Gates of Hell. It pictures CHRISTians on the
attack, not of the Evil Devourer endeavoring to destroy
CHRIST-like- ones. The forces of evil are the wretched hopeless ones
crouched within their stronghold, while the Church is battering down
their gates!

For the promises in the OLD COVENANT are still true, our HEAVENLY
CONQUEROR unceasingly fights for HIS saints today. "The LORD shall go
forth like a MIGHTY WARRIOR; HE whips up HIS rage like a man of war. HE
shall cry out, yes, roars aloud; HE charges and shall prevail upon HIS
enemies." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Though the enemy
be as "a fortified bronze wall they shall not overcome you, for I am
with you to deliver and save you — says the LORD. I will save you
from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the clutches of the
violent" says the LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL. [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 15. 20-21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to
the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST JESUS." [2
Corinthians 10. 4 - 5] These verses sound the battle cry, and the
battleground is the minds of men. We are commanded to cast down
(Hebrew: shachach — literally meaning demolish) improper reasoning
and arrogant philosophy, capturing every thought (mind) for the LORD
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, thereby destroying the entrenchment' s of evil.

There is a time for defense, but let us never forget, we as followers
and joint-heirs of LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, are to be on the
offensive as well. The CONQUERING VICTORIOUS MESSIAH, WHO leads us into
the battle, will certainly lead us to a glorious victory! Exalted
praises to our ETERNALLY MAGNIFICENT KING JESUS forever, the battle is
triumphantly won.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE
dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in
the coming week. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present
throughout each day so they are filled with love and unselfishness —
that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes.
Tov Shavua (Have a good week)! Continue to learn about the MAGNIFICENT
PLANNER, for the more we know of HIM, the more we can trust HIS plans
— gladness will reign and joy will increase as you grow in the fear
and wisdom of the LORD.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
One cannot despair when they know GOD'S loving mercy!

LIFE IN THE SCRIPTURES
"The LAW of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of
the LORD is enduring, making the simple wise. The STATUTES of the LORD
are just, rejoicing the heart. The INSTRUCTION of the LORD is perfect
and pure, making the eyes light up. The FEAR of the LORD is trustworthy,
abiding forever; the JUDGMENTS of the LORD are true, righteous
altogether, more desirable than gold, than much fine gold; sweeter than
honey, than drippings of the comb." [Psalms (Tehillym) 19. 7 - 10
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

What a great tragedy that so little time is spent in the wonderful WORD
OF THE LORD by most who call themselves "CHRISTians or
Christ-like- ones." It is such a necessary food for health and joy in
our spiritual lives, as well as the physical. "The sincere milk of the
WORD" is for newborn babes [1 Peter 2. 2]; and it is the "strong meat"
for those who are "skillful in the WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. " [Hebrews 5.
12 – 13] "How pleasing is YOUR WORD to my palate, sweeter than
honey" [Psalms/Tehillym 119. 103] and "man may live on anything that the
LORD decrees." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 3 Tanakh, Torah] The ETERNALLY
RIGHTEOUS LORD is not only the "GIVER OF LIFE'S BREAD" — HE is "THE
BREAD." For every LIFE-GIVING WORD that proceeds out of HIS mouth is
the EXTRAORDINARY BREAD by which man lives.

The HOLY SCRIPTURES are the basis for salvation [2 Timothy 3. 15; 1
Peter 1. 23], but also for sanctification and day-to-day cleansing.
"That HE (MESSIAH) might sanctify and cleanse her (the Church) with the
washing of water by the WORD." [Ephesians 5. 26]

For those who will use their directions, the HOLY SCRIPTURES also
provide daily guidance. "YOUR WORD is a LAMP to my feet, a LIGHT for my
path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Every
blood-bought saint must be a seed-sowing witness for the LORD YESHUA,
and "the SEED is the WORD OF GOD." [Luke 8. 11] The only offensive
weapon in the CHRISTian's armor is "the SWORD of the SPIRIT, which is
the WORD OF GOD" [Ephesians 6. 17], and this assures a victorious life
and testimony for the one who uses it.

"The works of the LORD are great, within reach of all who desire them"
[Psalms/Tehillym 111. 2] — is the wonderful testimony of King David
in the OLD COVENANT. This is comparable to the great declaration of the
Apostle Paul in the NEW COVENANT: "The HOLY SCRIPTURES are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in the LORD JESUS CHRIST."
[2 Timothy 3. 15] "All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD. It is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction
in righteousness. " [2 Timothy 3. 16]

Something better than salvation, is to have fellowship with the
ALL-TOGETHER LOVELY LORD GOD WHO saved us. And fellowship with GOD is
equal with HIS mercy.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen! Come, O Bride, the
Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!" Let us
exalt YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HOLY ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and
rest.
May yours be the sweetest of days as you praise and worship our
WONDROUS SAVIOR.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The issue is not what is believed or what is practiced — Jew and
Gentile alike will be judged by how well they followed ALMIGHTY GOD'S
commands.

MESSIAH REVEALED TO ISRAEL
From HOLY SCRIPTURE, we can see that when the nations of the world
center their attack on the Jewish people in Jerusalem, the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH will return to earth to defend Israel against her enemies
for the last time. HE will reveal HIMSELF to those who had been blinded
as to HIS MESSIAH-ship. YESHUA will identify HIMSELF as the "LORD OF
GLORY" through the marks of the wounds in HIS hands and HIS feet, HE
will forgive those who repent of their sin. Also, the RIGHTEOUS ONE
will judge the nations who mistreated Israel, and HE will establish HIS
Kingdom on the Restored Earth with all HIS saints (both Jews &
Gentiles), and rule and reign forever! Even so, "come quickly, LORD
JESUS!"

"For I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem for war; the city shall
be captured, the houses plundered, and the women violated; and a part of
the City shall go into exile. But the remnant of the people shall not be
uprooted from the City...Then the LORD will come forth and make war on
those nations as HE fights in the day of battle. On that day, HE will
set HIS feet on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem on the east; and the
Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west making a very large
gorge. Half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it
toward the south. Thus the LORD my GOD will come and all the saints will
come with HIM. And the LORD shall be KING over all the earth. In that
day the LORD alone shall be worshipped and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE
NAME." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14. 2, 4 - 5b, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"In that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come up against
Jerusalem. But I will fill on the House of David and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem with the SPIRIT OF GRACE & COMPASSION; then they will look on
ME WHOM they have pierced and lament because of ME about those who are
slain, wailing over them as one mourns over his favorite son, and
showing bitter grief as over a firstborn. In that day the great wailing
in Jerusalem shall be as great as the wailing at Hadad-Rimmon in the
Plain of Megiddo." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
{Hadad-Rimmon means "mighty of the pomegranates" it is a place in the
Valley of Megiddo where a national lamentation was held for the death of
King Josiah.)

"In that day a fountain shall be open to the House of David and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, for purging and for cleansing. In that day,
too— declares the LORD OF HOSTS— I will cut off the very names
of the idols from the land; they shall not be uttered any more. And I
will also make the prophets and the unclean spirits vanish from the
land. If anyone prophesies thereafter, his own father and mother, who
brought him into the world, will say to him, "You shall die, for you
have lied in the NAME OF THE LORD" — and his own father and mother,
who brought him into the world, will put him to death when he
prophesies. In that day, every prophet will be ashamed of the visions he
had when he prophesied. In order to deceive, they will not wear a hairy
mantle (imitating Elijah) and he will declare— I am not a prophet, I
was addicted to wine like Noah, the tiller of the soil, hence my
hallucinations and ravings.— And one shall ask— What are those
wounds on YOUR back and in YOUR hands? HE will reply— From being
beaten in the house of MY friends." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 13. 1 - 6
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The promise of salvation the MOST HOLY LORD GOD made to the remnant of
Israel will be fulfilled just as HE declared: "And so all Israel will
be saved, as it is written: The DELIVERER will come out of Zion, and HE
will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is MY covenant with them
when I take away their sins." [Romans 11. 26 - 27] "HE WHO testifies
to these things says— Surely I am coming quickly." [Revelation 22.
20] Even so, come quickly LORD JESUS!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We praise YOU, MOST HOLY GOD and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to
us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of
YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility
and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that
YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is
exalted above all.

Baruch Attah ADONI... ELEHENU MELECH ha Olam — "Blessed is the LORD
our GOD...KING of the Universe
Asher natan lanu et DERECH ha'YASHUA — WHO brings us THE WAY OF
SALVATION.
ba'MACHIACH YESHUAH. — By the CHRIST, JESUS (Holy Anointed One).
Baruch HU! — Blessed is HE!"

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
An illiterate wise man isn't nearly as dangerous as an educated fool!

MESSIAH, ADAM & ABRAHAM
"So the LORD GOD cast a deep sleep upon the man (Adam); and, while he slept, HE took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that spot." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 21 Tanakh, Torah]

The Hebrew word for deep sleep is "tardema" which refers to a special state induced by the MOST HOLY LORD HIMSELF in order to express an important revelation to or through the person experiencing it. The ALMIGHTY CREATOR made a help-mate (wife) for Adam during his "deep sleep" from whose "seed" all the nations of the earth would be born. "And the LORD GOD fashioned the rib that HE had taken from the man into a woman; and HE brought her to the man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 22 Tanakh, Torah] The covenant GOD made with Adam and his wife, Chavvah (Eve) delegated dominion over the earth to their descendants.

Abram also experienced a deep sleep [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 12] when the MIGHTY ONE passed between the sacrificial animals and established HIS Great Covenant with Abram, promising that from his seed the "chosen nation" would be born. "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing, a standard by which blessings are invoked." [Genesis (Bereshith) 12. 2 Tanakh, Torah]

The ABRAHAMIC COVENANT also delegated the central land of the earth to Isaac's descendants [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 18-21] and promised that "all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you." [Genesis (Bereshith) 12. 3 Tanakh, Torah] Abram did not pass between the animals, only the COVENANT-KEEPER could, for only the LORD OF GLORY can keep "the covenant" and the ALMIGHTY ONE knew it.

Adam and Abraham were types of the LORD JESUS, and their deep sleep pre-figured YESHUA'S own deep sleep of death on the cross. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was the "LAST ADAM" and the "PROMISED SEED" died and is living again to give life to HIS friends — the Church; and living again to establish a holy nation of the redeemed. Thereby fulfilling all of GOD'S ancient covenants, and instituting the everlasting NEW COVENANT in HIS OWN precious blood.

When Adam fell into a deep sleep his help-mate (other half) was created; when Abraham fell into his deep sleep a nation was born. Much more important was the "deep sleep of death" of MESSIAH THE REDEEMER for death and hell were judged, and a new creation or kingdom of priests was born.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We prayerfully ask YOU, LORD JESUS to also give us kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care. Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair. Give us the vision to see what is possible. Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that's hopeful, a future that's peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day. Thank YOU for YOUR faithfulness to us! Amen


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
With memories of yesterday and hope for tomorrow, let us live today with
eternity in sight.

IT'S YOUR CHOICE
"Truly, times of ignorance GOD overlooked, but now commands all men
everywhere to repent, because HE has appointed a day on which HE will
judge the world in righteousness by the MAN whom HE has ordained. HE has
given assurance of this to all by raising HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA) from the
dead." [Acts 17. 30 - 31]

The WORD OF GOD describes an appointment that is fixed for each
individual. It could be a "day of dread" or a "day of blessing" for
you, what makes it thus is all your choice. "By the sweat of your brow
shall you get bread to eat, until you return to the ground — for
from it you were taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 19 Tanakh, Torah] "YOU will bring me to death,
the house appointed for all the living." [Job (Iyob) 30. 23 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the
judgment." [Hebrews 9. 27] Death is a thought that most people put far
away from their minds, often preparing more for the day-to-day living,
retirement or even a vacation then for the sure fact of their imminent
passing. Death is the surest fact of life and no human contrivance can
avoid the appointment with the Angel of Death.

HOLY SCRIPTURES, however, caution that the believer will face challenges
in this life, "No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you
yourselves know that we are appointed to this." [1 Thessalonians 3. 3]
Death's appointment should hold no fear for the faithful followers of
MESSIAH for we are HIS chosen vessels and parting this life is for our
glory and we are assured of that — "For GOD did not appoint us to
wrath, but to obtain salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO died
for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with
HIM." [1 Thessalonians 5. 9 - 10]

The LOVING ALMIGHTY ONE is our "HOPE, our REFUGE in the day of doom and
calamity." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Nevertheless,
the day of our death still holds a moment of precise truth. Have we
lived our lives unto ourselves, or in a way pleasing to the LORD our
GOD? To be ready for our appointment, we must "choose this day WHOM we
will serve." [Joshua/Yehoshua 24. 15] Then continually "abide in HIM;
that, when HE shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed
before HIM at HIS coming." [1 John 2. 28] For our heart will not
condemn us, having confidence toward our RIGHTEOUS & HOLY GOD. [1 John
3. 21] Ever knowing that "Love has been perfected among us in this:
that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as HE is, so
are we in this world." [1 John 4. 17] May you be a willing vessel of
GOD'S light and love to a lost and dying world.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May it be YOUR will, LORD our GOD and GOD of our fathers, MERCIFUL KING,
to grant that whenever a heart sighs in anguish under the burden of
guilt, wherever a soul yearns to return to YOU, it may feel the effect
of YOUR pardoning love and mercy. We give YOU thanks, praise and
adoration ceaselessly, for YOU are good.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/