Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
He who bears no cross deserves no crown.
NO EXCUSE
When men stand before the RIGHTEOUS GOD OF HEAVEN for judgment there is
nothing they can say to accuse the MOST HOLY ONE of injustice for their
punishment. Our INFINITE LOVING MASTER has done everything conceivable
to bring us to repentance. Certainly HIS wonders and works are far
above our imaginations:
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had walked with us in a
perfect environment and told us your will we would have believed and
obeyed."
Because HE did and they didn't. The MASTER CREATOR placed Adam and Eve
in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat of the Tree of the
Knowledge of Good & Evil, with the warning that they would die the day
they disobeyed. But they ate of it anyway.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had withdrawn from our
midst and allowed us to do our own thing but been willing to walk with
us as we sought to walk with YOU, and speak to us by those who chose to
be near YOU, we would have naturally wanted to do good. We would have
obeyed YOU and we would have done good because that is our nature."
Because HE did and they didn't. From the time GOD drove Adam and Eve
out of the Garden of Eden, HE allowed people to do as they pleased. The
ETERNAL ONE walked with them as they desired to walk with HIM. Enoch
walked with GOD and GOD took him home. The rest became so evil that the
RIGHTEOUS JUDGE had to send a great flood to cleans the earth of all
mankind except Noah and his sons and their wives.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had made a great example of
YOUR great displeasure with evil, then allowed us to do our own thing,
we would have walked with YOU in obedience out of fear since it is our
nature to do good and not evil."
Because the EVERLASTING KING did and they didn't. GOD drove Adam and
Eve out of the Garden of Eden after they ate of the forbidden fruit.
Then, because of the great wickedness of mankind upon the earth, GOD
sent the Great Flood to express HIS great displeasure with evil. Again
men failed to follow the SOVEREIGN LORD and went their own way to
disobey. They built the Tower of Babel in their pursuits of idolatry.
They continued in their evil pursuits growing worse and worse.
Eventually GOD had to divide them up by confusing their languages. They
scattered over the face of the earth and continued to get worse until HE
was forced to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of the cry that came up
to Heaven from the wickedness of mankind.
Even the Canaanites were not destroyed until Israel was brought out of
Egypt, because the wickedness of the Amorites was not yet full. Then the
LORD GOD instructed Israel to destroy the inhabitants of that land. They
continued to grow worse, even though Abraham had lived in their midst as
"a prophet of GOD" - and they had been instructed in the way of truth.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD if YOU had chosen a peculiar people
and used them as an example to us by blessing them when they did right
and punishing them when they did wrong, we would have watched and
learned from their experience and we would have acknowledged and obeyed
YOU."
Because HE did and they would not. ALMIGHTY GOD called Abraham and his
descendants to be a "light to the Gentiles" -- and blessed them when
they followed HIM faithfully, and punished them when they refused to
follow HIM. Still the nations looking on did not acknowledge the GREAT
GOD OF HEAVEN to obey HIS ways. Instead, they persuaded Israel to
disobey and then took advantage of them when the LOVING RULER punished
them.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had come to earth as a man
and demonstrated how you wanted us to obey YOUR Laws we would have seen
and believed."
Because HE did and they didn't. GOD came down in the PERSON of YESHUA
(JESUS) and demonstrated perfectly what HE wanted HIS people to do. They
nailed HIM to the cross and killed the SAVIOUR, the MESSIAH, the WORD
made flesh.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had set a people out of
every nation, kindred and tongue as lights in the world to show YOUR
Will for mankind, we would have listened to them because they would be
part of us and speak our language and understand our problems."
Because HE did and they did not. The EVERLASTING ONE established the
Church as the "Light of the world" and as the "Salt of the earth." Yet
they martyred the Saints and tried to stamp out any evidence of THE WAY
to which the Church pointed. They chose to say that all was the result
of accidental process of evolution; and in choosing to believe the lie,
they refuse to acknowledge that the GOD OF TRUTH created everything and
will some day call every person to give account for the choices they
have made.
No one will be able to say, "But GOD, if YOU had expressed YOUR wrath in
such a way that no one could fail to know it was from YOU, we would have
realized the extreme terribleness of our ways and we would have repented
and come to YOU in humility to learn and obey."
Because the LORD GOD will have done it and they continue to refuse.
The LORD OF GLORY will send the plagues of the Great Tribulation and
destroy the earth, and men will curse and blaspheme HIM because of their
pains, but they will refuse to repent of their wickedness.
No one will able to say, "But GOD, if you had taken direct control and
set up YOUR OWN government and reigned on the earth personally to guide
us where we would not be allowed to do wrong. And, if YOU had removed
temptation from us we would have obeyed cheerfully and followed YOU
eagerly, we would have been glad to be YOUR people and accept YOU as our
GOD."
Because HE will have done it and they still won't. The LORD JESUS will
reign a Thousand Years of Perfect Government, Satan will be bound and
unable to influence men at all. There will be universal peace even
extending to the animal kingdom. Then when the Thousand Years are over,
Satan will be released to influence whoever he can. He will gather an
army of rebels so great that no one will be able to number them.
MESSIAH YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE, has paid the price for your sin and HE
asks only that you accept that GREAT SACRIFICE and come to HIM in
repentance to find mercy. What else can the MOST HOLY AWESOME GOD do to
show HIS faithful justice, holiness, mercy, righteousness, grace, and
love? ALMIGHTY GOD, has done enough for anyone wise enough to want to
know.
There is no excuse for anyone who rejects what the TRUE & LIVING GOD has
revealed and offered. Judgment is coming! Be wise, seek the truth
today before it is too late. Now is the acceptable time, today is the
day of salvation!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Shalom U'Vrakah (Peace & Blessings) . . . to all who love Zion! The
LORD GOD be with you this day and always!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Forgive as you are asked.
ONE IN MESSIAH
"It is finished." [John 19. 30]
These are the words uttered by our LOVING SAVIOUR, the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH on the Altar outside Jerusalem. But, what was finished?
Not HIS life, neither HIS work of salvation, it is still going on. All
the sacrifices of flesh in OLD COVENANT is now FULFILLED. YESHUA the
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD came, not to destroy the Law, but
to fulfill it. Not to do away with the Law, but to perform what the Law
and the prophets required and to make good what it demanded and
prophesied.
When we believe on the LORD JESUS OF NAZARETH, we no longer need to
cling to that from which we have been delivered! Jews and Gentiles who
believe in MESSIAH are now HIS chosen, HIS people. There is no
difference. We are one in the body of YESHUA, the DOOR of our
salvation. There is but one body of believers (Jew & Gentile) in the
RISEN ONE! By HIS sacrificial death, all Jews and Gentiles who believe
in HIM have been made into one new man!
"Therefore, if any man (Jew or Gentile) be in MESSIAH, he is a new
creature (creation); old things are passed away, behold all things have
become new." [2 Corinthians 5. 17] The new nature refers to the
spiritual transformation that occurs within the inner man when the one
who believes in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and knows HIM intimately as their
personal SAVIOUR, LORD GOD & EVERLASTING KING. New as opposed to the
old person because of the change being given a new nature, that must be
cultivated, nurtured by spiritual decisiveness to grow in the LORD
JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD can accomplish this life-changing
transformation for all who will only believe (trust and obey).
"SCRIPTURE has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of
CHRIST JESUS might be given to them that believe. But before faith came,
we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should
afterwards be revealed. Therefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring
us to CHRIST, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith is
come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For you are all the
children of GOD by faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. " [Galatians 3. 22 -
25] Truly, it is such a precious and lovely family our HEAVENLY FATHER
has given us. . . You are that special member!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, be reminded to continually give thanks in
all things and share some of the sweetness of Sabbath with those you are
around. May the ALMIGHTY ONE, blessed be HE, WHO separates the holy from
the secular, forgive our sins and grant us a good week!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

Thoughts Archived: http://groupsyahoo.com/group/delrifkah/

<End-time Events: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/Facepage.html
Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects.
Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and
the Muslim Koran (Quran).
The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible.
Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we
are now going through the book of; [1 Kings].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Often we create our own deafness; then grow so familiar with our
deafness that the thought of hearing becomes frightening.
YET I WILL TRUST HIM
"Though HE slay me, yet will I trust HIM; even so, I will argue my case
before HIM. HE too shall be my salvation; for no impious man can come
into HIS presence." [Job (Iyob) 13. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
According to CREATOR GOD'S OWN testimony, the patriarch Job was the
"most perfect (Hebrew: tam), blameless and upright man - there is no one
like him on earth." [Job (Iyob) 1. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yet, he was
subjected to the most severe testing anyone (excluding MESSIAH YESHUA
HIMSELF) ever had to endure. Job lost all his great possessions and
his family in a single day (except his wife. . . whom the MISHNA calls
"his rib of stumbling"), then was afflicted for months on end with a
most loathsome and painful disease. He lost the respect of all who had
once honoured and followed him and was even accused by his closest
friends of being a "wicked sinner" and "arrogant hypocrite."
Worst of all, EL SHADDAI, WHOM Job had loved and faithfully served all
his life had apparently completely ignored his prayers for deliverance,
or even for understanding of what was happening to him. Finally, a
presumptuous young religionist related what he (falsely) claimed was a
"divine message" that even HEAVENLY MASTER had accused Job of sin and
hypocrisy.
Little did Job know, that the OMNIPOTENT ALMIGHTY ONE was bragging to
ha-Satan (the Adversary) about HIS faithful servant: "Have you noticed
MY servant Job? There is no one like him on earth, a blameless
(tam/perfect) and upright man who fears ELOHIYM and shuns evil!" [Job
(Iyob) 1. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] It was the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN HIMSELF
WHO was allowing the Adversary to afflict Job as a test to prove to
Satan that Job would remain faithful. GOD, the CREATOR of all things,
LORD OF HEAVEN & EARTH, wanted to prove to the Adversary that man,
without ever seeing HIM, would be more faithful then Satan, who had seen
GOD the ALMIGHTY. Thus, showing that the LOVING MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE
is definitely wise and that the Lake of Fire is where the Adversary,
the Devil belongs -- because he did not remain faithful to the MOST
HIGH, but Job would and did!
Despite all the afflictions brought by Satan, Job never once lost his
faith! Job kept his integrity and declared: "Though HE slay me, yet
will I trust in HIM" - Job insistently resolved. . . "for I know that my
VINDICATOR, the REDEEMER lives" and "HE also shall be my SALVATION."
[Job (Iyob) 19. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
What an example has been provided us by this ancient patriarch, whose
knowledge of GOD'S WORD, GOD'S love, and GOD'S great salvation through
faith in the LORD MessiaH YesHUA was only a small fraction of what we
know now with GOD'S complete revelation before us. The Apostle James
well reminds us to "take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the
LORD, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them
blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen
the end intended by the LORD - that the LORD is very compassionate and
merciful." [James 5. 10 - 11]
We should, like Job, know the SOVEREIGN ONE WHO created us deserves our
utmost and complete trust. Could the Merciful HOLY CREATOR brag about
you?
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Good Sabbath - welcoming the Bride of the Week! May you be blessed with
the rest of love freely given, a rest of truth and sincerity, a rest in
peace and tranquility, in quiet and safety, a perfect rest in which you
find favour. Have a peaceful, enriching Shabbat with an objective to
bless others.
The grace of our LORD YESHUA the MESSIAH be with you always. May HE
dwell in your heart and keep you rooted and grounded in love.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY...
Over time, we are richer for what we discover we don't need than for
getting what we thought we wanted.
THE MARK, A SIGNET
"The LORD said to him (the angel with the inkhorn), 'Pass through the
city, through Jerusalem, and PUT A MARK ON THE FOREHEADS (seal of
ownership) of the men who moan, grieve, lament and groan because of all
the abominations that are committed in it.' To the others HE said in my
hearing, 'Follow him through the city and strike; show no pity or
compassion. Kill off graybeard, youth and maiden, women and children;
but do not touch any person who bears the MARK. Begin here at MY
Sanctuary.'" [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 9. 4 - 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD is to protect HIS servants from the plagues
of the Great Tribulation, which will enable them to do their work more
effectively and without harm. The man clothed in linen with an inkhorn
is the one who did the marking of these OLD COVENANT saints who were to
be protected from the DEATH ANGEL OF THE LORD. In the same way, the
blood on the door posts and lintel of the houses of the Children of
Israel protected them when the Death Angel passed over the land in
Egypt. "And the blood on the houses where you are staying shall be a
SIGN for you: When I see the blood I will pass over you, so that no
plague will destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." [Exodus
(Shemot) 12. 12 - 13 Tanakh, Torah]
The things done in the OLD COVENANT, especially in the realm of
prophecy, were often pictures and illustrations of things that would
happen in the future. Such is the case with the command to not hurt
anything with the plagues of the Great Tribulation until the 144,000 are
sealed. This MARK is for a secure protection from the plagues that are
to come. "Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the
seal of the LIVING GOD...saying, 'Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the
trees until we have sealed the servants of our GOD on their foreheads.'
And I heard the number of those who were sealed, One Hundred and
Forty-Four Thousand of all the Tribes of the Children of Israel were
sealed." [Revelation 7. 1 - 8]
These 144,000 are identified as "SERVANTS of our GOD" who "following the
LAMB wherever HE goes" and have "HIS FATHER'S NAME, written on their
foreheads. The 144,000 were redeemed from the earth. They were not
defiled with women, for they are virgins. They were redeemed among men,
being firstfruits to GOD and to the LAMB. No deceit was found in their
mouth, for they are without fault before the Throne of GOD." [Revelation
14. 1 - 5] Obviously, they are protected witnesses of the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH to the world throughout the Great Tribulation.
The "Mark of GOD" should in no way be confused or compared to the "Mark
of the anti-CHRIST (Mark of the Beast)." The Mark of the Beast is a
demonic-counterfeit which entices people to sell their soul in an
attempt to save their mortal life. The "Mark of the LORD GOD" is HIS
sign of protection for HIS faithful saints.
"MARK the blameless, note the upright; for there is a peaceful future
for the man of integrity. But the transgressors shall be utterly
destroyed, the future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation
of the righteous comes from the LORD; their STRONGHOLD in time of
trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them, rescues them from the
wicked and delivers them, for they seek refuge and they trust in HIM."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 37 - 40 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May we be found
blameless and ever wear "the mark" of being a true child of the HEAVENLY
KING OF GLORY.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Nahamu, Nahamu Ami" . . . timeless words translated, "Comfort! Oh
comfort mY people." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 40.1]
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation.
May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of
our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel. May YOU be
blessed forever, even to all eternity. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be
blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted
above all else. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises &
consolations that may be uttered in this world. May peace abundant
descend from heaven with life for us and all Israel, Amen.
Sending a special thank you to all those who served and/or are serving
in the militaryÂ…may GOD'S hand direct your life continually. You
are appreciated!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Fools burn the bridges as they come to them.

PERSECUTED FOR GODLINESS
"If you race with the foot-runners and they exhaust and wearied you, how
then can you compete with horses? If you are not secure in a tranquil
land, how will you fare in the flooding of the Jordan?" [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 12. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

To rephrase the allegory of this SCRIPTURE verse, one might say, "If a
little pain overcomes you, how can you endure the cross?" The OLD & NEW
COVENANTS tell of persecution that would come on those who choose to
live for GOD MOST HIGH. "For even your kinsmen and your father's house,
even they are treacherous toward you. They cry after you as a mob. Do
not believe them when they speak cordially to you." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah)
12. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in CHRIST JESUS will suffer
persecution. " [2 Timothy 3. 12] This prophecy should severely impact
and awaken us to know that "perilous times will come in the last days"
and "men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving,
unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despises of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
GOD, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such
people turn away! Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse,
deceiving and being deceived." [2 Timothy 3. 1-5, 13] All who are
determined to live a GODLY life in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA are going to
be persecuted!

Because of HIS great love for us, our BLESSED REDEEMER had already
prepared us with the warning or caution: "A servant is not greater than
his master. 'If they persecuted ME, they will also persecute you. If
they kept MY WORD, they will keep yours also." [John 15. 20] "For to
you it has been granted on behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe in HIM,
but also TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE." [Philippians 1. 29]

"Whoever does not bear his cross and come after ME cannot be MY
disciple." We must "fIRST count the cost." [Luke 14. 27 – 28] Are
we willing to be persecuted to the point of physical suffering,
imprisonment, or death? Most often it appears in an artistically,
incisively shrewd form -- rejection and ridicule, job and social
discrimination, slander, family and peer pressures, legal restrictions,
and other means of being pressured in order to stop our witnessing.

One way possible to avoid persecution is to stop giving a clear witness.
It is those who insist on living a holy life and giving a GODly witness
who will suffer persecution. But, like Peter, such compromises deny the
ALMIGHTY OMNISCIENT GOD. Instead, we should follow Moses, "choosing
rather to suffer affliction with the people of GOD than to enjoy the
passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of CHRIST greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward."
[Hebrews 11. 25 - 26]

The Apostle Paul finished his course in martyrdom, thus qualified for
the treasures in MESSIAH YESHUA, for he kept the faith to the end. "I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness,
which CHRIST THE LORD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give to me on that Day,
and not to me only but also to all who have loved HIS appearing." [2
Timothy 4. 7 - 8] Then Paul added, "For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but
at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are
temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2
Corinthians 4. 17 - 18]

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been
approved, he will receive the Crown of Life which the LORD has promised
to those who love HIM." [James 1. 12] Until we are truly faithful and
obedient, we still labour to enter rest, but in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH there is great reward and perfect rest. It will be worth it
all, when we see JESUS!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Faith celebrates even before the victory is seen!
Infinite as YOUR power, even so is YOUR love, O LORD OF HOSTS. YOU led
us into the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth.
Therefore, at our lying down and our rising up, we meditate on YOUR
TEACHINGS and at all times rejoice in YOUR Laws. In them are true life
and length of days. O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts.
Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO loves YOUR people.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

Delrifkah
Thought FOR TODAY
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease
to be amused.
GOD'S WORD, BURNING FIRE
"I thought, I will not mention HIM, no more will I speak in HIS
NAME' - But (HIS WORD) was like a raging fire in my heart, shut up
in my bones; I could not hold it in, I was helpless." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 20. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
When GOD'S WORD really becomes a part of your soul, you can never be
the same again. In his imprisonment, miserable and dejected Jeremiah
said: "The WORD OF THE LORD made me a constant disgrace and contempt"
[Jeremiah /Yirmeyah 20. 8], he testified; so he said, "I will not speak
any more in HIS NAME." But he could not refrain from crying out, even
shout it out! The HOLY WORD OF THE LORD was burning in his bones, and
he could not restrain them. "Behold, MY wORD like fire - declares the
LORD - and a hammer that shatters rock!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 29
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
David, the psalmist, had a similar testimony: "When I was dumb, silent;
not even saying anything good, my anguish was intense and increased. My
mind was in a rage, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke
out." [Psalms (Tehillym) 39. 2 – 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] When the
resurrected LORD JESUS "expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the
things concerning HIMSELF" the two disciples from Emmaus later
testified, "Did not our heart burn within us while HE talked with us on
the road, and while HE opened the SCRIPTURES to us?" [Luke 24. 27, 32]
The SOVEREIGN CREATOR HIMSELF is called "A CONSUMING FIRE, a JEALOUS
GOD." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 24; Hebrews 12. 29] Fire is the most
awe-inspiring of all the symbols applied in HOLY SCRIPTURE to the
WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. Fire has always been an instrument of GOD'S
righteous judgment, from the FIERY, EVER-TURNING SWORD in the Garden of
Eden [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 23] to Hell and the Lake of Fire that burns
with fire and brimstone. [Revelation 21. 8] OMNISCIENT GOD first
appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush [Exodus/Shemot 3. 2], and gave the
Law to Israel in fire on top of the mountain. [Exodus/Shemot 24. 17]
The LIFE-GIVING WORD is a raging, burning fire in the heart and cannot
be contained, but must be proclaimed at any cost. As Paul acknowledged,
"I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the GOSPEL!" [1
Corinthians 9. 16] Our own spirit compels us to preach the EVERLASTING
GOSPEL of MESSIAH YESHUA, for it is the POWER OF GOD to salvation for
everyone who believes.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Extolled and holy is the precious name of GOD throughout the world which
HE has created, and which HE governs according to HIS righteous will.
Just is HE in all HIS ways, and wise are all HIS decrees. May HIS
Kingdom come and HIS will be done in all the earth. Praised be the LORD
of life, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE for evermore.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects.
Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and
the Muslim Koran (Quran).
The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible.
Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we
are now going through the book of; [1 Kings].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Service of the heart, that is true prayer.
HOLY PERFUME
"And the LORD said to Moses: 'Take the herbs stacte, onycha, and
galbanum - these herbs together with pure frankincense; let there be an
equal part of each.'" [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 34 Tanakh, Torah]
Stacte is supposed to be the gum of the storax tree found in the East.
It is a "dew drop" like gum that can only be gathered in the morning
(almost certainly this is myrrh). "Dew" always refers to inspiration.
Stacte is mentioned first -- inspiration is needed at the beginning.
Onycha comes from a sweet smelling shell found on the shores of the Red
Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is said to increase the fragrance of other
perfumes, and to be the basis of perfumes made in the East Indies (when
burning it emitted an odor resembling musk...very costly). There are
two places where it can be obtained:
* From an aromic mussel from the sea. . .the shell is removed by a
concussion of sound.
* The nail is removed from certain animals and the cartilage underneath
is lifted off. These are ground up and oil is squeezed out to become a
fragrant perfume. This oil comes only after there has been a death.
There is an aspect in worship that comes only after the death of the
flesh. There are things in us that must die. . . rendered powerless.
Prophecy works, at times, as a concussion of sound. It has a message
that breaks the hardness without damaging the spirit. Prophecy can
release worship from within us.
Galbanum is the juice of a shrub growing in Arabia, Persia, India and
Africa. The shrub is slit at night, as you would slit a rubber tree.
It has a pungent, disagreeable odor and was mixed with the other
ingredients to increase and retain its fragrance longer. The gum that
oozes out is used for perfume. This speaks of woundings and brokenness
in us. Brokenness is essential in true worship. Brokenness is a process
of the SPRIT OF GOD and it comes from deep within us. Often, we are too
hard in our spirit and there is a need to be broken.
Pure Frankincense {Frankincense means "to be white"} is the most
important of the aromatic gums and is regarded by itself as a precious
perfume. It comes from a tree that grows abundantly in India. The
whitish juice hardens in forms of "tears" or irregular lumps. The word
"pure" used here refers to the free flowing and liberal giving forth of
its odors. It is useful as a medicine and an antidote to poison. Very
striking indeed is the prominence of the number five in this spice.
{Five is the number showing GOD'S GRACE, which reflects HIS GLORY in
this world.}
The frankincense flower has five petals and stamens. The fruit is
five-sided, and there are five species of the plant. It is a
preservative; this in the realm of the spiritual is GOD'S part, the
preserving. . . HE HIMSELF is the life that preserves. HIS life in us
is part of true worship.
All three spices were for the holy perfume of the Incense Altar; all
were obtained from a form of life of some kind which gave of itself.
The stacte oozed forth spontaneously from a growing tree; the onycha
came from a crab in the depths of the Red Sea which gave up its life;
the galbanum spice came from crushed leaves; the frankincense came from
a tree which was pierced. How like the HOLY SPIRIT'S work through the
GREAT HIGH PRIEST and our EXAMPLE in serving GOD MOST HIGH. For YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH was the STACTE, spontaneous in worship; HE is the ONYCHA,
sincere in the depths of HIS heart; as the GALBANUM, broken and
contrite; as the Frankincense, the ONE WHO was pierced! All worship
must be through HIM WHO gave up HIS life that we might come into the
Holiest Place with the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL!
All the ingredients were of equal weight and measure (perfect balance).
The work of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD is equally given, all of it is
important. HE does not do one kind of work above another.
"When you make this incense, you must not make any in the same
proportions for yourselves; it shall be held by you sacred to the LORD."
[Exodus (Shemot) 30. 37 Tanakh, Torah] This perfume was not to be made
by man for himself or for gratification of the flesh to use
extravagantly. But, it was "holy" . . . therefore, ONLY for the worship
of our HOLY LORD GOD OF HOSTS.
It is by the GREAT COMFORTER, the "COMPOSITION MOST HOLY" that is made
for the LORD by which we come into HIS ABIDING PRESENCE. We do not
enter GOD'S PRESENCE through carnal means or use methods concocted by
man; neither do we worship GOD in a manner that pleases the flesh, for
GOD is SPIRIT and seeks those to worship HIM in SPIRIT & TRUTH. There
is only one way of worship; it is GOD'S WAY. Man's efforts are
ineffective and vain for "It is not by might, nor by power, but by MY
SPIRIT - says the LORD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 4. 6 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] How very perfect is our INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL GOD, such
amazing love.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
HOLY LORD GOD be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the
Teachings of YOUR WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR law that we may cling
to YOUR commandments, for freedom of the soul reigns when we observe
YOUR commandments. Unite our hearts to love and revere YOU. Praised are
YOU, O GOD, WHO in YOUR love has called YOUR people to serve YOU in
sincerity and truth.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
+++

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When we cannot find our ignorance, you can be sure we have lost our
wisdom.
ADVANTAGES WITH GOD
"What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?
Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the ORACLES OF
GOD." [Romans 3. 1 - 2]
All the nations of the world are loved by GOD. [John 3. 16] Therefore,
as an example to the world, the LOVING MIGHTY CREATOR chose one nation
through which HE would convey HIS WORD to everyone and use them as an
example for the others. The Jews -- descendants through Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob -- were given the honour of bringing both the Written Word and
the LIVING WORD (JESUS the REDEEMER) into the world. As always, with
privileges come great responsibility. Although most Jews deny both the
inspiration of the HOLY SCRIPTURE and the INCARNATE DEITY of YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH. "Shall their unbelief make the faith of GOD without
effect? GOD forbid!" [Romans 3. 3 - 4]
The ORACLES OF GOD refers to the actual supernatural utterances (Hebrew:
naba' - prophesy) given by the SPIRIT OF GOD through a human
intercessor. This indicates that the OLD COVENANT should be regarded as
being verbally inspired by the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD OF HOSTS.
In book of Hebrews, emphasis is put on the importance of the first
principles of the ORACLES OF GOD rebuking those believers who have
neglected to learn even the foundational truths of the perfect and
accurate SCRIPTURES: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers,
you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the ORACLES
OF GOD; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone
who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, for
he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that
is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil." [Hebrews 5. 12 - 14]
The word "oracles" is used again in the NEW COVENANT: "If any man
speak, let him speak as the oracles of GOD." [1 Peter 4. 11] Here,
Peter is urging anyone with the spiritual gift of teaching to see that
his instructions conform fully to the Words of Omnipotent GOD as
revealed in Holy Scripture. Moses "received the LIVING ORACLES to give
to us." [Acts 7. 38] For that reason there is special notice that the
first five books of HOLY WRIT (TORAH) are especially singled out as the
"Living WORDS" of CREATOR GOD . . . and they are our life.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
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
HOLY NAME.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The word prophet is created from the two words, "before speaking."
Thus, a true prophet spends more time listening to Almighty GOD than
speaking for Him.
THE LAW, MY DELIGHT
"My tongue shall declare YOUR promise, for all YOUR commandments are
just. Lend Your hand to help me, for I have chosen YOUR precepts. I have
longed for YOUR salvation, O LORD; Your TEACHING is my delight." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 119. 172 - 174 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The Laws of ETERNAL GOD are "holy, and the commandment holy and just and
good." [Romans 7. 12] Since the natural man "grows corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts." [Ephesians 4. 22] It is written, "Cursed is
everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the
BOOK OF THE LAW, to do them. But that no one is justified by the Law in
the sight of GOD is evident, for 'the just shall live by faith.' Yet the
Law is not of faith, but 'the man who does them shall live by them.'"
[Galatians 3. 10 - 12]
"May YOUR tender mercy reach me, that I may live; for YOUR TEACHINGS is
my delight." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 77 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Were not
YOUR TEACHINGS my delight I would then have perished in my affliction. I
will never neglect Your precepts for You preserved my life through them.
I am YOURS; Save me! For I have turned to YOUR precepts." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 119. 92 - 94 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
When a person accepts the LORD Yeshua as their MESSIAH & SAVIOUR, the
old nature dies and we become a new creation. And with CHRIST in us, we
have the hope of glory. [Colossians 1. 27] "CHRIST has redeemed us
from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us." [Galatians 3.
13] When we have the HEAVENLY MASTER'S Laws in our heart and mind
[Hebrews 1. 16], we keep HIS commands because we love HIM WHO died for
us. "For I delight in the Law of GOD according to the inward man."
[Romans 7. 22]
"Keep MY Commandments and live, MY TEACHING as the apple of your eye."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 7. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The wonderful promises of the
TRUE & LOVING GOD are true, and HE is well pleased when HIS Law is the
apple of our eye.
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. 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 Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If we do not regard the work of the MESSIAH above our very lives, it
isn't because we can't -- it is because we don't want to!
CUSTOMS - THE TALMUD
The Talmud (from the Hebrew word: lomad meaning to teach, instruction)
is a code of laws as well as a record of rabbinical discussions and
decisions pertaining to theology, exegesis, philosophy, natural science,
medical learning, ethics, political and domestic economy, etc. as these
were understood during a period of one thousand years after the Jews
returned from the Babylonian exile. It is an encyclopedic work
consisting of 36 volumes composed by over one thousand Rabbis, several
of the ancient rabbis including some of those who traced their ancestry
to Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism.
It is claimed that Moses received two types of directive on Mt. Sinai,
one was the WRITTEN LAW, the TORAH; the other was the Oral Law which was
repeated by word of mouth from Moses to Joshua, from Joshua to the
elders, from the elders to the prophets, and so on as is stated in the
TALMUD itself (Pirke Aboth 1. 1 "Ethics of the Fathers"). It is said
that the prophets handed it down orally to the men of the Great
Synagogue (perhaps the origin of the name is traced from the assembly in
Nehemiah/Nechemah 8 - 10) and so on till Ezra, when it became the
possession of the spiritual leaders of that time.
Rabbi Hillel, who lived from 70 BC/BCE to 10 AD/CE, began to compile the
Oral Law so that it could be written. Hillel was the grandfather of
Gamaliel, the teacher of the Apostle Paul. He was president of the
Sanhedrin -- the president was the 71st member of the Sanhedrin (70) and
was always the High Priest. Rabbi Hillel laid down six or seven rules
for the interpretation of the SCRIPTURES which became the foundation of
rabbinical hermeneutics and which, no doubt, was used by the Pharisees
in the days of MESSIAH YESHUA. The LORD JESUS referred to this Oral Law
as "the traditions of the elders." [Matthew 15. 1 - 9; Mark 7. 1 - 13]
Since the Temple with its order of priesthood had been destroyed, there
needed to be some source of authority to continue the practice of
Judaism among the scattered Jewish people. Therefore, a group of 148
Jewish scholars who were called "Tannaim" (repeaters, teachers -
scholars from the Mishnaic Period up to 200 AD/CE) gathered in the
ancient city of Yabne (located near the present city of Lydda, Israel)
and by their discussions, debates and decisions wrote down that which
had been orally handed down over almost six centuries. This writing was
published about 200 AD/CE under the leadership of Rabbi Judah the Prince
(Judah ha'Nasi). The written form is called the Mishneh (repetition,
duplicate) -- the Second Law. It was the Oral Law of the Pharisees and
almost universally accepted as the authoritative legal code of Judaism.
However, since the Mishneh (or Mishna) was not understood and there was
a need for adapting it to the times and to the changing circumstances of
life, a group of several hundred rabbis, called Amoraim (expounders) --
scholars from the Talmudic Period, 200 - 500 CE/AD -- developed the
Gemara (completion) which is a commentary on the Mishnah. These two
parts of the Talmud are not two divisions or separate books, but the
Gemara is included under the Mishna. The Oral law written down is
called the Mishna and it is started first, the commentary and
application or the Gemara is then stated below it.
This combination, Mishneh-Gemara, composed the Talmud which was
completed in Babylon about 400 AD/CE There is a Jerusalem Talmud
(Yerushalmi) written in Jerusalem and a Babylonian Talmud (Babli)
written in Babylon.
Along with their work on the Mishna and Gemara the Tannaim and Amoraim
developed a running commentary on the actual text of the OLD COVENANT.
This is called the Midrash, the name coming from the Hebrew word meaning
"to study" or "to investigate. "
Since it was difficult to understand, Rabbi Joseph B. E. Caro devoted
years of his life to summarizing, abridging, and codifying the Talmud
for the common man. In 1564 he published his work which he called
Shulchan Arukh (Prepared Table). However, there are many laws contained
in the Shulchan Arukh which have been added to the laws found in the
Talmud - for example: There are fourteen laws regulating the lighting
of the Sabbath candles, twenty-one relating to the fringes on the
Tallith and twenty-six relating to the prayer shawl. There are laws
covering every conceivable thing in daily life, even as to the manner of
walking, etc. Directions for the practice of present-day Judaism in the
rituals and ceremonies for the High Holy Days, Sabbaths, the Passover
Seder (order of ceremony), weddings, etc. are all found in the Shulchan
Arukh.
No wonder YESHUA, THE ANOINTED ONE called the Pharisees "Hypocrites! "
those who draw near to HIM with their mouth, and honour HIM with their
lips, but their heart is far from HIM, and their fear toward the LORD
JESUS is taught by men, making the commandment of ETERNAL GOD
ineffective by their tradition, just as Isaiah prophesied.
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 13; Matthew 15. 7 - 8]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! – Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our
GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and
favours us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us.
Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps!
Sabbath blessings to each of you!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The men that move the world are the men the world cannot move.
DEATH IN THE POT
"Then they served it for the men to eat. While they were still eating of
the stew, they began to cried out: "O man of GOD, there is death in the
pot!" And they could not eat it." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 4. 40 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
There was a famine in the land and the disciples of the prophets that
were sitting before Elisha were hungry. Elisha said to his servant,
"Put the large pot on the fire and cook a stew for the disciples of the
prophets." [v. 38] So some of them went into the fields to gather
sprouts to enhance the flavour of the meal. They came across a wild vine
and picked from it wild gourds, as many as his garment would hold. Not
knowing what they were, the gourds were sliced up and put into the pot.
When finished cooking, the meal was served. However, after tasting the
stew, it was realized that the succulent gourmet meal was poisonous,
and the recipient tasters cried out: "O man of GOD, there is death in
the pot!" The wild gourds had immediately caused severe cramps.
The wild gourd symbolize false doctrine. When scholars or preachers
want to spice up the old truths of HOLY SCRIPTURE with some new and
superficially attractive embellishments, it only contaminates the
"sincere milk of the word" [1 Peter 2. 2] which brings death to those
who partake of such fatal poison.
"Like leaven which a woman who took and hid in three measures of meal
till it was all leavened" [Matthew 13. 33], Elisha's creative disciples
unsuspectingly added the seemingly pleasant ingredient, and it permeated
the whole pot of stew with its deadly poison. Even the Apostle Paul
emphatically stressed, "Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This
persuasion does not come from HIM WHO calls you. A little leaven leavens
the whole lump." [Galatians 5. 7 - 9]
There was a remedy for the deadly poison, however. Elisha said, "Fetch
some flour" and he threw it into the pot then served it to the people
that they might not hunger. And there was no longer anything harmful in
the pot. [2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 4. 41] A similar scenario happened when
Moses threw the piece of wood into the bitter waters of Mara, and the
LORD GOD caused the water to become sweet. [Exodus/Shemot 15. 23 - 25]
Truth always triumphs over deceit and lies.
The purifying "flour" with Elisha and the "piece of wood" of Moses'
time, symbolize the TRUE LIFE-GIVING WORD OF GOD. The WRITTEN WORD
which is the TRUE BREAD, the HEAVENLY MANNA by which man must live. As
is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that
proceeds from the mouth of GOD." [Matthew 4. 4; Deuteronomy/ Devarim 8.
3] The humbling remedy for the poisonous doctrines of the world must
always be the pure, unadulterated WORD OF GOD faithfully taught and
exhorted.
As we come to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY with a sincere heart, HE will
forgive our sins and take away this deadly defilement of deceptive sin
and give us everlasting life in the TRUTH of HIS HOLY WORD.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May You, MosT HolY One, be blessed forever, even to all eternity beyond
all blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that may be uttered in
this world; blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored &
exalted above all else for YOU are worthy.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Modesty is meekness and wisdom combined.
IT IS ENOUGH
"Enough! said Israel. 'It is enough! My son Joseph is still alive! I
must go and see him before I die." [Genesis (Bereshith) 45. 28 Tanakh,
Torah]
"Enough" in Hebrew is "rab" meaning "greater, more numerous, exceedingly
much." Here, Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that
Joseph, his beloved son long given up for dead, is still alive. Later
Pharaoh, for a very different reason, cried, "Plead with the LORD for it
is enough that there be an end of GOD'S thunder and of hail. I will let
you go, you need stay no longer." [Exodus (Shemot) 9. 28 Tanakh, Torah]
"It is enough! Stay your hand." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 24. 16 Tanakh,
Nevi'im; 1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 21. 15] ALMIGHTY GOD gave
this command to the Angel of Death to stop destroying the Israelites
after David sinned in numbering the people. When Elijah thought he
could bear no more, "Enough!" he cried. Now, O LORD, take my life, for I
am no better than my fathers." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 19. 4 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
Moreover, "Three things are insatiable; Four never say, "Enough!" Sheol,
a barren womb, earth that cannot get enough water, and fire which never
says, "Enough!" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH said, "It is enough for a disciple that he
be as his teacher, and the servant like his master." [Matthew 10. 25]
As the time of HIS arrest was drawing nearer, JESUS, the BELOVED, told
HIS disciples, "It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the SON OF MAN
is being betrayed into the hands of sinners." [Mark 14. 41] When they
produced two swords, "HE said to them, 'It is enough.'" [Luke 22. 38]
There are many circumstances which will cause a person to say "enough
already!" But, in the ages to come there will never be an end to "the
exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in CHRIST
JESUS." [Ephesians 2. 7] The great abundance of our LOVING GOD'S
blessings will never be viewed as enough for HIS mercies never fail.
My desire is to be with my KING MESSIAH YESHUA, to behold HIS glorious
face and worship at HIS feet. I am confident and absolutely certain,
that we can never know enough of our amazing, magnificent LORD GOD!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessed are YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, to be more like YOUR BELOVED SON,
MESSIAH YESHUA is the cry of our hearts. Show us mercy, O LORD GOD , and
grant us YOUR salvation. Eternal is YOUR power, YOU are mighty to save.
I give YOU praise and glory, O LORD, my GREAT & HOLY KING.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkah. homestead. com/
----
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To be proud is not necessarily to suffer from pride.
PERISHING FOOL
"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in
this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom
of this world is foolishness with GOD. For it is written, 'HE catches
the wise in their own craftiness.' " [1 Corinthians 3. 18 - 19]
There are several Hebrew words for a fool: meshuggenah - illiterate
lowbrow, idiot; pethi - an open fool; kesil - a thick-headed, hardened
fool; letz - a scoffer, a mocking fool; nabal - the wicked, arrogant
GOD-denying fool.
Those who are attracted and captivated with this world's delusion of
wisdom and so they disregard, refuse or reject ETERNAL GOD'S wisdom are
unwise, void of mind and reason, perishing fools in the sight of their
DIVINE CREATOR. "Although they knew GOD, they did not glorify HIM as
GOD, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools."
[Romans 1. 21 - 22] "All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the
LORD weighs the spirits (motives)." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 2 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH said that "everyone who hears these
sayings of MINE, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who
built his house on the sand and the rain descended, the floods came, and
the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And GREAT WAS ITS
FALL." [Matthew 7. 26 - 27] "Whoever trusts in his own instinct is a
fool (idiot/nabal) , but whoever lives wisely will be delivered (and
shall escape)." [Proverbs (Mishle) 28. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Humanistic wisdom has most of the world today in complete servitude and
dark bondage. Those who trust in the CREATOR GOD and HIS Great work of
redemption through JESUS OF NAZARETH WHO bore our sins on the cross are
considered foolish to human imagining. However, the worldly wisdom is
foolishness with OMNISCIENT GOD, and HE is the only ONE WHO rules with
authority. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who
are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD. For
it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to
nothing the understanding of the prudent." [1 Corinthians 1. 18 - 19]
"HE thwarts (spoils, ruins) the designs of the crafty, so that their
hands cannot gain success. HE traps the clever in their own wiles; the
plans of the cunning quickly go awry upon themselves." [Job (Iyob) 5. 12
- 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The wisdom of this world is foolish, empty, futile, proud, arrogant and
assuming. May we be wise and seek to understand "the knowledge of the
mystery of GOD, both of the FATHER and of CHRIST, in WHOM are hidden ALL
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians 2. 2 - 3] To the
LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS THE BELOVED ANOINTED ONE be glory now and
forevermore.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Blessed are YOU, O LORD our GOD and GOD of our fathers, the GOD of
Abraham, the GOD of Isaac and the GOD of Jacob, the GREAT, MIGHTY &
REVERED HOLY ONE, the TRUE & FAITHFUL GOD WHO imparts loving kindnesses,
the CREATOR of all things, WHO remembers the good deeds of the
patriarchs and in love will bring the REDEEMER to their children's
children for YOUR NAME'S sake. O KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR and SHIELD,
blessed are YOU.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May your dreams be better then your memories.
BLESSED HOPE
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with GOD
through our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, through whom also we have
access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope
of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope." [Romans 5. 1 - 4]
Hope is a much needed ingredient for living in this world. In Hebrew
there are several types of hope: "yachal" mean to trust, wait, tarry or
stay; "betach" is confident expectation, safety, secure, surely;
"tiqvah" translates a longing; "miqveh" renders confidence, abiding
(also a bath or pond of water). Saints of God Most High have the
confident assurance of the hope of a glorious inheritance awaiting them.
"Therefore my heart rejoices, my whole being exults; and my flesh rests
in secure hope." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Good works only produce a false hope when one thinks they will earn the
rich reward of a Heavenly Home. Although GOD'S Law is perfect, it
cannot make a person righteous, for no one is able of keeping the Law.
There is hope however, and that hope is faith and trust in the LORD
YESHUA, HE is the believer's HOPE of salvation; for MESSIAH in you
is the HOPE of glory. [Colossians 1. 27]
This HOPE that is in you is our SOLID FOUNDATION WHO gives us the needed
confidence to trust expectantly. "The LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, and our
GOD and FATHER, WHO has loved us and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace." [2 Thessalonians 2. 16] "For the Law made
nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a BETTER
HOPE, through which we draw near to GOD." [Hebrews 7. 19]
We are also given a blessed hope, by GOD`S grace, bringing us to
salvation teaching us that by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking
for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our GREAT GOD and SAVIOR
JESUS CHRIST, WHO gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from
every lawless deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS own special people,
zealous for good works." [Titus 2. 12 - 14]
Furthermore, we receive a LIVING HOPE in which we can greatly rejoice,
"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO according
to HIS abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the
resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in
heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith for
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." [1 Peter 1. 3 - 5]
"Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise
the immutability of HIS counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two
immutable things, in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, we might
have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the
hope set before us. This hope we have as an ANCHOR of the soul, both
sure and steadfast." [Hebrews 6. 17 - 19]
"Blessed is he who trusts in the LORD, and whose HOPE is the LORD
alone." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Our WONDERFUL
SAVIOUR not only gives us a better hope, a good hope, a blessed hope,
and a living hope, but also our hope centered on the eternal future with
the KING OF GLORY.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
YOUR love, O LORD our GOD has watched over us in the night of
oppression; YOUR mercy has sustained us in the hour of trial. May YOUR
Law rule the life of all YOUR children and YOUR truth unite our hearts
in fellowship. Praise to YOU, O LORD, our BLESSED REDEEMER. We give YOU
thanks and praise eternally for YOUR loving kindness that fails not.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Endure the truth, though it be bitter.
CUSTOMS - BAR MITZVAH
The Jewish boy looks forward to his thirteenth birthday as one of the
most important events in his life. It symbolizes the beginning of
maturity for him. When the boy reaches Bar Mitzvah (Son of Commandment)
age, he is not only old enough to enjoy the ceremony but also to
appreciate its importance to himself, to his family and friends, and to
his people.
It is believed by Jews that up to the thirteenth year, the father bears
the sins of his son. After that the boy must account for his good or
evil actions. The father therefore, recites the following benediction
at the Bar Mitzvah ceremony: "Blessed are You, our GOD, KING OF THE
UNIVERSE, WHO has relieved me from punishment for this one (the son)."
Many months before this great occasion, the son is taught at the
synagogue how to wear the phylacteries and prayer shawl. He is taught
his various prayers in Hebrew, his religious duties, the HAFTORAH (a
term applied to the passages from the Books of the Prophets –
NEVI'IM), after the reading from the Books of Moses - TORAH) and
blessings, and how to write and memorize a speech in Hebrew. The young
man is now accepted as one of ten necessary for a Minyan (ten adult
men--without whom services cannot be conducted in the synagogue). He is
also entitled to be called on to read the TORAH in the public services.
This Bar Mitzvah ceremony is celebrated in the synagogue and in the
home. Relatives and friends come to the synagogue to hear the boy chant
the HAFTORAH and deliver the oration. The Rabbi talks to him and
blesses him. After the service, the whole congregation is invited by
the family to the vestry rooms for refreshments. The boy receives gifts
and congratulations from everyone. He is now considered a man who is
responsible for his own sins.
The following prayer is in use in English Sephardic Congregations on the
occasion of a lad reaching the age of thirteen -- his religious
majority: "O my GOD, and GOD of my fathers, on this solemn and sacred
day, which marks my passage from boyhood to manhood, I humbly raise my
eyes to YOU and declare with sincerity and truth that henceforth I will
observe YOUR commandments, and undertake to bear the responsibility of
all my actions towards YOU. In my earliest infancy I was brought within
YOUR SACRED COVENANT with Israel, and today I again enter as an active
responsible member, the pale of YOUR elect congregation, in the midst of
which I will never cease to glorify YOUR HOLY NAME in the face of all
nations.
Do, O HEAVENLY FATHER, hear this my humble prayer and bestow upon me
YOUR gracious blessings, so that my earthly life may be sustained and
made happy by YOUR ineffable mercies. Teach me the way of YOUR statutes,
that I may obey them and faithfully carry out YOUR ordinances. Dispose
my heart to love YOU and to fear YOUR HOLY NAME, and grant me YOUR
support and the strength necessary to avoid the worldly dangers which
beset the path lying before me. Save me from temptation, so that I may
observe YOUR HOLY LAW and those precepts on which human happiness and
eternal life depend. Thus I will every day of my life trustfully and
gladly proclaim: Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our GOD, the LORD is ONE!"
The Jewish Prophet Isaiah, speaks of ONE upon whose shoulder is the
government, the LAW (TORAH), the blessing, whose NAME is called
WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE
OF PEACE. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] We find HIM in the Temple at the age
of maturity at that time (12) astounding the doctors of the Law with HIS
perfect knowledge, HIS wisdom, HIS authority in the SCRIPTURES. [see
Luke 2. 45 - 48] JESUS didn't need a ceremony nor a ritual nor a
celebration. HE fulfilled not only the Law, but the tradition of the
Jews as well. HE had no sins for which Joseph was responsible before HE
was twelve, but it was for our iniquities HE was bruised, for our
transgression HE was wounded. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 53. 5] Truly, THIS SON
did not suffer for HIMSELF as HE hung on that Altar on Golgotha; HE did
not bear the punishment of HIS OWN sins, but surely, surely HE bore our
diseases and carried our pains! The chastisement for our peace was upon
HIM and through HIS bruises was healing granted to us! Blessed be HIS
WONDERFUL NAME forever!
It is interesting to note that Jews use two words for "son" (and so it
is in the SCRIPTURES - see Proverbs/Mishle 30. 4; 31. 2). The one word
is "ben" which is a general term applied to each male child in a Jewish
family. The other is "bar" which has a greater meaning, the term used
of a son who has reached maturity; one who has attained to the age of
religious duty and responsibility. In other words, he is a full-fledged
Jew!
In the Second Psalm, considered the MESSIANIC PSALM, the COMFORTER, the
HOLY SPIRIT, declares to the people of Israel (and all nations) that the
ONE WHO is Anointed (the MASHIACH) - the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD. In
verse seven, YESHUA is called by the term "BEN." Then in verse twelve,
Israel is admonished to do homage to HIM ("Kiss the SON") and they are
"blessed who put their trust in HIM." In this instance the term "BAR"
is used for SON. JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE is the SON (BEN) OF GOD and
from the beginning of time, HE is BAR MITZVAH, the SON OF THE LAW as
well!
Special Note: 1961 was Bar Mitzvah Day in Israel for it was the 13th
Independence Day celebration. This was because of the number
"thirteen." It is at age 13 the boy is called Bar Mitzvah or Son of the
Law. According to Jewish authorities, the reason for "13" is because
that is the number of ALMIGHTY GOD'S attributes. [Personally, I find
them to be beyond measure!]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! Praised to Almighty CREATOR God! We praise and bless
you O GOD for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat - the
Bride, the Queen...the imagery of beauty & radiance, testifying to the
tremendous affection that the Sabbath is enjoyed among YOUR people in
YOUR HOLY PRESENCE.
May yours be a Yom She'Kulo Shabbat ("a day which is all-Sabbath" )!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In life we often discover what we did not know we were seeking.
HOLY ANOINTING OIL (Part 1)
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying, 'Take choice spices: five hundred
weight of flowing myrrh, half as much - two hundred and fifty - of
fragrant cinnamon, two hundred and fifty of aromatic calamus cane, five
hundred - by the sanctuary weight - of cassia, and a hin of olive oil.
Make of this a sacred anointing oil, a compound of ingredients expertly
blended, to serve as sacred anointing oil.'" [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 22 -
23 Tanakh, Torah]
[In most cases BIBLICAL spices are uncertain as to what they really
were. But, they are concluded to be comparable to many of the spices of
today with different names. A Shekel is a weight and also the name of a
coin. The Shekel in this passage, according to medical language equals
9 drops. Thus, 500 shekels would be 4,500 drops.]
The Tabernacle study began with ALMIGHTY GOD'S desire to dwell withIN
HIS people by the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD and now ends with
the anointing oil and the GLORY CLOUD filling the finished Sanctuary.
The LORD MOST HOLY instructed that the Tabernacle, with all its
features, be built and every detail of the services, as well as the
clothing of the priests be made "according to the pattern" Moses saw on
the mountain. And this was done as LOVING MASTER commanded.
Nevertheless nothing supernatural occurred until the directions for the
anointing oil were carried out and everything received this ointment.
Only then did the HOLY SPIRIT begin to move in HIS HOLY HABITATION!
MYRRH is first spice, a bitter plant, but from which sweetness was
obtained after it was bruised. The word is taken from the Hebrew "mor"
which means "to drop on from a container above" or in other words, it is
distilled. It was to be pure, the best of the myrrh which exudes
spontaneously from the bark. The inferior myrrh comes out more
abundantly by splitting the bark. Myrrh was used as a perfume, as a
medicine for deadening pain [Mark 15. 23], for preparing the dead for
burial [John 19. 39 - 40], as a modifier of other medicines, and for
purification. Through the power of the ETERNAL SPIRIT, MESSIAH YESHUA
gave HIMSELF freely. HE was made "sin or bitter." But, from HIS
bruising, comes forth the sweetness of the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS the
BELOVED SON was dead, HIS body was anointed with the myrrh. YESHUA is
our purification. [Hebrews 9. 13 - 14] HIS life that HE gave was sweet
to GOD THE FATHER, sweet to the saints, and HIS life is a healing
medicine for those who are sick in spirit, soul or body.
SCRIPTURE records that during six of the twelve months for Esther's
preparation and purification to be among the number who were to stand
before the king, she was rubbed down daily with this spice.
[Esther/Ester 2. 12] It was Hadassah, the one who gave forth the
fragrance of myrrh, who was chosen to be his bride queen. As we stand
before KING JESUS, the holy anointing oil with the sweet smell of myrrh
should be upon our garments of salvation. Freely are we to give
ourselves even as MESSIAH freely gave. . . DIE TO SELF for "unless a
grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if
it dies, it produces much grain." [John 12. 24] We are to apply this
anointing oil daily, to purify ourselves even as the LORD YESHUA is
pure, as we prepare for the Marriage Supper of the LAMB!
SWEET CINNAMON is the second ingredient. Cinnamon bark comes as upright
rolls. It is used for flavouring, as a medicine, and it is a stimulant.
The fragrance, no doubt counter-acted the stench of the butchering,
burning and cooking of animals in the Tabernacle Court. Though the
Cross of CHRIST JESUS revealed an ugly and awful death, yet there was
fulfillment in it of the burning, scorched flesh of all the OLD COVENANT
sacrifices which was acceptable to GOD on behalf of the people because
of the "cinnamon fragrance" which accompanied it.
We are instructed to "present our bodies as a living sacrifice upon
GOD'S Altar which is our reasonable service." [Romans 12. 1] Though
there is sin, death, and decay included in this offering; yet by the
application of the cinnamon this is all counteracted and we become a
sweet smelling savour in the nostrils of the HOLY LIVING GOD. [2
Corinthians 13. 14]
Cinnamon has a warm, sweet, pleasing, and peculiar aroma. YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, with the HOLY SPIRIT or "DIVINE CINNAMON" resting upon HIM,
gave forth that feeling of warmth which is sweet, pleasing and peculiar.
This is the case with those whose lives have been anointed with the
Cinnamon.
The third ingredient, SWEET CALAMUS grows in Arabia and India; it is a
fragrant cane whose root is highly prized as a spice. [Song of Songs
(Shir ha'Shirim) 4. 14; Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 27. 19] The root word means
"to stand upright" - hence, a cane or reed. It usually grows in miry
soil. The more this bark is beaten the sweeter is its fragrance. How
like the LORD MESSIAH WHO grew in the mire of this world UPRIGHT and
FRAGRANT to ALMIGHTY GOD. The MAN OF SORROWS was beaten, humiliated,
spit upon and nailed to the Cross of Agony. Yet, HE prayed on behalf
of HIS persecutors, "FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they
do." [Luke 23. 34] We are to do as the BELOVED CHRIST did: "Love your
enemies, pray for them that spitefully use and persecute you" [Matthew
2. 39] were HIS commands. The more we are persecuted the sweeter are we
to be by the enablement of the COMFORTER, the HEAVENLY CALAMUS.
CASSIA, the fourth spice, is derived from a root word meaning "to split"
and refers to the rolls of bark being split. It is said to resemble
cinnamon and to be of the same family, but to be less fragrant. It was
used for flavouring and as a medicine. It was a bitter medicine, but
one which purges that it may heal. This aromatic bark comes from a
shrub which grows only on great heights of around 8,000 feet. As this
plant flourished, where other plants could not grow, so we see at
Calvary's height the perfection of HOLY & TRUE ONE in HIS faithfulness.
In the place of YESHUA'S sacrifice for sin, there was yielded a
"peculiar" fragrance such as from no other death. Coming from the
heights of Calvary, is the HOLY COMFORTER WHO elevates the receiver to
heavenly places above the elements of the world.
Four spices were to be combined with a "hin (6 quarts)" of pure olive
oil. The "vehicle" of these four ingredients for their exhibition was
the olive oil, a symbol of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. All true witnesses
to the graces and excellencies of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH must be in
and by the HOLY SPIRIT. The spices are dry apart from the oil.
Oil also is a lubricant which is used to heal and energize as well as to
aid in giving light and fire. This is characteristic of the HEAVENLY
ENABLER in the life and ministry of YESHUA, the ROCK of our Salvation,
and HIS saints.
There are four principal spices with the oil. In the four corners of
the earth, OMNIPOTENT GOD anoints HIS own with the HOLY SPIRIT. "The
promise is to as many as the LORD our GOD will call." [Acts 2. 39]
. . . to be continued
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Let not your heart be troubled, glorify YESHUA, the BREAD OF LIFE, the
TRUE KING of all ages -- allow HIS SPIRIT to comfort and transform your
life. HE can!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Why not go out on the limb? That's where the fruit is!
JESUS-MESSIAH- LORD
"For in HIM (YESHUA) dwells all the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily."
[Colossians 2. 9]
It was the WORD WHO "was GOD" and by WHOM "all things were made." [John
1. 1, 3] The wealth of truth is beyond human comprehension, we can
never understand how the INFINITE HOLY GOD could become FINITE MAN, but
to those who believe, it is revealed.
When the WORD was "made flesh" -- HIS character is revealed and
different names make known WHO YESHUA really is . . .
LORD: JESUS is the SOVEREIGN CREATOR & RULER of the Universe;
victorious over all enemies, even death itself. "Death is swallowed up
in victory...Thanks be to GOD, WHO gives us the victory through our LORD
JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 15. 54, 57] And, YESHUA is the
EVER-LIVING GOD WHOSE glory is revealed in the heavens above and whose
greatness is manifest throughout the world.
JESUS: HIS human name, speaks of HIS mission as SUFFERING SAVIOUR.
"JESUS, WHO was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering
of death crowned with glory and honour, that HE, by the grace of GOD,
might taste death for everyone...make the CAPTAIN of their salvation
perfect through sufferings." [Hebrews 2. 9 – 10] "And we have seen
and testify that the FATHER has sent the SON as SAVIOUR of the world."
[1 John 4. 14]
MESSIAH/CHRIST: This title speaks of HIS office (ANOINTED ONE) as GOD'S
CHOSEN KING. "HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) is LORD of lords and KING of kings;
and those who are with HIM are called, chosen, and faithful."
[Revelation 17. 14] Infinite is His awesome power, even so is HIS
steadfast love.
LORD & KING: YESHUA'S exalted position as SOVEREIGN CREATOR and ETERNAL
KING and shows the seriousness of our service to HIM. "Thus says the
LORD, your REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL...I am your HOLY ONE, the
LORD, your KING, the CREATOR OF ISRAEL." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 14 - 15
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"Therefore GOD also has highly exalted HIM (YESHUA GOD'S
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON) and given HIM the NAME which is above every name,
that at the NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and
of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue
should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD THE
FATHER." [Philippians 2. 9 - 11] We bow the head and bend the knee and
magnify the GLORIOUS KING of kings, the HOLY ONE, praised, extolled and
honoured be HE.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O LORD, YOU are all-good, YOUR mercies fail not; WHOSE loving-
kindnesses never cease, our hope is in YOU. We live to give YOU thank
and we shall praise YOUR NAME in truth, O GOD, our SALVATION and our
HELP. Blessed are YOU , FATHER of mercies for it is becoming to give YOU
thanks. 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 Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If a stone falls upon a pot, "Woe to the pot!" If the pot falls upon
the stone, "Woe to the pot!" In either case, "Woe to the pot!"
HEART CONDITION
"The LORD saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how every
imagination and plan devised by his heart and mind was nothing but evil
all the time. And the LORD regretted that HE had made man on earth; and
HIS heart grieved in sadness." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 5 - 6 Tanakh,
Torah]
These two verses describing the incurable wickedness of the ancient
world, which finally brought on the global flood, contain the first two
of over a thousand occurrences of the word "heart (Hebrew: leb)" in the
HOLY SCRIPTURES. Observe the contrast: Man's heart was evil; the
ALMIGHTY ONE'S heart was grieved.
The heart is a physical organ, with its function of circulating the
blood as basic to physical life. "For the life of the flesh is in the
blood." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] It is also used to
refer to the innermost part of physical objects (the heart of the earth)
. . ."For as Jonah was THREE DAYS and THREE NIGHTS in the belly of the
great fish, so will the SON OF MAN be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth." [Matthew 12. 40] Almost always, the word "heart"
is used symbolically as reference to the quality of the basic nature and
deep essence of a person's being.
In this first occurrence, it refers to the "thoughts" of the heart.
Somehow, before one thinks with his mind, he thinks with his heart, and
the quality of his spirit in unspoken thoughts will determine the way he
reasons with his brain. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA confirmed this, "For
from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts." [Mark 7.
21]
How very important it is then to maintain a heart that is pure. How
interesting that in the OLD COVENANT the first occurrence of "heart"
refers to man's evil thoughts. In contrast, the first occurrence of the
word in the NEW COVENANT is where the BELOVED YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gives
HIS gracious promise, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see
GOD." [Matthew 5. 8] And the blessed are promised, "They shall see HIS
face, and HIS NAME shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night
there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the LORD GOD gives
them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." [Revelation 22. 4 -
5] Such great joy awaits us, joy forevermore!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, RULER of the world, WHO has given us
the law of truth and righteousness and has implanted within us
everlasting life. Praised are YOU, O LORD, GIVER of the Law. We bow
down and worship YOU, our ETERNAL KING!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
J
esus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Failure is not defeat. . . until you stop trying.
LORD & KING
"And the LORD shall be KING over all the earth. In that day it shall be
- The LORD is ONE- and HIS NAME ONE." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14. 9
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The angels in heaven will even proclaim the HOLY ONE WHO alone is GOD,
"Then the seventh angel sounded; there were loud voices in heaven,
saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our LORD
and of HIS CHRIST, and HE shall reign forever and ever!'" [Revelation
11. 15]
Some day very soon the ALMIGHTY ONE will return to this earth and will
reign forever and ever. Meanwhile, GOD is working out HIS great plan of
reconciliation, as made known in HIS REVEALED WORD. In the wondrous
book of Revelation [Chapters 21 & 22] one sees the never-ending glories,
the New Earth and CREATOR GOD and HIS REDEEMING SON dwelling with HIS
people eternally.
Our LORD'S final words are both a guide and a warning until HE returns.
HIS final invitation is to "those who thirsts, Come!" [Revelation 22.
17] HIS final warning is, "For I testify to everyone who hears the
words of the prophecy of this BOOK: If anyone adds to these things, GOD
will add to him the plagues that are written in this BOOK; and if anyone
takes away from the words of the BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take
away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the
things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19] HOLY
SCRIPTURE contains all that man will ever need to know, man needs only
to Believe and Obey.
After that, we find MESSIAH'S final promise. Peter calls this an
"exceedingly great and precious promise." [2 Peter 1. 4] "HE WHO
testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.'" To which
our response and the final prayer is, "Amen! Even so, come LORD JESUS!"
[Revelation 22. 20]
Ultimately, there is a final benediction, identical to each closing of
Paul's epistles -- and the most wonderful of all the words of our
BLESSED, LOVING MASTER, "The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you
all. Amen." [Revelation 22. 21] How fitting, GOD'S PRECIOUS WORD
begins with HIS creation, now it ends with HIS saving grace!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Let us greet Shabbat as we would greet a beautiful bride.
. . eagerly awaited, joyously welcomed. O GOD, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL we
lift our voices to give YOU praise and thanks for giving us Sabbath to
honour YOU. YOU are majestic and glorious, CREATOR of heaven and earth.
O GOD, who is like YOU? There is none! We ask for clearness of vision
to see life as a whole from youth to old age to be comforted in the
faith that the best is yet to be.
Enjoy your yom she'kulo Shabbat (day which is all-Sabbath) !
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Neither steam nor gas can drive anything until it is confined --
likewise, no one ever grows great and useful until they are focused,
dedicated and disciplined.

WRITTEN IN THE EARTH
"Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to HIM (YESHUA) a woman caught
in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to HIM,
'TEACHER, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses,
in the Law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do YOU
say?'" [John 8. 3 - 5]

The setting is the woman taken in adultery and the Scribes and Pharisees
bring her to MESSIAH YESHUA to test HIM so they might have something of
which to accuse HIM. The LORD JESUS simply stooped down and wrote on
the ground with HIS finger, as though HE were ignoring them. [John 8. 1
- 10] They continued asking the LORD questions and so "HE raised
HIMSELF up and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him
throw a stone at her first.' And again HE stooped down and wrote on the
ground." [John 8. 6 - 8]

There are many guesses as to what the LORD wrote, but according to the
Jeremiah text, it was their names as well as their individual sin -- as
a form of judgment and the Law attacked their conscience. "All who
forsake YOU shall be put to shame, 'Those in the land who turn from YOU
shall be doomed, INSCRIBED IN THE EARTH, for they have forsaken the
LORD, the FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 13
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Then, those who heard, being convicted by their conscience, went out
one by one, BEGINNING WITH THE OLDEST EVEN TO THE LAST. And JESUS was
left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (of the multitude)."
[John 8. 9] The LOVING REDEEMER, then said to her, "Neither do I
condemn you; go and sin no more." [John 8. 11] he one whom much is
forgiven, is often the one who loves the most. [Luke 7:47]

Where is your name written??? The RIGHTEOUS JUDGE of the whole world
desires that we put our trust under the shadow of HIS wings. Whoever
chooses HIM will be abundantly satisfied and HE will give them the right
to drink from the RIVER OF LIFE. [Psalms/Tehillym 36. 7 - 9] And,
YESHUA the KING of all ages will write their names in the LAMB'S BOOK OF
LIFE and have a specially prepared place in the New Heavens and the New
Earth [Revelation 21. 27] where righteousness dwells. You should
"rejoice because your names are written in heaven." [Luke 10. 20] How
marvelous! How wonderful!

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 a "Tov Sha-vu-a (Good Week")!"
May our lips ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR & SHIELD
for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over us.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Imagined or pretentious intelligence is a fitting companion for natural
idiocy. The wise understand, fools do not.
NATIONS OF FOOLS
"For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. "
[Romans 1. 18]
Mankind is without excuse, although they knew the MIGHTY CREATOR, they
refused to glorify HIM as GOD SUPREME and are unthankful, futile in
their thoughts, obscure in heart, "professing to be wise, they became
fools. Therefore GOD also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of
their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged
the truth of GOD for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature
rather than the CREATOR, WHO is blessed forever, Amen. For this reason
GOD gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the
natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men
with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the
penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to
retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a debased mind, to
do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all
unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness;
they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of GOD, violent, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who,
knowing the Righteous Judgment of GOD, that those who practice such
things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of
those who practice them." [Romans 1. 20 - 32]
The WONDROUS LORD GOD has such a high view of sex that HE will not
permit it to be defiled, as man persists in doing so openly today.
There are specific sexual relationships and practices the RIGHTEOUS HOLY
ONE has forbidden. [see Leviticus/Vayikra 18] Still further, there are
those practices the SOVEREIGN KING considers to be "abominations"
(intensely loathsome, detestable, shameful offense). "YEHOWAH spoke to
Moses saying: Speak to the Israelite people and say to them, 'I YEHOWAH
am your GOD' Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an
abomination (also women with women). Do not have carnal relations with
any beast and defile yourself thereby; and let no woman lend herself to
a beast to mate with it; it is perversion." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 18. 1 -
2, 22 - 23 Tanakh, Torah] "If a man lies with a male as one lies with
a woman, the two of them have done an abhorrent thing; they shall be put
to death - their bloodguilt is upon them (including women with women)."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 20. 13 Tanakh, Torah]
There is anguish, trouble, sorrow and woe to the nations that legalize
and allow wrong sexual practices. As the ALMIGHTY, FAITHFUL & TRUE ONE
declared, "Do not defile yourselves in any of those ways, for it is by
such that the nations that I am casting out before you defiled
themselves. Thus the land became defiled; and I called it to account for
its iniquity, and the land spewed out its inhabitants. But you must keep
MY laws and MY rules, and you must not do any of those abhorrent things,
neither the citizens nor the stranger who resides among you; for all
those abhorrent things were done by the people who were in the land
before you, and the land became defiled. So let not the land spew you
out for defiling it, as it spewed out the nation that came before you.
All who do any of those abhorrent things - such persons shall be cut off
from their people. You shall keep MY charge not to engage in any of the
abhorrent practices that were carried on before you, and you shall not
defile yourselves through them: I YEHOWAH am your GOD." [Leviticus
(Vayikra) 20. 24 - 30 Tanakh, Torah] "THOSE WHO ARE SEXUALLY IMMORAL
SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE THAT BURNS WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE,
WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH." [Revelation 21. 8]
We are commanded to "warn those who are unruly, comfort the
fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one
renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for
yourselves and for all." [1 Thessalonians 5. 14 - 15]
America (and most, if not all, other countries) are on a collision
coarse with the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE for they are abhorrently defiant of
GOD'S WRITTEN WORD thus we have defiled the land by doing what the HOLY
ONE warned against. IF we do not change our ways, we will certainly
face the wrath of SOVEREIGN OMNISCIENT CREATOR as HE brings the "Great
Tribulation" on the whole world around us for the unrepentant and
stubborn hearts who knowingly have rejected GOD'S LIFE-GIVING WORD
regarding sexual practices. Turn to HIM now before it is too late. . .
HE is willing to forgive!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O LORD GOD, pardon our many transgressions against YOU, remove our
guilt and blot out our iniquities just as YOU promised: I, even I, blot
out your iniquities for MY OWN sake, and your sins I will remember no
more. I have made your sins to vanish like a cloud and your
transgressions like a mist; return to ME for I have redeemed you. I will
forgive and cleanse you from all your sins when you turn to ME with your
whole heart.
May you receive blessings in abundance as you rest and fellowship with
the LORD GOD of heaven!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Enough" is as good as a feast! Happy and blessed is the man content
with little.
UNTIL I COME
"So he (a certain nobleman) called his ten servants and delivered to
them ten minas, and said unto them, 'Do business (occupy) till I come.'"
[Luke 19. 13]
With this parable, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA was trying to teach HIS
disciples that they should stay busy using whatever abilities and
opportunities they had in the LORD'S service until HE returned. This
practical illustration is also suggested where Paul forewarned Timothy,
"No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this
life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." [2 Timothy
2. 4] Paul is cautioning those who would be "good soldiers of MESSIAH"
against becoming involved in the "affairs of the world" if they are
really wanting to be pleasing to their COMMANDING OFFICER.
The LORD JESUS CHRIST says to stay busy with the practical affairs of
life until HE returns, then Paul affirms not to get involved with such
things -- this is no real contradiction IF the motivation is considered.
Whatever may be our vocation in life, as led by the Most HOLY ONE, we
are to perform joyously and all the other daily responsibilities of life
diligently and faithfully for HIS sake.
However, IF we allow these things to become an end in themselves or use
them for any other purposes than for "HIS glory" -- we are then becoming
tangled up in the affairs of this life, which will vanish. The LORD OF
GLORY, blessed be HE, encourages us to "hold fast what you have till I
come. And he who overcomes, and keeps MY works until the end, to him I
will give power over the nations." [Revelation 2. 25 - 26] YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH desires that we be diligent in whatever HE has called us to
do UNTIL HE COMES; for when HE comes, we will be judged on our
faithfulness.
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD comes, WHO will
both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the
counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from GOD." [1
Corinthians 4. 5] It will be worth it all, the trials of this life
will soon be forgotten and perfection will be to the faithful!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
If we spend our time judging others, we make no room for simply loving
them. Remember how surprisingly wondrous is our HEAVENLY FATHER'S
patience with us and learn from HIM and do likewise.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If a fool holds the cow by the horns, a clever man can milk her.
DARK WATERS, THICK CLOUDS
"HE bent the sky and came down, thick cloud beneath HIS feet. HE mounted
a cherub and did fly; HE was seen gliding on the wings of the wind. HE
made pavilions of darkness about HIM, thick dripping clouds, huge
thunderheads of dark waters." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 22. 10 - 12
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In this mysterious passage, David writes the words of this song to the
LORD after the MIGHTY ETERNAL ONE saved him from the hands of his
enemies. [Psalms/Tehillym 18] "He (THE LORD) reached down from on high,
HE took me; HE drew me out of the mighty waters; HE saved me from my
fierce enemy, from foes too strong for me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 18. 16 -
17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This song is much more then an eloquently
well-spoken poetry. David saw the LORD in a vision and was enabled to
write, "the SPIRIT OF THE LORD has spoken through me, HIS message is on
my tongue." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 23. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] David was
speaking of the LORD GOD MOST HIGH unleashing the great powers of mighty
waters in judgment on a corrupt world yet delivering Noah at the time of
the Great Flood. When David wrote Psalms/Tehillym 29, he also spoke
plainly of the Noahic Flood (Hebrew: mabbuwl).
The Hebrew word "ruwach" meaning "wind or spirit" so this phrase could
refer to "the WINDS OF THE SPIRIT." In the first reference to "the
SPIRIT OF GOD" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 2], HE is seen as "moving" in the
presence of the original ancient waters, the word being the same as that
for the beating movement of the wings of a great bird. This vibrating
motion suggests the generating of mighty waves of energy flowing out
from the SPIRIT to energize the newly created order of Genesis/Bereshith
1. Correspondingly, the DIVINE ENERGY flows out again from the SPIRIT
at the time of the Great Flood, this time in Destruction rather than
CREATIVE POWER.
The references to waters and darkness may refer to the condensation and
precipitation of the extensive vapor canopy implied by "the water which
was above the expanse" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 7], when great torrents of
rain suddenly poured through "the gateways of heaven and the deep" --
continuing at utmost severity for forty days until the "thick clouds"
were emptied and the waters covered the whole earth --fifteen cubits
higher then the highest mountain. Then the waters subsided for one
hundred and fifty days; at that time the Noah's Ark came to rest on the
Mounts of Ararat. The Great Flood continued to subside until the first
day of the tenth month when the tops of the mountains were visible.
The waters covered the earth until all air-breathing life perished
except for Noah and his family who were rescued in the Ark. ALMIGHTY
GOD is able to save HIS oWN in times of HIS wrath, great distress and
through the coming tribulation.
The GREAT & LOVING GOD does hear our voices in HIS Holy Temple and
answers when our cry reaches HIS ears. "In my distress I called on the
LORD, cried out to my GOD; in HIS Temple HE heard my voice; my cry to
HIM reached HIS ears." [Psalms (Tehillym) 18. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
MESSIAH YESHUA, our "HORN OF RESCUE" is mighty to save. "For the eyes
of the LORD are on the righteous and HIS ears are open to their prayers;
but, the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." [1 Peter 3. 12]
Therefore, let us be righteous that the HIGH & EXALTED ALMIGHTY GOD OF
CREATION will listen to our prayers.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, may our lips ever declare praises to our
KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over
us.
Enjoy perfect fellowship with the MIGHTY GOD of all grace; may HE
perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. Then and only then will
you have joy in the LORD JESUS the SOON-COMING KING, WHO came to give us
life most abundantly.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If at first you don't succeed, re-define success.
CUSTOMS - THE SYNAGOGUE
The origin of the Jewish Synagogue is probably to be assigned to the
time of the Babylonian exile. Having no Temple, the Jews assembled on
the Sabbath to hear the Law read, and the practice continued in various
buildings after the return. "They (the enemies of GOD) resolved, 'Let
us destroy them altogether!' They burned all GOD'S Tabernacles in the
land." [Psalms (Tehillym) 74. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Synagogue is a Greek word for "an assembly (gathering together for
religious purposes)" and was coined about the middle of the third
century BC in Alexandria, where the Jews first came in contact with
Grecian culture and adopted Greek as their daily speech. As the term
implies, the Synagogue is the House of Worship for the Jews and is
considered the means for the preservation of the Jewish religion.
Stress is placed upon the congregation to respect the synagogue and
therefore, laughing and loud talking is forbidden within its walls.
GOD OMNIPOTENT calls HIS House (Synagogue, Temple, Church) "THE HOUSE OF
PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS." It is the meeting place for believers whom
ALMIGHTY GOD seeks to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. The assembly
of the righteous gather together not only to meet with the MOST HIGH,
but to encourage one another in the LORD and to preserve their faith in
HIM. They are exhorted to gather together "even more so" as they see
the day approaching when the "church age" will end because of the return
of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA.
Maimonides, a famous Jewish Rabbi, wrote of the synagogue: "In every
place where there are ten Jews it is incumbent upon them to establish an
institution where men may enter to pray on every occasion for prayer -
and such an institution is called "Beit Ha'Kneseth." And the Jews in the
community compel one another to build for themselves a Synagogue and to
acquire a TORAH. And when a Synagogue is built it should be built on a
high place in the city - and it should be taller than all the buildings
in the community." [Maimonides]
The majority of Jewish Synagogues are built in such a position that when
the people of the congregation stand to pray before the platform where
the "Aaron ha'Kodesh (Holy Ark)" - they are praying toward the City of
Jerusalem. This opportunity for the worshipers is given because of the
SCRIPTURAL injunction, "...pray to You in the direction of their land
which YOU gave to their fathers, the City which YOU have chosen." [1
Kings (Melakhim Alef) 8. 48 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
There is a total absence of all images, portraits and statues in the
Jewish House of Worship honouring the second commandment, "You shall
have no other gods besides ME. You shall not make for yourself a
sculptured image, or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on
the earth below, or in the waters under the earth." [Exodus (Shemot) 20.
3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]
This commandment is so ingrained in the heart of some Jews that even to
him who receives his MESSIAH, there is still an aversion, not only in
the church, but also in the home and other places, to portraits, etc.,
which attempt to show a likeness to the LORD GOD! However, inscribed
on the walls, are some SCRIPTURAL passages glorifying ALMIGHTY GOD and
HIS House in one way or another to keep the interior from being too
plain. In some instances the decorations are costly.
Services in the Jewish House of Worship are conducted twice daily -- in
the morning a little after sunrise, and in the evening shortly before
sunset. On Sabbath and holidays, services are conducted on the eve of
the day, the morning, the afternoon, and the evening. In some
synagogues, we find no musical instruments. This is to preserve the
thought of mourning for the destruction of the Temple.
In Orthodox (means: thinking straight or devout) Synagogues, the hands
are washed before entering and for this purpose a pitcher of water is
placed in the anteroom which corresponds to the laver before the
Tabernacle and Temple of old. Burial from the Synagogue in most
localities, is forbidden because of the defilement of the holy place by
the corpse.
While in the Synagogue, worshipers keep their heads covered (a practice
observed also by many persons when reading any and every HEBREW TEXT),
because literature written in the so-called "holy tongue" is considered
especially sacred and its study is regarded a religious act. Some Jews
consider it a sacrilege to go at any time without their head uncovered,
as the high priest wore a head covering when officiating in the
Sanctuary, so should every Jew when praying.
During religious services or functions, Jewish men wear what is called
Yarmulkuh. Yarmulkuh (skull cap) is a word derived from the
Slavic-Tartarian language. It is made in the shape of a Kipah - "the
dome of heaven."
Another word for this covering is the German kappel or small cap. A
Jew, who follows religious tradition covers his head at all times, even
when sleeping! Moses Maimonides wrote that "great men among our sages
would not uncover their heads because they believed that GOD'S glory was
around and over them." A devout Jew will not pronounce GOD'S REVEALED
NAME, recite the Sh'ma, or read from the BOOK OF THE LAW without this or
a similar covering. [also called a Mitre (bonnet) in Exodus/Shemot 28.
39 & Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 4]
Jewish Orthodox women always wore (and still do) a head covering in the
synagogue. It was the custom among them to shave their hair off their
heads so that it would not be seen by man and to substitute a wig or
false hair called sheital or peruk. According to the TALMUD -- "A
woman's hair is considered nudity" --therefore a woman's hair should be
covered. According to an ancient Jewish belief, evil spirits gained
power over a woman who went with her head bare!
The Jewish law states that although the head is to be kept covered, the
hands are to be kept uncovered; therefore gloves must be removed during
devotion. This custom is based on the synonymous use of praying with
the BIBLICAL phrase: "spreading forth the hands."
The TALMUD states that the priests in ancient times, elevated their
hands up to the shoulders in the giving of the benediction. When they
were in the Temple they raised their hands up to the forehead. This
position, they felt, was in order to follow the expression "the lifting
up of the hands." In his writings the Apostle Paul spoke of the
worshipers as "men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands, without wrath
and doubting." [1 Timothy 2. 8] According to the present practice of
the Rabbis, the fingers of the two hands are so joined together and
separated as to form five interstices (openings close to another).
Rabbis today, with their hands in the foregoing described position,
pronounce the priestly prayer, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the
LORD make HIS face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift
up HIS countenance upon you, and give you peace." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6.
24 - 16 Tanakh, Torah] This benediction is never used to dismiss the
congregation!
Also called the "Aaronic Benediction" -- so called because Aaron was the
first man whom the ALMIGHTY commissioned to use it. In form, it is
symmetrical as a cut diamond. Three times "The LORD" appears, and three
times the word "and" serves as a silver link between two golden lines.
Each line brings in a new thought. It was spoken to the "children of
Israel" yet it is meant for the congregation. But the congregation
consists of individuals, hence ultimately it is meant for each
individual member thereof. The Benediction is a GOD-inspired poem, full
of grace and truth. It is a miniature symphony whose opening movement
breathes DIVINE goodness, whose design is the grace of GOD, and whole
culmination is peace. It is really an intercessory prayer, dictated by
the ETERNAL MIGHTY ONE HIMSELF. Its words are like many angels sent
forth from the THRONE OF GOD to guard and guide worshippers on their
way.
In synagogues, suspended immediately in front of the Aaron ha'Kodesh
(Holy Ark) is the perpetual lamp. It is constantly kept burning, as
the name indicates. The lamp is made either of gold, silver, copper or
burnished brass. This lamp is in obedience to the command of GOD:
"You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you pure oil of
beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps to burn continually.
Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tabernacle of Meeting,
outside the veil which is over the Ark of Testimony, to burn from
evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a due from the children
of Israel throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 27. 20 - 21 Tanakh,
Torah]
An orthodox congregation separates the women from the men in their
worship. The women meet in the "court for women" and the men in the
"court for men." This dates back to the times of the Temple when the
women were not permitted to enter the premises of the sanctuary for fear
of distracting the men in their devotions.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Sabbath Queen of the week, eagerly awaited...joyously welcomed!
Praised are YOU, LORD our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us
holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favours us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly
and graciously given to us. Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither
slumbers or sleeps!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

Thought FOR TODAY
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
He who has mercy on the cruel will, in the end, behave cruelly to the
merciful.
NO KING IN ISRAEL
"In those days there was no king in Israel, every man did as he
pleased." [Judges (Shofetym) 17. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In the Book of Judges, we are told four times that "there was no king in
Israel in those days" [Judges/Shofetym 17. 6; 18. 1; 19. 1; 21. 25],
suggesting that the book was either authored by Samuel (the last judge)
or by someone of a later generation. The first and last of these texts
add, "every man did as he pleased" consequently there were only tribal
leaders. ALMIGHTY INFINITE GOD raised up judges from the different
tribes to lead the people out of bondage on occasions of widespread
repentance and prayer, however.
Between these periods were times of oppression from Israel's enemies,
and there was moral and spiritual turmoil among the people. They did
have a KING, but refused HIM, as did the men in the parable who "sent a
delegation after HIM saying, 'We will not have this MAN to reign over
us." [Luke 19. 14] They demanded a human king, and Samuel rebuked them
for adamantly declaring, "No, we must have a king reigning over us'-
though the LORD your GOD is your KING." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 12. 12
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
We can and should be critical of the ancient Israelites for rejecting
the ETERNAL ONE as their KING and each man doing as he pleased; and
then, we should TAKE WARNING because this is exactly what people are
doing today. "There is no fear of GOD before their eyes" and they are
"lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of GOD." [Romans 3. 18; 2
Timothy 3. 4] When every man believes "what makes him comfortable" and
does "what he feels like doing" he has, in consequence, become his own
god. . . or unmistakably is practicing humanism.
Ancient humanism was an empty religion, and so is modern humanism. They
wanted a human king and today's world will yield to a humanistic king to
lead them on to a final deadly confrontation with the true "KING of
kings and LORD of lords." It is wiser to worship the ETERNAL KING OF
GLORY, believe the INSPIRED WRITTEN HOLY WORD OF GOD, and submit to HIS
leadership before it is too late!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May the MOST HIGH LORD GOD anoint and empower you daily. Remember,
worship is always essential– and our focus is on JESUS, THE ONE WHO
is our ROCK, our FORTRESS, our LIGHT & SALVATION, our soon-returning
MESSIAH & KING. Come into HIS PRESENCE with thanksgiving and enter HIS
courts with praise.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

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 HONOURABLE NAME
"Then his brother emerged holding on to Esau's heel, so they named him
Jacob (he who fights with the heel)." [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 Devil, 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 "a 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
YESUA-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!
Our SAVIOUR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL lives! May ALMIGHTY GOD'S love
and peace shine out of each of us, bright enough for all to see, clear
enough for all to follow.
Go with GOD!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Gentleness (Hebrew: `anvah) never closes a door nor finds one it
cannot open.
WRITINGS of GOD
"The tablets were ELOHIMY'S work, and the writing was ELOHIMY'S
writing, incised upon the tablets." [Exodus (Shemot) 32. 16 Tanakh,
Torah]
This is the first time the word writing was used in HOLY WRIT and it is
speaking of "the writing of GOD" not something devised by men. The
reference is to the two TABLETS OF THE LAW which are known as the Ten
Statements, Ten Words or Ten Commandments "written with the Finger of
God" [Exodus/Shemot 31. 18], and rewritten on a second set of stone
tablets to replace the first that were shattered by Moses.
[Exodus/Shemot 34. 1]
The Ten Statements revealed by the HOLY ONE to Moses at Mount Sinai and
given to the Hebrews are indeed commandments; and they are part of 613
commandments in the TORAH (FIVE BOOKS OF MOSES) -- in fact, each of the
613 commandments fits into one of ten categories of commandments
represented by the Ten Statements. The Law means more than prohibitions
– it includes obligations as well. Of the 613, there are 365
negative commands and 248 positive commands. As with all other aspects
of the Law, the intention in which the act is carried out is also
critical.
All SCRIPTURE is DiviNELY inspired, but the Ten Commandments were
DiviNELY inscribed! This TESTIMONY of their unique importance is a
serious sobering condemnation of all who ignore them or distort their
meaning, including the fourth statement with reference to the Six Days
of Creation. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 11]
The NEW COVENANT also records a WRITING of the Apostle Paul which is of
even greater personal significance: "you are manifestly an epistle of
CHRIST...written not with ink, but with the SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD,
not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart."
[2 Corinthians 3. 3] This engraving by the Finger of GOD is an inner
confidence inscribed in the heart by the SPIRIT OF GOD! "This is the
covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I
will put MY Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write
them." [Hebrews 10. 16]
This extraordinarily amazing WRITING OF GOD'S Law in our hearts and
minds has been accomplished because the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA came not "to
destroy, but to fulfill" the Law [Matthew 5. 17] and "has redeemed us
from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us." [Galatians 3.
13] Now, with the Law in our hearts, we have become epistles
(dispatched letters) of the MOST HIGH GOD, "known and read by all men."
[2 Corinthians 3. 2] It is imperative that the wRITING reads true and
clear through our lives in every word and daily action.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
For all of us, daily life sometimes seems to be an obstacle course
filled with rocks and thorns. But, when GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD is
in the center of our life, we find sweet honey in the ROCK. Have a
blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the MIGHTY
LORD, the SOURCE OF LIFE; and find complete tranquility and harmony as
you bask in the LORD'S presence.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May your fear of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD be greater then your fear of
man.
SHAKEN EARTH
"And men shall enter caverns in the rock and hollows in the ground -
before the terror of the LORD and HIS dread majesty, when HE comes forth
to shake terribly and overawe the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 2. 19
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
From the time of the "Great Flood" when only Noah and his family were
saved, the earth has been in a state of instability and distress with
many earthquakes all over the world. The earthquakes that are to come,
however, will exceed anything ever yet experienced.
There is a "Great Earthquake" also prophesied in the Book of Revelation,
"I looked when HE opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon
became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig
tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the
sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and
island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great
men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every
free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,
and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the
face of HIM WHO sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the LAMB! For
the Great Day of HIS wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
[Revelation 6. 12 - 17] When the ALMIGHTY ONE judges the earth, those
who reject the love of the MESSIAH YESHUA, the BLESSED REDEEMER, will
definitely remain unrepentant and will simply attempt to flee HIS anger,
never turning in repentance to HIM WHO alone can offer saving grace.
The GREAT & HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN is long-suffering. Nevertheless, "the
Great Day of HIS wrath" will come! [Revelation 6. 17] For the LORD OF
HOSTS declares, "In just a little while longer I will shake the heavens
and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations.
And the precious things of all the nations shall come here, and I will
fill this House with glory, said the LORD OF HOSTS." [Haggai (Chagai) 2.
6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The earth is breaking, utterly breaking down;
the earth is crumbling, clean dissolved; the earth is tottering, moving
exceedingly; the earth is swaying like a drunkard; it is rocking
to-and-fro like a hut. Its iniquity shall weigh it down, and it shall
fall, to rise no more." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 24. 19 - 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Finally there will come "a great earthquake, such a mighty and great
earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth...and the
cities of the nations fell…and every island fled away, and the
mountains were not found." [Revelation 16. 18 - 20]
If you belong to the JESUS THE LORD & KING, however, you will be
delivered from HIS wrath which is coming and only those things which
cannot be shaken may remain. In HIM alone, our REFUGE, can we stand.
"HE WHO testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly.
Amen! Even so, come LORD JESUS! The grace of our LORD MESSIAH YESHUA be
with you all. Amen" [Revelation 22. 20 - 21]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Rejoice with inexpressible joy all who, by faith, have received the LORD
YESHUA -- the ULTIMATE, INDESCRIBABLE GIFT, our HOPE of Glory.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Email: delrifkah.kralman@ comcast.net
<[email=delrifkah.kralman]mailto:delrifkah.kralman[/email]@ comcast.net>
Web Page: http://delrifkah. homestead. com/
<http://delrifkah. homestead. com/>
Thoughts Archived: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/delrifkah/
<http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/delrifkah/>
End-time Events: http://delrifkah. homestead. com/Facepage. html
<http://delrifkah. homestead. com/Facepage. html>
Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects.
Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and
the Muslim Koran (Quran).
The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible.
Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we
are now going through the book of; [1 Kings].