Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reality can never be legislated out of existence. Segregation is a
reality and one must be able to distinguish between reality and
illusionary conditioned existence that is called "education."

THIS LAND IS MINE
"The land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the LAND IS MINE; you are
but strangers resident with ME." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 23 Tanakh,
Torah] "Nevermore shall you be called "Azubah (forsaken)", nor shall
your land be called "Shemamah (desolate)"; but you shall be called
"Hephzibah (I delight in her...referring to Jerusalem)", and your LAND
"Beulah (married – espoused)"; for the LORD takes delight in you,
and your LAND shall be espoused." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 62. 4 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

Many may claim that the Church is the Bride of CHRIST. However, HOLY
scriptURE (both OLD & NEW COVENANTS) says that the EVERLASTING KING OF
GLORY is espoused to the LAND. From the book of Genesis/Bereshith in
the OLD COVENANT to Revelation in the NEW, the HOLY ONE declares that HE
desires to "be our GOD."

In both the OLD & NEW COVENANTS, believers in the GOD OF ABRAHAM are
called "HIS body, HIS people, HIS servants, HIS friends, called ones,
over-comers, and His sheep" -- but never HIS bride. "Obey MY VOICE, and
I will be your GOD, and you shall be MY people." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 7.
23 -- also Exodus/Shemot 6. 7; Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 12; 1
Samuel/Shemuel Alef 15. 30; Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 1; 62. 5;
Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 28; Joel/Yoel 2. 27; Hosea 1. 9 ...just to
mention a few.]

In the OLD COVENANT, Hosea is a living example of a prophet and his wife
-- showing the relationship of the LIVING GOD'S views between HIMSELF
and HIS people.

In the NEW COVENANT, the LORD JESUS said: "Can the friends of the
bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?" [Matthew 9. 14
- 15; Mark 2. 18 - 20; Luke 5. 33 - 35] "HE WHO has the bride is the
bridegroom; but the FRIEND of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,
rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy
of MINE is fulfilled." [John 3. 29]

At a Jewish wedding, the guests not only receive wedding garments [see
Judges/Shofetim 14. 12 -- Samson posed a riddle during the wedding
feastÂ…], but are also the ones who are registered in a book. "They
shall walk with ME in white, for they are worthy. The over-comers will
be clothed in white garments and their names will not be blotted out of
the BOOK OF LIFE." [Revelation 3. 4 - 5, 18] "Blessed is he who
watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his
shame." [Revelation 16. 15] The Friends, not the Bride, are the ones
"invited" -- those whose names are written in "LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE."

The proper wedding garments must be on the Guests. "For the LORD has
prepared a sacrifice, HE has invited HIS guests to purify
themselves...And, on the Day of the LORD'S Sacrifice I will punish the
officials and the king's sons, and all who don a foreign vestment."
[Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 1. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The HOLY SPIRIT sent
out the invitations to the guests for the wedding. But, they made light
of it becoming unworthy. Then the servants went to the highways to
gather whoever they could to fill the wedding hall with guests. [Matthew
22. 1 - 14]

In the parable of the Ten Virgins [Matthew 25. 1 - 13], the virgins were
invited guests. Five of them were not ready to attend the wedding,
having no oil (commitment). Those who were committed, went with the
BRIDEGROOM to the wedding; not as the Bride but, as "invited guests."

The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA said, "Greater love has no one than this, than
to lay down one's life for his friends. You are MY friends if you do
whatever I command you." [John 15, 13 - 14] However, the LORD, JESUS
OF NAZARETH died for us while we were HIS enemies.

Then who is the Bride? "She" is wonderfully described in the Book of
Revelation where an angel said, "Come, I will show you the LAMB'S BRIDE,
the LAMB'S WIFE...and showed me the Great City, the Holy Jerusalem,
descending out of heaven from GOD." [Revelation 21. 9 - 27] "And the
SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, "COME!!" ...whoever desires come! -- let him
take the Water of Life freely." [Revelation 22. 17]

We should be content to be HIS people, and greatly rejoice that HE is
our GOD. How glorious! How marvelous! Â…belonging to HIM.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May you experience the care, love, and presence of God MOST HOLY this
day and always.

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Procrastination: Something you do when you don't.
CUSTOMS - T'FILLIN / PHYLACTERIES
"You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as
frontlets between your eyes." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 8 Tanakh, Torah]
"It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between
your eyes, that the LORD'S Law may be in your mouth; for with a strong
hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt." [Exodus (Shemot) 13. 9
Tanakh, Torah]
"T'fillin" is a Hebrew word taken from the singular, T'filla, meaning
prayer. The use of the T'fillin by Orthodox Jews today is based on an
interpretation of scriptURES: "Therefore you shall lay up these words
of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your
hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 11. 18 Tanakh, Torah]
These (T'fillin) phylacteries (Greek meaning "to keep safely") consist
of two square boxes of black leather stitched over the box holding the
parchment with 12 stitches representing the 12 tribes of Israel. One is
worn on the left arm towards the heart, and the other worn on the
forehead where the hair growth starts. The head box contains four
compartments which hold parchments inscribed with BIBLICAL passages
(Exodus/Shemot 13. 1-10; 13.11-16; Deuteronomy/Devarim 6.4-9; 11. 13 -
21). The box for the arm has only one compartment to hold one sheet on
which all the four passages are written. These are fastened at the brow
(seat of thought) and left arm (instrument of action) near the heart
(seat of feeling) by long leather straps attached to them. This
signifies desire for obedience to the First Commandment: "You shall
love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, and with
all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 5 Tanakh, Torah] So it
teaches that all thoughts, feelings, and actions are to conform to the
will of ALMIGHTY GOD. The devout Jew believes that by binding one of
these phylacteries on the arm and placing the other on his forehead each
morning, he is truly fulfilling the Mosaic requirement!
The usual phylacteries (T'fillin) are quite small, but the very devout
Jew makes "broad his phylacteries" by using larger ones. T'fillin is
reverenced as highly as the scriptures for it contains the SACRED NAME
of the LORD (YEHOWAH) not less than 23 times. One of the prayers every
devout Jew repeats daily while wearing T'fillin is: "I believe with a
perfect faith that MESSIAH, blessed be HIS NAME, will come speedily and
though HE tarry, I shall continue to wait for HIM."
In putting the T'fillin on the body, the arm is taken first since this
is the order in Deuteronomy 6:8 - the box is fixed firmly on the naked
left arm, upon the biceps muscle (denoting strength), above the elbow,
and when this is done, the worshiper recites the benediction, "Praised
are YOU O LORD, KING OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO has sanctified us with HIS
commandments and enjoined upon us the commandment of the T'fillin."
Formed in the leather strap of the hand phylactery is the Hebrew letter
"yod" - in the phylactery for the head, the Hebrew letter "daleth" - and
embossed on the box the Hebrew letter "sheen". These three letters
spell "Shaddai", the ALL-SUFFICIENT, ALMIGHTY ONE. Jews feel that by
applying the phylacteries they are placing the very NAME of GOD upon
themselves.
The hand phylactery is wound bout the arm seven times and in succession
three times about the middle finger (showing the three-pronged letter of
the sheen), once about the fourth, once above the middle, and finally
around the whole hand. While this is done the following words are
recited: "I betroth you to me forever; I betroth you to me in
righteousness, in judgment, in kindness and in mercy. I betroth you to
me in faithfulness and you shall know the LORD."
The tefillah shel rosh (phylactery for the head) is put on next. The
box is placed on the forehead above the nose and the strap is fixed at
the back of the neck exactly above the middle of the neck. The end of
the straps hang down over the shoulders to the front of the body. These
Tefillin are removed in reverse order from that in which they are put
on.
While wearing the phylacteries, the worshiper petitions the HOLY ONE to
consider the performances of the commandment regarding the T'fillin as
though all six hundred and thirteen commandments, of which he feels the
Law of Moses consists, had been faithfully executed.
In the days of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the T'fillin (phylacteries) were
more in use than today. The spiritual leaders who desired their
religiosity to be noticed, would make their phylacteries larger than was
customary. These Pharisees, Sadducees and Hebrew Scribes claimed
attention so as to elevate themselves to a higher position in the eyes
of the people. They made a show of their supposed devotion to the LORD
GOD in order that they, in turn, would receive some of that same
devotion from Israel! JESUS rebuked them for this: "But all their
works they do to be seen by men. They make broad their phylacteries..."
[Matthew 23. 5]
How like these Jewish religious leaders have been ALL classes of people
over the face of the earth! For in the heart of the natural man there
is a noisy outcry for attention, for adoration. "Please notice me" -
"See what I have done" - "Am I not devout?" are thoughts in the minds of
many who claim to be followers of the lowly NAZARENE WHO made HIMSELF of
no reputation and received not honour among men! They are "broadening
their phylacteries" to be seen, to be heard, to be praised even as the
Pharisees of old! More accurately, we must love the Lord in spirit and
in truth, and avoid ostentatious (pretentious, hollow, vain) form that
exalts man and self.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat! – Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen,
Sabbath presence, let us welcome. O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great
love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may
regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR
commandments. Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble the
things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honour & praise
the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from the
mundane and gives true Sabbath peace & rest; where there is wonderful
joy in living in "Kedushat Shevi'it" . . . Sabbath Holiness!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
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A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

DOLPHIN SKIN COVERING
"Make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins dyed red, and a
Covering of Dolphin (sea cow) Skins above." [Exodus (Shemot) 26. 14
Tanakh, Torah]

This is the fourth and last covering for the Tabernacle. There is no
description or measurements for the dolphin skins, only that it is the
"covering above." It represents the humiliation of the LORD KING MESSIAH
which cannot be measured. We do not know the height from which the LORD
JESUS came; therefore, we cannot know the depth to which HE stooped. HE
emptied HIMSELF! [Philippians 2. 5 - 10] The MOST HIGH SERVANT was in
the Highest Heaven, came down to the lowest earth, DOWN to where we are
so that we could go UP to where HE is!

According to some translators, the outside skin is that of either the
dolphin, porpoise, seal, antelope or goat; but, it is a strong, enduring
leather. Some translators call it badger skins. However, the badger is
not a native animal of the East. Whatever the animal, it was an unclean
animal which shows GOD'S great grace. No matter how unclean or defiled
we were, we can be used by ALMIGHTY GOD in HIS "Holy Habitation." When
we are set apart for HIS use, HE takes the unclean and defiled and
cleanses us by the blood of MESSIAH JESUS for HIS purpose. The
SEPTUAGINT BIBLE states it thus, "an upper covering of skins dyed blue."
The Jewish text leaves the word un-translated, calling it "tachash"
skins meaning "unknown." How like our LOVING LORD WHO was unknown by
men! HE made HIMSELF of no reputation. [Matthew 13. 55 - 57;
Philippians 2. 5 - 8] The world cannot see the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL,
JESUS, as HE is in HIS glory until there is an entrance inside, for the
glory is within, even as with the CHRISTian; beauty is withIN. The
believer in MESSIAH YESHUA is "dark as the tents of Kedar" in the eyes
of the world; but is comely, graceful, and handsome as "the pavilions of
Solomon" in the eyes of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Psalm/Tehillym 45. 13;
Song of Songs/Shir ha'Shirim 1. 5; 1 Peter 3. 3 - 4]

The outside skin was all that the Israelites could see of the Tabernacle
from a distance. When they approached the sacred building they saw the
Door in front, the goats' hair curtain. This covering above, the
dolphin skins, was not very beautiful or attractive to them. They could
not see the gold or the silver, nor the articles of furniture that were
inside the building. The beautiful curtains, the colours, and the
cherubim surrounding on every side were hidden. All they could look
upon was the unattractive skin on the outside. Here, in the words of
Isaiah is a picture of the BELOVED SAVIOUR, "Â…for HE had no form or
beauty that we should look at HIM; no charm, that we should find HIM
pleasing. HE was despised, shunned by men, a MAN of sorrows, familiar
with suffering and grief. We hid, as it were, our faces from HIM as
though a leper. HE was despised, we held HIM of no account." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 53. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Our GLORIOUS YESHUA ha'Mashiach came to HIS Jewish people. They were
expecting their awaited KING to come in pomp and glory, with a royal
crown on HIS head, a royal robe about HIS shoulders, sitting on a white
horse; and immediately establishing HIS Kingdom. But, the SAVIOUR came
as other men (our KINSMAN, born of a woman) . . . HIS coming was in
fulfillment of the un-enticing outward skin on the Tabernacle! That is
all the Jewish people (as a nation) perceived in HIM. Therefore, as
they saw MESSIAH YESHUA in this light, they rejected HIM. [John 1. 11 -
12] There are many even today (Jew & Gentile) whose eyes are blinded to
the beauty of the LORD JESUS. They have not come inside the building,
all they see is the unknown outside covering of the Tabernacle.

The outward skin was a protection for the Sanctuary. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 4.
5 - 6; Psalm/Tehillym 27. 5; 61. 3 - 4] It covered the building
completely and protected its contents, the under-skin, the curtains, and
the priests who ministered there, from all the elements surrounding.
Our LORD YESHUA ha'Mashiach is this "COVERING" which indicated HIM in
HIS service, not only to HIS people, but to GOD ALMIGHTY. Through
Isaiah, the ETERNALLY LOVING GOD calls HIM, "MY SERVANT."
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 52. 13 - 15] The NEW COVENANT emphasizes this title
which is applied to MESSIAH YESHUA, "GOD has glorified HIS SERVANT
JESUS." [Acts 3. 13] HE came to serve the interests of GOD on earth.
"JESUSÂ…being in the FORM OF GOD...emptied HIMSELF, taking the FORM
of a SERVANT." [Philippians 2. 5 - 7] Graciously JESUS protects us
from all the wind storms of life, from all the sand of trouble seeping
in about us, and from all the strong winds of false doctrine blowing all
around us.

We who believe on MESSIAH YESHUA, were not content to stand on the
outside and behold the outward covering only, but we went on beyond it
to that Rams' Skins Dyed Red, and we see there the substitution and
consecration of our LORD & KING to the ministry of salvation for all
those who come to HIM. We were not content to stop here at the Rams'
Skin Dyed Red, but we penetrated beyond that to the Goats' Hair Curtain,
to see the reason for it allÂ…our LORD JESUS dying upon the cruel
execution Cross of Golgotha being made even as sin in order that we,
believing upon HIM, might be made as righteousness in HIM. And, we
penetrated the Outer Goats' Hair Curtain through to the Fine-Twined
Linen Curtain to behold CHRIST in HIS beauty, HIS loveliness, HIS
majesty, glory and power. When we penetrated beyond the curtains, we
saw the colours and the cherubim all around us; we entered the Holy
Place and on into the Holy of Holies where we beheld the "SHEKINAH
GLORY" between the cherubim. What a privilege of personally being in
the presence of the MOST HIGH GOD of all creation throughout eternity.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat. . . may the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO separates
the holy from the secular, forgive our sins and grant us a good week as
we share some of the sweetness of Sabbath with those around us! Live
your life that you will be the righteousness seed that the LORD has
blessed and you will be double blessed with double joy!

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


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

Thoughts Archived: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/delrifkah/

End-time Events: 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; [2 Samuel].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The day is short, the work is plentiful, the labourers are slothful, the
reward is much and the MASTER is urgent.

COUNTED WORTHY
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to
escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the
SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 36]

The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA spoke these words as HE taught of HIS second
coming, thus directing us to prepare our minds and hearts to "bear
fruits worthy of repentance" [Matthew 3. 8] that we might escape the
wrath that ALMIGHTY GOD will soon bring upon this corrupt and sinful
world. The SOVEREIGN LORD is coming for those "who have not defiled
their garments" and who walk daily with the RIGHTEOUS ONE in obedience
of HIS commands; they too shall walk with HIM "in white, for they are
worthy." [Revelation 3. 4]

Although some may preach and profess that man can never be worthy, the
LORD JESUS would not have commanded the impossible, for with HIM, all
things are possible. "He who does not take his cross and follow after
ME is not worthy of ME." [Matthew 10. 38]

The Apostle Paul continued to instruct and admonish us to walk worthy:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you to walk worthy of
the calling with which you were called." [Ephesians 4. 1] "We exhorted,
and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own
children, that you would walk worthy of GOD WHO calls you into HIS OWN
Kingdom and glory." [1 Thessalonians 2. 11 - 12]

May you be filled with the "knowledge of HIS will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the LORD,
fully pleasing HIM, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in
the knowledge of GOD." [Colossians 1. 9 - 10] "In all your
persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest
evidence of the righteous judgment of GOD, that you may be counted
worthy of the Kingdom of GOD, for which you also suffer." [2
Thessalonians 1. 4 - 5]

When YESHUA ha'MASHIACH returns, those found worthy will be raptured.
"For the LORD HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in
CHRIST will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught
up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And
thus we shall always be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17]

Those not worthy will be left behind. "It is a righteous thing with GOD
to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are
troubled rest with us when the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven with
HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not
know GOD, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our LORD JESUS
CHRIST. These shall be punished with EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION from the
presence of the LORD and from the glory of HIS power, when HE comes, in
that Day, to be glorified in HIS saints and to be admired among all
those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
Therefore we also pray always for you that our GOD would count you
worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of HIS
goodness and the work of faith with power." [2 Thessalonians 1. 6 –
11; Psalms/Tehillym 50. 1 - 6]

As saints of the MOST HIGH GOD we are called to be worthy to escape,
worthy to walk in the white garments, worthy of the calling, worthy of
YESHUA OF NAZARETH and worthy of the Kingdom of GOD; just as the LAMB OF
GOD proves to be worthy of all worship, adoration and praise with GOD
THE FATHER: "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to receive power and
riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing! Amen"
[Revelation 5. 12] Yes and Amen!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O GOD and FATHER, hear me as I pray with the Psalmist of old: So teach
us to number our days rightly, that we may obtain a wise heart. And,
may the hallowed influences of this day give us strength to do YOUR
perfect will, O GOD, with a steadfast, submissive and loving spirit and
with a heart of wisdom. Amen.


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. . .
Faithfulness means that I can count on God; commitment means that God
can count on me.
PRIDEFUL SIN
"GoD resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble
yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that HE may exalt you in due
time." [1 Peter 5. 5 - 6]
Satan fell due to his great pride and he rebelled against his Creator.
When the Creator cast him (Satan) out of his position as "the anointed
cherub" covering God'S THRONE [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 28, 14, 16] the
ALMIGHTY ONE said to him, "For you have said in your heart, 'I will
ascend into heaven, higher than the stars of GOD I will set my throne. I
will sit on the mount of the assembly on the summit of Zaphon (the
north, abode of GOD). I will mount the back of a cloud - I will be like
the MOST HIGH;' Instead, you are brought down to Sheol, to the lowest
depths of the Pit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 13 – 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Eve was then tempted by Satan, he appealed to her pride: "For GOD knows
that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be
like GOD WHO knows good and evil." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 5 Tanakh,
Torah] Satan still anticipates and aspires to defeat the HOLY
OMNIPOTENT ONE OF HEAVEN & EARTH, and Eve's descendants still seek
to be independent of CREATOR GOD, even to this day. That is why Paul
warned Timothy, and us, against "Being lifted up with pride" lest we
"fall into the condemnation of the devil." [1 Timothy 3. 6]
Pride is the easiest sin to commit and the most difficult to overcome,
even for CHRIST-like-ones. It is so easy to be proud of our strength,
wealth, race, education, position, intelligence or even poverty and
ignorance. Some are even proud of their humility…proud of not being
proud.
Thus, the Apostle Paul reminds us, "For who makes you differ from
another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did
indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" [1
Corinthians 4. 7] Even Paul, with his unsurpassed education, being
trained under Gamaliel and taught according to the strictness of our
Laws [Acts 22. 3], still recognized and admitted that it was only "by
the grace of GOD I am what I am." [1 Corinthians 15. 10]
The chief barrier to salvation is pride; one must acknowledge that he
is a lost, hell-deserving sinner before he can be saved "by
GRACE...through FAITH and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD,
not of works, lest anyone should boast." [Ephesians 2. 8 - 9]
Thus we should "humble ourselves in the sight of the LORD, and HE will
lift you up." [James 4. 10] And if there is any praise and boasting --
it should only be in the LORD GOD OF HOSTS. "Amen! Blessing and glory
and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour and power and might, be to our GOD
forever and ever, Amen" [Revelation 7. 12]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
"Simcha Shel Mitzvah (Joy in doing good)." May each day be entered with
joy in our hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will
continue to use us as HIS messengers of the GOOD NEWS to the perplexed
and depraved world around us!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Qualify yourself for the study of the TORAH, and let all your actions be
in the service of ETERNAL GOD for it cannot be passed on to you like a
heritage.
CRIMSON CORD OF HOPE
"When we invade the country, you tie this line of crimson cord to the
window through which you let us down. Bring your father, your mother,
your brothers and all your family together in your house." [Joshua
(Yehoshua) 2. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The spies whom Joshua sent to spy out the lands of Jericho, spoke these
words to Rahab, the prostitute, after she protected the men from being
discovered by the officials of Jericho. Rahab declared to the spies
that "the LORD your GOD is the only GOD in heaven above and on earth
below." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 2. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Therefore, "by faith
the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she
had received the spies with peace." [Hebrews 11. 31 ]
Rahab's spiritual salvation came because of her faith in the true and
living GOD OF ISRAEL; she soon entered into the covenant family of
Israel and even became a member of the family line leading to the LORD
MESSIAH YESHUA. Rahab's physical deliverance, on the other hand, and
that of her family depended on a "line of scarlet thread" suspended from
her window identifying her home as being redeemed by the BLOOD, so to
speak, when Jericho fell and all its inhabitants perished.
This thin, blood-red line constituted a very slender hope for Rahab in
the midst of such a scene of judgment and total destruction, but it was
sufficient. "Tiqvah" is the Hebrew word for "line, the ground of hope,
thing hoped for (outcome)" -- how fascinating! This is the first time
tiqvah is translated as such . . . elsewhere it is translated as "hope."
Possibly that is when "line" came to mean "hope" because of this
memorable experience, when a "crimson , scarlet hope" extended all the
way from a repentant sinner to the MOST HOLY LORD, the great GOD OF
HOSTS. "For YOU are my HOPE (Line), O LORD GOD, my TRUST from my
youth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 71. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"And everyone who has this hope in HIM purifies himself, just as HE is
pure." [1 John 3. 3] "O HOPE of Israel! O LORD! All who forsake YOU
shall be put to shame." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Definitely, the blood of the LORD MESSIAH Jesus is our "LINE OF HOPE" to
the ETERNAL FATHER -- and through HIS PRECIOUS GIFT to us, we are
redeemed for all ages and bound in HIS gracious mercies and love. The
blood of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the CRUCIFIED & RISEN LORD is our only
covering for sin and the only basis for eternal HOPE OF GLORY.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE. Praised be HIS NAME
WHOSE glorious Kingdom is forever and ever. Eternal truth it is that HE
alone is GOD, and there is none else. YOUR love 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.

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. . .
Grace gives us a second chance to do what we should have done the first
time.
ROCK OF OFFENSE
"Give glory to the LORD ELOHIYM (your GOD) before HE brings darkness,
before your feet stumble upon the mountain in dark shadows - when you
hope for light, HE turns it into the shadow of death and makes it gross
darkness and deep gloom." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 13. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The figurative representations of MESSIAH JESUS as the FOUNDATION ROCK
of the great spiritual HOUSE OF GOD [Matthew 16. 18; Ephesians 2. 20; 1
Peter 2. 6] and also as the water-yielding ROCK OF SUSTENANCE in the
wilderness [1 Corinthians 10. 4] are two of the great symbols of the
HOLY SCRIPTURES.
For those who reject YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, HE becomes "A STONE OF
STUMBLING men strike against; a ROCK OF OFFENSE to both the houses of
Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many
among them shall stumble thereon; and they shall fall and be broken,
shall be snared and taken." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 8. 14 - 15 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
Not only will the STONE cause such a one to stumble, but as JESUS said,
"whosoever shall fall on this STONE will be broken; but on whomsoever it
falls, it will grind him to powder." [Matthew 21. 44] This figure is
taken from the fall of the great image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. "As
you looked on, a "STONE" was hewn out, not by hands, which struck the
statue on his feet of iron and clay and crushed them." [Daniel (Danyel)
2. 34 Tanakh, Kethuvim] All the kingdoms of the world were represented
in the image; but "THE STONE that struck the image became a GREAT
MOUNTAIN and filled the whole earth." [Daniel/Danyel 3. 35]
"To you who believe, HE is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
the STONE which the builders disallowed and rejected, the same is made
the head of the corner; and a STONE OF STUMBLING, and a ROCK OF OFFENSE.
They stumble at the WORD, being disobedient, to which they also were
appointed." [1 Peter 2. 7 - 8]
The STONE OF STUMBLING, LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, is "THE WORD" and, it is
seriously dangerous to stumble over the HOLY SCRIPTURES. One should
give glory to the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN before darkness falls and you
stumble on the dark MOUNTAIN in the shadow of death. May we seek
understanding lest we stumble and are crushed.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD of our fathers WHO sustain the living in
the multitude of YOUR mercies and preserves all. Who is like YOU,
ALMIGHTY God , AUTHOR of life and death, the only SOURCE of salvation?
Truly, there is no other besides YOU.

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. . .
Exercise grace on others by imparting a blessing on them.
JUDGMENT IS COMING
"Each of us shall give account of himself to GOD." [Romans 14. 12]
One absolute truth that is sure to happen to every person. . . everyone
will stand before the GREAT LORD GOD of the universe someday. Even
death is not a certainty for everyone, such as in the case of Enoch who
walked with GOD and GOD took him [Genesis/Bereshith 5. 24], Elijah went
up by a whirlwind into heaven [2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 2. 11], or for the
saints that will be caught up [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17];
nevertheless, meeting GOD for an accounting of one's life is
certain! "They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead." [1 Peter 4. 5]
Just as the Prophet Amos warned, "Prepare to meet your GOD, O
Israel!" [Amos (Amus) 4. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "It is appointed for
men to die once, but after this the judgment." [Hebrews 9. 27] And,
"As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to ME, and every tongue
shall confess to GOD." [Romans 14. 11]
For the true CHRISTian believer, however, there is no need to fear hell
for "There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) to those who
are in CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit. For the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST
JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death." [Romans 8. 1
- 2]
For the shed blood of YESHUA THE REDEEMER paid for our sins and
purchased our redemption. "It was our sickness that HE was bearing,
our suffering that HE endured. We accounted HIM stricken, smitten and
afflicted by GOD; but HE was wounded because of our sins, HE was crushed
because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM,
and by HIS stripes we were healed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5
Tanakh, Nevi'im] The FAITHFUL & TRUE ONE "was delivered up because
of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification."
[Romans 4. 25]
Still, all "must appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST [2
Corinthians 5. 10], where "the fire will test each one's work, of
what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he
will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss;
but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." [1
Corinthians 3. 13 - 15]
However, those who die in unbelief, not having trusted in MESSIAH as
their personal SAVIOUR, will face the RIGHTEOUS, HOLY & AWESOME GOD with
a different verdict. John the Apostle describes this fearful scene:
"Then I saw a great white throne and HIM WHO sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place
for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before GOD, and
Books were opened. And another Book was opened, which is the BOOK OF
LIFE. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things
which were written in the Books." [Revelation 20. 11 - 12] No one
can be saved by their works, "For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD, not of
works, lest anyone should boast." [Ephesians 2. 9] Consequently,
"Anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the Lake
of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15]
GOD, the MOST HIGH confirmed, "the just shall live by faith."
[Habakkuk 2. 4; Romans 1. 17; Galatians 3. 11; Hebrews 10. 38] Judgment
is certain. Turn to the LORD that you may receive the blessings the
ALMIGHTY ONE has prepared for those who love HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
I praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, for YOU comfort and delight my
soul. YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, in YOU I have hope and place my
trust.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love is a fire which burns and a bush which is not consumed. Like Moses,
be not devoured by such flames, but transformed through them; learn to
love regardless.



CUSTOMS - MEZUZAH
"Inscribe them (the WORDS of the LAW) on the doorposts of your house and
on your gates." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 9 Tanakh, Torah]

"Mezuzah" is the Hebrew word for "doorpost" - to which place the
ceremonial object is fastened. The root word for Mezuzah is "zuz" which
means "to turn oneself about" - hence the meaning of the doorpost is
"that upon which hinges turn." This symbol of the Jewish profession of
faith is a small wooden, glass, ceramic or metal case of from two to six
inches in length containing a rectangular-piece of parchment inscribed
with passages from the HEBREW scriptURES. The paper scroll inside the
case is really the Mezuzah and the Hebrew words on it must be written by
hand or ink on parchment or it is not a true Mezuzah. The case has a
small opening near the top and on the front of the tube through which
can be seen either the word for the ETERNAL ONE, "SHADDAI" - or the
Hebrew letter, shen (which also stands for GOD'S NAME which is written
on the Scroll no less than ten times) written on the back of the
parchment. The tube is affixed to the upper right-hand doorpost in a
slanting position in obedience to the commandment.

A pious Jew never enters or leaves the house without reverently placing
the fingertips of his right hand on the sacred word, "SHADDAI" and then
touching his lips. He kisses his fingertips after he touches the
Mezuzah, reciting: "May GOD guard my going out and my coming in now and
forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 121. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This prayer
connects the Mezuzah to the DIVINE PRESENCE and DIVINE protection.

The Mezuzah after 4,000 years has now become the symbol of the Jewish
home. To the Jew it is a reminder of the need for sanctifying the home
by means of religious teachings, and of keeping the home unpolluted from
all evil. He is reminded of the blood of the lamb sacrifice, which was
struck on the doorposts by his forefathers in obedience to the command
of GOD OMNIPOTENT which kept the ancient Israelites from death and
destruction in Egypt.

Not only are the Jews to write the words of the Law upon their
door-posts and gates, but all who believe upon CREATOR GOD are
commanded, in a spiritual sense, to do likewise. For the HOLY ONE is
stressing by this statute the importance of His Word and the necessity
of this observance in the life of the believer. However, by the
blessing of the NEW COVENANT, the Law of OMNIPOTENT GOD is written, not
upon objects of wood and stone or upon a piece of parchment, but upon
the fleshly tables of the heart!

The LORD OF GLORY commands that we "take to heart these instructions."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 6 Tanakh, Torah] It is more important to
have the WORD OF GOD fixed in the heart than to have it wrapped up in a
small box and nailed to the door of a house! The Mezuzah attached to
the doorpost of the believer's heart is a reminder to him of the
protecting power of GOD'S LAMB, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, WHO shed HIS blood
for all who will apply it to their heart's door in faith. The LORD
JESUS watches our coming in and our going out, our uprising and our
down-sitting. Thank GOD! always HE is with us. It is the real PERSON
of the MESSIAH YESHUA WHO guards us and leads us by HIS SPIRIT! Praise
HIS HOLY NAME! Amen & Amen



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


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
An apology is a good way to have the last word.

BEING BORN ANEW
"The SPIRIT HIMSELF bears witness with our spirit that we are children
of GOD." [Romans 8. 16]

Every born-again child of the MOST HIGH GOD has the threefold proof of
their new birth . . . proof that he does belong to the KING OF GLORY.
This threefold proof is first inward; second, outgoing; and third,
outward:

INWARD: Whoever believes that JESUS is the MESSIAH is born of God. "He
who believes in the SON OF GOD has the witness in himself; he who does
not believe GOD has made HIM a liar, because he has not believed the
testimony that GOD has given of HIS SON. And this is the testimony: that
GOD has given us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He who has
the SON has life; he who does not have the SON OF GOD does not have
life." [1 John 5. 10 - 13] This is inward proof of the new birth.

OUTGOING: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of GOD; and
everyone who loves is born of GOD and knows GOD. He who does not love
does not know GOD, for GOD is love. In this the love of GOD was
manifested toward us, that GOD has sent HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON into the
world, that we might live through HIM. In this is love, not that we
loved GOD, but that HE loved us and sent HIS SON to be the PROPITIATION
for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one
another." [1 John 4. 7 - 11] We are to love our fellow man with the
love of GOD. This we are not capable of doing in the flesh; we must let
the ALMIGHTY ONE love man through us. "Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of GOD has been poured out in our hearts by the HOLY
SPIRIT WHO was given to us." [Romans 5. 5] This is outgoing proof of
the new birth.

OUTWARD: "If you know that HE is righteous, you know that everyone who
practices righteousness is born of HIM." [1 John 2. 29] If you are born
of GOD, you will make a practice of doing right at all times and at all
cost. "Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old
things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." [2
Corinthians 5. 17] This is out-ward proof of the in-ward new nature.

Therefore, since we are now a "new creation" - we cannot say "that we
are just human" -- for we are not, we are just that. . . "a new
creation." [Galatians 6. 15] It is the LORD GOD, the CREATOR, WHO
"created man's spirit within him." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 1 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

Believing there is an EVER-LIVING HEAVENLY CREATOR won't save you. But
knowing "The ONE" WHO redeemed us and serving HIM as LORD of our lives
will. . . IF we keep HIS commandments -- that's what is significant. We
are MIGHTY ONE'S vehicle to express HIS thoughts, aims, emotions and
actions to accomplish HIS purpose.

Therefore, let your conduct be worthy of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, stand
fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the
LIFE-GIVING TRUTH. Not only are we to believe in YESHUA, but also to be
prepared to suffer for HIS sake. The LORD JESUS said, "These things I
have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will
have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
[John 16. 33]

We can know of a certainty that we are the children of the MOST HIGH,
"when we love GOD and keep HIS commandments." [1 John 5. 2] "Beloved,
now we are children of GOD; and it has not yet been revealed what we
shall be, but we know that when HE is revealed, we shall be like HIM,
for we shall see HIM as HE is." [1 John 3. 2] What great joy! ...to
be like our BLESSED SAVIOUR and to be with HIM eternally.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Be gracious to us ALMIGHTY LORD GOD that we may understand and fulfill
the Teaching of YOUR WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may
cling to YOUR commandments. Unite our hearts to love and revere YOU and
to learn YOUR WORDS and wisdom. LORD YOU are my PRAISE, my STRENGTH,
my FORTRESS, my REFUGE -- in days of affliction and at all times.


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If a man must conduct himself humbly before a king of flesh and blood,
how much more must he before the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF THE
UNIVERSE!

MEMORIAL STONES
"These (stones) shall be a sign among you: in time to come when your
children ask, 'What is the meaning of these stones for you?' you shall
tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off because of the Ark of
the LORD'S Covenant; when it passed through the Jordan River, the waters
of the Jordan were cut off.' And so these stones shall serve the people
of Israel as a memorial for all time." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 4. 6 - 7
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The LORD ETERNAL spoke to Joshua, when all the people had crossed over
the Jordan River, to have twelve men, one man from every tribe, take a
stone from the place where the priests' feet stood firm and make a
memorial where they lodged. [Joshua/Yehoshua 4. 1 - 5] "Joshua also set
up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the spot where the feet
of the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant had stood; and they
remained there to this day." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 4. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
From the time the Israelites came out of Egypt and crossed into the
Promised Land, this "place of the crossing" has been a strategic
location throughout Israel's history. This area is called "Beit Barah
(House of the Ford)."
GOD MOST HIGH used Ehud, the left-handed Benjamite, to deliver Israel in
the days of the Judges. He killed the king of Moab with a dagger; then
delivered Israel at Beit-Barah. "Follow me closely - he said - for the
LORD has delivered your enemies, the Moabites, into your hands.' They
followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan against the
Moabites; they let no one cross." [Judges (Shofetim) 3. 28 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] And Israel killed about 10,000 Moabites. Also, at the LORD
GOD OF ISRAEL'S command, Gideon defeated the Midianites calling the
children of Ephraim to seize Beit-Barah and the Jordan. [Judges/Shofetim
6 & 7]
In the NEW COVENANT, this is the area where John the Baptizer made the
statement, "Bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to
yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that GOD
is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." [Matthew 3.
8 - 9] The "stones" John was referring to were the "stones of
memorial" at Beit-Barah. John witnessed to the priests and Levites, the
Pharisees and Sadducees that he was the "voice of one crying in the
wilderness" to make straight the way of the LORD, and told them that THE
ONE coming after him "is preferred before me, WHOSE sandal strap I am
not worthy to loose." [John 1. 19 - 28] And, John baptized JESUS, the
BREAD OF DELIVERANCE, in the Jordan River at the location called
"Bethabara (Beit-Barah)." [John 1. 29 - 34]
Most assuredly, the ALMIGHTY ONE, the HOPE OF ISRAEL has a great love
for the "Land" as well as the "People." The LORD YESHUA will take away
the "curse from the land" just as well as HE takes away the "curse of
sin and damnation" from those who come to HIM for salvation. We are
truly most blessed!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Our prayer for you, whether Jew or Gentile, is that they have a heart to
know YEHOWAH, that HE is the LORD; and that they return to HIM with
their whole heart that they may be delivered from trouble and harm they
are receiving from the various kingdoms of the earth; and are being
reproached and are a byword, being taunted and cursed in the places they
have been driven. Heal us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight, Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your
character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what
others think you are.

WHAT the LORD TOLERATES
"I wiped out nations: Their corner towers are desolate; I turn their
thoroughfares into ruins, with none passing by. Their towns lie waste
without people, without inhabitants. And I thought that you would fear
Me, receive instruction, and that the punishment I brought would not be
lost on you and cut off your vision. Instead, all the more eagerly you
have practiced corruption in all your deeds. But wait for ME - says the
LORD - for the day when I arise as an ACCUSER; when I decide to gather
nations, to bring kingdoms together, to pour out MY indignation on them,
all MY blazing anger. Indeed, by the fire of MY passion all the earth
shall be consumed." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 3. 6 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

ALMIGHTY GOD revealed HIMSELF in the HOLY scriptURES as the UNIQUE
MEASURE and the EMBODIMENT OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH. HE holds the
extraordinary position of being CREATOR and SUSTAINER of the heavens and
the earth, and all that HE created. Our GOD is omnipotent (all
powerful), omniscient (all knowledge) and omnipresent (everywhere all at
once) and HE is altogether righteous. There is no inconsistency, HE is
perfect, holy and just.

When we insist on our doing what is right in our own eyes, apart from
GOD'S holy standards; tolerate what HE does not tolerate, or fail to
tolerate what HE does tolerate, we are sinning. Sin and iniquity are
things the MASTER DESIGNER does not or will not tolerate. "Your
iniquities have been a barrier between you and your GOD, your sins have
made HIM turn HIS face away and refuse to hear you. For your hands are
defiled with crime and blood and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips
speak falsehood, your tongue utters treachery. No one sues justly, nor
pleas for truth or pleads honestly. They rely on emptiness and speak
falsehood, conceiving wrong and begetting evil." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 59.
2 - 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Although the LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL does not tolerate
sin, HE is more than tolerant of mankind; HE is compassionate and
merciful. Prophets of old are replete with examples of GOD'S
intolerance as well as HIS tolerance. They carefully spell out the
consequences of sin. . . captivity, dispersion, hardship, suffering and
death. They also tell the positive side of serving the LIVING GOD. . .
redemption, renewal, eternal life and heavenly rewards.

The ALMIGHTY ONE not only has the unique right to be intolerant of our
sin, but HE provides the "UNIQUE MEANS" to make us righteous. "THE WAY"
has been provided for us to be reconciled to HIM, "For the life of the
flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to you for making
expiation for your lives upon the altar; IT IS THE BLOOD, as life, that
effects expiation." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH is the "ABSOLUTE TRUTH." The LORD JESUS said of HIMSELF, "I
am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except
through ME." [John 14. 6]

Therefore beloved, we should consider what manner of persons we ought to
be in holy conduct and godliness, "looking for and hastening the coming
of the Day of GOD, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being
on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat." [2 Peter 3. 12]

"For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but
that the world through HIM might be saved. He who believes in HIM is not
condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he
has not believed in the name of the oNLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." [John 3.
17 - 18] Only by acknowledging and agreeing with GOD'S intolerance of
our sin can we discover that HE is also incredibly merciful and loving
in providing MESSIAH YESHUA, THE WAY, to have a relationship with us.
In the PERSON of the LORD JESUS, we can see how far ALMIGHTY GOD was
willing to go in order for us to be made right. Thank you LORD JESUS
for YOUR cleansing blood.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May your life be a witness and beneficiary of GOD MOST HIGH'S care, love
and presence. HIS grace is greater then all our needs!
O GOD, do not keep silent; do not hold aloof; do not be quiet, O EL!
For YOUR enemies rage, Your foes assert themselves, they plot craftily
against YOUR people, take counsel against YOUR treasured ones. They say,
"Let us wipe them out as a nation; Israel's name will be
mentioned no more." Deal with them, O my GOD, make them like
thistledown, like stubble driven by the wind, as a fire burns a forest,
as flames scorch the hills, pursue them with YOUR tempest, terrify them
with YOUR storm. Cover their faces with shame so that they seek YOUR
NAME, O YEHOWAH. May they be frustrated and terrified, disgraced and
doomed forever. May they know that YOUR NAME, YOURS alone is YEHOWAH,
the MOST HIGH over all the earth. [see Psalms/Tehillym 83]


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

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 Samuel].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Apples don't fall from a pear tree.
KISS THE SON
"And we declare to you glad tidings - that promise which was made to the
fathers. GOD has fulfilled this for us their children, in that HE has
raised up MESSIAH YESHUA. As it is also written in the Second Psalm:
'YOU are MY SON, today I have begotten YOU.'" [Acts 13. 32 - 33]
The HOLY SPIRIT OF THE LORD, through the psalmist David promised that
one day the SON OF GOD would rise from the dead - the "first born from
the dead." [Colossians 1. 18] Therefore, the GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL
definitely was preached in the OLD COVENANT. The LORD YESHUA even
quoted Psalm 110:1 to prove HIS OWN deity [Matthew 22. 43, 45] and Psalm
82:6 [John 10. 34 - 36] to uphold and support HIS claims.
This particular passage in the Book of Acts teaches another truth that
is often overlooked. By identifying the Second Psalm as such, the
writer (through the FAITHFUL COMFORTER) tells us that the chapter
divisions of the Book of Psalms were there by DIVINE INSTRUCTION from
the beginning. Since each of the Psalms is a poem, it shows obvious
verse divisions. It is not surprising then, that we can find many
remarkable examples of plans and design from our marvelous CREATOR GOD
in the very structure of the HIS PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD.
Psalm 2, speaking of the ANOINTED ONE, is the first of the MESSIANIC
Psalms, but actually, the LORD JESUS and HIS GOSPEL OF SALVATION are
clearly present in each of the 150 Psalms. "Kiss the SON, give
reverential respect, lest HE be angered, and your way be doomed in the
mere flash of HIS anger. Blessed are all who take refuge in HIM."
[Psalms (Mishle) 2. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Faithfulness, mercy and truth
meet; righteousness and peace kiss. Truth shall spring up from the
earth, justice looks down from heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 85. 10 - 11
Tanakh, Kethuvim] "He who gives a right answer is as though he kissed
the lips." [Proverbs (Mishle) 24. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The Hebrew word "nashaq" could be translated as "kiss, touch, equip with
weapons or rule." When we allow YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to be THE RULER of
our lives, we unite with HIM in every aspect of our being. HE is the
GREAT & MIGHTY GOD WHO goes before us and enjoins our lives.
"Righteousness goes before HIM and HIS footsteps become our pathway."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 85. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"In HIS forbearance, GOD had passed over the sins that were previously
committed, to demonstrate at the present time HIS righteousness, that HE
might be just and the JUSTIFIER of the one who has faith in MESSIAH
YESHUA." [Romans 3. 25 - 26] When the LORD JESUS, the ALPHA & OMEGA,
is the center of our lives, we are well equipped with all we need, for
HE is our REFUGE & STRENGTH and has also become our DELIVERANCE; a
MIGHTY KING is HE!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Our prayer for each of you is for the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST to
be with your spirit.
My FATHER of mercies, MY PRAISE, do good in YOUR favour unto Zion; build
the walls of Jerusalem. For in YOU alone do we trust, O KING, high and
exalted GOD, LORD of worlds. Rise up, O LORD, and YOUR enemies shall be
scattered, and they that hate YOU shall flee before YOU. For out of Zion
shall go forth the Law, and the WORD OF THE LORD from Jerusalem.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
<><
HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's way leads to a hopeless end . . . GOD'S way leads to an Endless
Hope.
RAM'S SKINS DYED RED
"Make for the tent a covering of Tanned Ram Skins dyed red." [Exodus
(Shemot) 26. 14 Tanakh, Torah]
This is the third covering for the Tabernacle. The RAMS' SKINS DYED RED
was to cover the Ohel (the Wilderness Tent), the black goats' hair
canvas. The blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (red) blots out the
blackness of sin (the goat).
The ram is the animal representing substitution and provision in HOLY
scriptURE. "YEHOWAH YIREH" -- "The LORD will see and provide" is the
name OMNIPOTENT GOD first used in the instance when there was a
substitute of a ram for Isaac. [Genesis/Bereshith 22. 13 – 14]
Isaac would live because a ram would die in his place.
The ram is also the animal used for the consecration of the priesthood.
When Aaron and his sons were set apart for their office, a ram was slain
for them and its blood applied. [Leviticus/Vayikra 8. 22- 24] This skin
is a symbol indicating the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and HIS consecration
to the work of the ministry. JESUS the REDEEMER humbled HIMSELF and
became obedient to the FATHER, even to the death on the Cross. YESHUA,
the WORD MADE FLESH said, "I delight to do YOUR will, O GOD; not MY
will, but YOURS" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 50. 5 - 7; Luke 22. 39 - 46] . . .
this was His consecration. JESUS, THE HOPE OF ISRAEL, was a SUBSTITUTE
for many, for "who-so-ever will" come and receive of HIS life. MESSIAH
YESHUA is the "RAM of Consecration, Provision & Substitution."
The skin of the ram was beautiful, but it could not be seen on the
OUTside or the INside of the building. It was hidden by the other
coverings, and there were no dimensions given for this skin. Only the
HEAVENLY FATHER saw the complete consecration and obedience of MESSIAH
YESHUA to the DIVINE will. We cannot fathom the depths of love in the
consecration and death of the LORD JESUS; neither can we limit the
blood. [Psalm/Tehillym 40. 6 - 9; Hebrews 10. 4 - 9]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was THE LAMB. . . meek, lowly and submissive
to the FATHER'S will. At the same time, YESHUA was a RAM; vigorous,
strong, and determined to do the FATHER'S will. [John 4. 34; 6. 38; 8.
29; 18. 5, 6, 11; Luke 9. 51] Those who believe in LORD JESUS CHRIST
are the "sheep of HIS pasture" and should be as the RAM in their
consecration to follow HIM WHO is the HOLY ONE, the MESSIAH, the HIGH &
EXALTED REDEEMER. [Romans 8. 35; 12. 1; 1 Corinthians 6. 19 - 20; 9. 26
- 27; Acts 20. 24; Philippians 3. 8; Hebrews 12. 1] Our heart's cry
should also be, "I delight to do YOUR will, O GOD; YOUR will, not mine"
-- and continually delight in the Law and the HOLY WRITTEN WORD OF GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We continually thank YOU, LORD GOD for YOUR great mercies and for YOUR
salvation and the hope we have in YOU alone.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
All to often, men make the grave mistake of believing that one of the
spiritual gifts is being able to out-think GOD.

CUSTOMS - THE TITHE
"The generous person enjoys prosperity; he who satisfies others shall
himself be sated." [Proverbs (Mishle) 11. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The "tithe" and offerings given cheerfully express the liberal soul
which shall be made fat (prosperous). All true giving is free-will
giving. When the Temple of Solomon was built, the people brought
freewill offerings the LORD GOD. Whenever the people of Israel were
true to Moses' system, they gave one-third of their time and the tenth
of their substances to GOD OMNIPOTENT and HIS cause!
In studying the history of the Jewish people, one clearly notices that
both their piety and their prosperity could always be measured by their
observance of the "maaser" or tithe. When they neglected this duty it
was because of their spiritual, physical and financial back-sliding, and
every repentance was marked by its renewal. Their purses measured their
religion!
The words "tithe, tithes, tithing" occur in the HOLY scriptURE 36 times.
The "tenth" occurs 67 times. In 36 of these it has reference to the
proportion in "offerings." In every instance where rewards are
mentioned they are temporal, financial.
To summarize OLD COVENANT teaching on giving: First, a poll tax or
Temple tax of half a shekel for the festival services of the Sanctuary
which everyone paid whenever the numbering of the adult males took
place. Second, the tithes: The Levitical, or tenth of all produce of
the ground, flocks and herds of each tribe which went to the support of
the Levites; and out of which they themselves gave a tenth for the
support of those higher in office, the Priests. Every third year, for
those who lived a great distance from Jerusalem, who year-by-year stored
up their tithe in their own city until the third year in which they took
the accumulated tithe to Jerusalem for a celebration of rejoicing before
the Lord. It was used for the support of the poor, the helpless, the
widows, and the Levites. Third, the first-fruits. Forth, freewill
offerings. Taxes tithes and first-fruits were obligatory; the others
were voluntary. This makes it evident that the faithful Jew never gave
less than a tenth of his income, and some years he gave a great deal
more.
Under the Law, Levi, "men that die" - paid tithes to Melchizedek through
Abraham. [Hebrews 7.9] The people, brothers of Levi, paid tithes
through Levi and Abraham to Melchizedek. So all paid the tithe. In
MESSIAH YESHUA, the Mosaic order was abolished and the order of
Melchizedek re-established! This order also is supported by the tithe.
The DIVINELY-inspired apostle Paul described the superiority of the NEW
COVENANT. If the LORD JESUS does not receive the tithe, HE is not only
inferior to Melchizedek but also to Levi - - "men that die." If JESUS
does not receive the tithe, then the figure is broken and incomplete.
The conclusion is that as Abraham paid the tithe, so those who believe,
CHRISt-like-ones, the anti-type, should honour the greater KING OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS!
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH rebuked the religious leaders of HIS day: "Woe to
you, Scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES! For you pay tithe of mint and
anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law:
justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, and not to
leaving the others (tithe) undone." [Matthew 23. 23]
Even the LORD JESUS paid the Temple tax, lest they offend those who
collect it: "Those who received the temple tax (half-shekel) came to
Peter and said, 'Does your TEACHER not pay the Temple tax?' He said,
'Yes.'" [Matthew 17. 24 - 27] Notice, Peter did not say, "I think so."
This was an annual tax imposed by the Law of Moses on every male Jew
over 20 years of age. "This is what everyone who is entered in the
records shall pay: a half shekel by the sanctuary weight - twenty gerahs
to the shekel as an offering to the LORD. Everyone who is entered in the
records, from the age of twenty years up, shall give the LORD'S
offering." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Torah]
When GOD'S people appreciate HIS grace revealed in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, and have become partakers of HIS DIVINE NATURE, they
possess a spirit of unselfishness and liberality. [Acts 2. 45; 4. 34 -
35]
The offerings of the ancient Israel brought them prosperity. [Malachi 3.
8 - 12] Just so, prosperity is closely connected with the prompt and
cheerful payment of debts to ALMIGHTY GOD and man by the sons of the NEW
COVENANT. The words of MESSIAH YESHUA remind us to: "Render therefore
to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to GOD the things that are
GOD'S." [Luke 20. 25]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat – Queen of the Week...last in creation, first in
thought. Exalt the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the KING OF GLORY, WHO
gives true Sabbath peace & rest.
Bless our country that it may ever be a stronghold of peace – may
contentment reign within its boarders, health in its homes, and firm
knowledge of YOU, LORD GOD. Plant virtue in every soul, and may the love
of YOUR NAME sanctify every home and every heart. Praised are YOU, O
LORD, GIVER of peace.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When you fulfill CREATOR GOD'S commands, you are actively demonstrating
honour for HIM.
KEEPING THE LAW
"Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and
is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be
blessed in what he does." [James 1. 25]
There are many things mentioned in the Law of the ALMIGHTY ONE that must
be remembered and never forgotten. "MY son, do not forget MY Law
(teaching), but let your mind retain MY commandments." [Proverbs
(Mishle) 3. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You shall faithfully observe all the
INSTRUCTIONS that I enjoin upon you today that you may live and increase
and be able to possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your
fathers." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 1 Tanakh, Torah]
Again from Deuteronomy, the BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE, Moses continually
instructed GOD'S people to "Remember, Never Forget." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 9. 7 Tanakh, Torah] "Take utmost care and watch yourselves
scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with
your own eyes and so that they do not fade from your heart and mind as
long as you live. And make them known to your children and your
children's children." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 9 Tanakh, Torah] "Take
care then, not to forget the covenant that the LORD your GOD concluded
with you, and not to make for yourselves a carved image in any likeness,
against which the LORD your GOD has forbidden you." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 4. 23 Tanakh, Torah] "Take heed! Do not forget the LORD WHO
freed you and brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of
bondage. Revere only the LORD your GOD and worship HIM alone, and swear
only by HIS NAME. Do not follow other gods, any gods of the people about
you - for the LORD your GOD in your midst is a QANNA (jealous,
impassioned) GOD - lest the anger of the LORD your GOD blaze forth
against you and HE wipe you off the face of the earth. Do not tempt the
LORD your GOD...keep the commandments, decrees, and laws that the LORD
your GOD enjoined upon you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 12 - 17 Tanakh,
Torah]
Then in the NEW COVENANT, Peter warns those who were in danger of
becoming "forgetful hearers" of the WORD OF GOD: "Beloved, I now write
to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds
by way of reminder) that you may be mindful of the words which were
spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the
apostles of the LORD and SAVIOUR, knowing this first: that scoffers will
come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts." [2 Peter
3. 1 - 3]
Believers must remember the PURE WORD in order to counter the teaching
of the false prophets, false teachers, and scoffers who would bring in
damnable heresies. "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind
you always of these things, though you know and are established in the
present truth." [2 Peter 1. 12]
Destruction comes on those who forget the HOLY ONE'S INSTRUCTIONS, "MY
people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected
knowledge and obedience, I reject you as MY priest; because you have
spurned the teaching and forgotten the Law of your GOD. I in turn, will
spurn and forget your children. The more they increased, the more they
sinned against ME; I will change their dignity and glory into shame and
dishonour." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
David, king of Israel declared, "I study and meditate on YOUR precepts,
I contemplate and regard YOUR ways. I take delight in YOUR Laws; I will
not neglect nor forget YOUR WORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 15 - 16
Tanakh, Kethuvim] O, that we ever delight in the LAW OF THE LORD and
constantly meditate and reflect on it -- "Give me understanding that I
may observe YOUR teaching and keep it wholeheartedly. Lead me in the
path of YOUR commandments, for that is my delight." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 34 - 35 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
May that be our prayer!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
CREATOR of the Universe, we come before YOU to praise and extol YOUR
greatness and goodness. YOU, LORD GOD, are the FOUNTAIN from which all
blessings flow. In all the experiences of life, we recognize that YOUR
guiding hand establishes our work and that YOUR love lifts our lives to
nobler effort. May the inspiration of this day strengthen our faith in
YOU. Purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of
YOUR PRESENCE. Continue to bestow YOUR benediction on us and teach us to
seek YOU ever more . Help us to live that when we have gathered our
final harvest, many shall rise up with us to magnify and bless YOUR
PRECIOUS NAME.

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. . .
Greed, selfish desires, ambition, lust and the like are all categories
of madness.
THE OHEL
"You shall make cloths of goats' hair for a tent over the Tabernacle;
make the cloths eleven in number." [Exodus (Shemot) 26. 7 Tanakh, Torah]
The Ohel is the second covering of the Wilderness Tabernacle. The women
who were wise-hearted spun goats' hair for its making. Bedouins today
live in tents made of black goats' hair which has been woven into a
canvas. They call it their "house of hair."
In HOLY SCRIPTURES, the goat signifies the sin bearer, especially the
Scape Goat. Black, representing man's old nature of sin. The black of
the Ohel, the tent or second curtain, tells of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO
was made the Sin-Offering; then the Ram's Skins dyed red -- typical of
YESHUA "MESSIAH THE SUBSTITUTE" WHO'S blood covers the blackness of our
sin. The white linen of the Mishkan tells of MESSIAH'S righteousness
(First, HE is righteous).
At four of the set times or "Feasts of YEHOWAH" -- Unleavened Bread,
Feast of First-Fruits, Pentecost and the Day of Atonement there was a
goat slain on behalf of the people's sins. Since the offensive odor of
this animal signifies the stench of sin in the nostrils of the LORD GOD
ALMIGHTY, the priests were commanded to purify themselves from
defilement by washing with water after handling it. [Numbers 31. 20;
Leviticus 16. 26 - 28] The LORD MESSIAH is the ANTI-TYPE of the goats'
hair curtain, for HE was "made sin," a stench to the GREAT GOD OF
HEAVEN, upon that Roman Cross. Isaiah prophesies of this: "When YOU
(FATHER GOD) make HIS (MESSIAH YESHUA) soul an offering for sin" -- or
rather, "HE (YESHUA) made HIMSELF an offering for guilt…and that
through HIM the LORD'S purpose might prosper." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 10
Tanakh, Nevi'im] The LORD JESUS came in the likeness of sinful flesh,
yet without sin, and died upon the Altar (as did the goat) on behalf of
the people. MESSIAH YESHUA is the SIN-OFFERING to ALMIGHTY GOD for us
that "we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [1 Corinthians
5. 21]
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH came as a PERFECT MAN to be THE SIN OFFERING because
of the marvelous grace of our LOVING GOD to man in his weakness. We
could never show enough gratitude and appreciation for HIS tender mercy
to us! Sincerely, we do "Thank YOU, LORD" HalleluYAH!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Seek the LORD while HE may be found, call upon HIM while HE is near.
Diligently obey the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, incline your ear to the MASTER
and you will live.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A person who aims at nothing has a target he cannot miss.
BLOOMING RODS
"The WORD OF THE LORD came to me: What do you see, Jeremiah? I replied:
I see a branch of an almond tree (Hebrew: shaqed). The LORD said to me:
You have seen right, for I am watchful (Hebrew shoqed – also means
to hasten) to bring MY WORD to pass." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 1. 11 - 12
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Jeremiah saw a branch of an almond tree budding, this was a sign that
the ETERNALLY RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD was ready to judge Israel for her
idolatrous ways. The ETERNAL ONE told Jeremiah, "The iniquity of the
House of Israel and Judah is exceedingly very great, the land is full of
crime and bloodshed, the city full of corruption and perversity. For
they say, 'The LORD has forsaken the land, and the LORD does not see!'
I, in turn, will show no pity or compassion; I will give them their
requital for their deeds." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 9. 9 - 10 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
"Thus says the LORD GOD: 'Disaster after disaster is coming! Here is the
day! See, the cycle has come round; it has appeared. The rod has
blossomed; arrogance has budded, lawlessness has grown into a rod of
wickedness. Nothing comes of them, nor of their abundance, nor of their
wealth; nor is there preeminence among them. The time has come, the day
draws near." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 7. 5, 10 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The "blossomed rod" was the sign showing the arrogant pride of the
people who had thought they were well set and nothing could touch or
harm them. Although the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL had given plenty of
warnings regarding the downfall of Jerusalem and Judah, and now the day
has come . . . destruction and wrath on the whole multitude of people
and the hand of the LORD OF HOSTS is doing the striking.
"The end is near, doom is coming! The hour of doom is coming! It stirs
against you; there it comes! Doom has gone out; the rod has blossomed,
pride has budded. There is panic on the mountains, not joy. Very soon I
will pour out My wrath upon you and spend MY anger on you; I will judge
you according to your ways, and I will requite you for all your
abominations. I will show you no pity and no compassion; but I will
requite you for your ways, and for the abominations in your midst. And
you shall know it was I the LORD WHO punished." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 7.
6 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Previously the children of Israel had quarreled in regards to the ways
and will of the LORD GOD, and he had a man of each tribe present his rod
so the SOVEREIGN EVER-LIVING CREATOR could show HIS choice of men by
causing the rod of that man too blossom. "Moses deposited the twelve
staffs before the LORD in the Tent of Witness; and the staff of Aaron
was among them. The next day that Moses entered the Tent of Witness, and
there the staff of Aaron of the house of Levi had sprouted: it brought
forth buds, produced blossoms, and yielded ripe almonds...The LORD said
to Moses, 'Put Aaron's staff back before the TESTIMONY OF WITNESS, to be
kept as a sign to rebels, so that their mutterings against ME may cease,
lest they die.'" [Numbers (B'Midvar) 17. 6 -8, 10 Tanakh, Torah]
There will be another blossoming and budding on a grander scale that all
who remain faithful to EMINENT & EXALTED LORD GOD will see with their
own eyes and experience in abundance: "In days to come Jacob shall
strike root; Israel shall blossom and bud and the face of the world
shall be covered with fruit. The arid desert shall be glad, the
wilderness and the wasteland shall rejoice and shall blossom as the
rose. It shall blossom abundantly, it shall also exult and shout."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 27. 6; 35. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Will you be among those who walk humbly with the LORD in service for the
WORD OF GOD and the TESTIMONY OF JESUS striving to build the Kingdom who
will hear the words, "Come you blessed of MY FATHER, inherit the Kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world, because...in as much
as you did it to one of the least of these MY brethren, you did it to
ME." [Matthew 25. 1 - 40]
Or will you be among those who in rebellion and pride strive to exalt
yourself like Korah (who challenged Moses and Aaron's authority, see
Numbers/B'Midvar 16) who will hear the words, "Depart from ME you
cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels,
because...in as much as you did it not unto one of the least of these,
you did it not unto ME." [Matthew 25. 41 - 46] Beyond doubt, and the
time is soon-coming, when all shall see the glory of the LORD, the
excellency of YEHOWAH. Are you ready?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD GOD, keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking guile.
Be our support when grief silences our voice, and our comfort when woe
bends our spirits. Implant humility in our soul and strengthen our heart
with perfect faith in YOU. Help us to be strong in temptation and trial
and to be patient and forgiving when others wrong us. Guide us, by the
LIGHT of YOUR counsel that we may ever find strength in YOU, our ROCK
and our REDEEMER. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Spend your time counting your blessings, not airing your complaints.
LIKE THE RAIN
"For as the rain or snow drops from heaven and returns not there, but
soaks the earth and makes it bring forth vegetation, yielding seed for
the sower and bread for the eater, so is the WORD that issues from MY
mouth: It does not come back to ME unfulfilled, but performs what I
purpose, achieves what I sent it to do." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 10 - 11
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
What a beautiful, confident expectation in the natural and in the
spiritual realm. Rain and snow falls from the heavens and eventually
return there; then later falls again as rain and snow on the thirsty
land. But they do not return until they first have accomplished their
work of watering the earth, providing and renewing the world's water and
food supplies to maintain its life. "HE forms the droplets of water,
which cluster into rain, from HIS mist. The skies rain; they pour down
their moisture and abundant showers fall on all mankind." [Job (Iyob)
36. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
To the same extent, GOD'S HOLY WORD goes forth from heaven through HIS
revealed SCRIPTURES and their distribution and proclamation by HIS
disciples. It does not return empty or void, for it accomplishes
CREATOR GOD'S divine work on earth; for "YOUR WORD stands firm in
heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim] YESHUA`S OWN
words were, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will by no
means pass away." [Matthew 24. 35]
The fruitful scattering of the SEED OF LIFE, GOD'S WRITTEN WORD is
confirmed in many other TEXTS, "Send your BREAD forth upon the waters;
for after many days you will find it...Sow your SEED in the morning, and
don't hold back your hand in the evening, since you don't know which is
going to succeed, the one or the other, or if both are equally good."
[Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 11. 1, 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] It is the LORD GOD
WHO will bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
One person plants, another waters, "but neither he who plants is
anything, nor he who waters, but GOD WHO gives the increase." [1
Corinthians 3. 6 - 7] "I will make them and the places all around MY
hill a blessing; and I will send down the rain in its season; rains that
bring showers of blessing." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 34. 26 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "YOU released a bountiful rain, O GOD; when YOUR OWN land
languished, YOU sustained it." [Psalms (Tehillym) 68. 9 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] As we sow and water the SEED, the HOLY WORD OF GOD
ALMIGHTY, we have HIS DIVINE promise that HE will accomplish that which
HE pleases; and, we are blessed.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May our Heavenly Father hear our prayers, that our long-awaited Messiah
YesHUA, the Son of David, King of kings comes quickly. And, may His Holy
Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day, Amen! May you be blessed
with love, hope, health, wisdom and GOD'S incredibly amazing grace
as you seek HIM.

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. . .
The route to wisdom is humility.
MESSIAH YESHUA, THE ROCK
"All drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual
Rock (Hebrew: T'SUR) that followed them, and that ROCK was CHRIST." [1
Corinthians 10. 4] "The nAME of the YEHOWAH (the LORD) I proclaim; give
glory to ELOHEYKM (our GOD)! The ROCK (T'SUR)! -- HIS deeds are perfect.
Yes! all HIS ways are just; the faithful EL (GOD), never false. True and
upright is HE." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]
When the children of Israel began their forty year wanderings through
the wilderness, GOD OMNIPOTENT commanded Moses to strike the ROCK (T'SUR
-- "SMITTEN ROCK OF JUDGMENT") so thirst-quenching waters might be
miraculously provided. "I will stand before you there on the rock at
Horeb. Strike the rock and water will issue from it, and the people will
drink." [Exodus (Shemot) 17. 6 Tanakh, Torah] This SMITTEN ROCK OF
JUDGMENT is a beautiful type of MESSIAH YESHUA being smitten once on the
cross producing life -- giving forth the pure waters of salvation for
us.
At the end of the forty years Moses struck the ROCK OF PROVISION in
disobedience to ETERNAL GOD'S command simply to "speak to the rock" for
its cool refreshing water. "And Moses raised his hand and struck the
rock (cela) twice with his rod." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 20. 11 Tanakh,
Torah] This ROCK is a type of the risen, ascended ANOINTED SAVIOUR WHO
is seated at the Throne of Grace. Now, we as believers simply SPEAK to
our LOVING LORD in order to receive our daily, fresh, redeeming grace.
Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that the
reason they received physical water was that their spiritual ROCK,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, had been with them supplying their needs from the
beginning to the end. How wondrously amazing to know that the
ALL-SUFFICIENT ROCK is always with us. The LORD JESUS promised, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you." [1 Corinthians 10. 4]
We begin with the SUFFERING MESSIAH at the cross, continue with HIM
through this life; then, we travel with HIM right into heaven. "Though
I walk through the valley of deaths deepest darkness, I fear no harm,
for YOU are with me; YOUR ROD and YOUR STAFF -- they comfort me."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Our ROCK, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, is trustworthy and unwavering. "I adore YOU, O LORD,
my ROCK (T'SUR – ROCK OF JUDGMENT), my FORTRESS, my RESCUER, my GOD,
my ROCK (CELA – ROCK OF PROVISION), my STRENGTH in WHOM I seek
refuge and in WHOM I put my trust; my SHIELD, my MIGHTY CHAMPION, the
HORN of my salvation, my HAVEN, my HIGH TOWER. I will call upon the LORD
WHO is worthy to be praised. I called on the LORD and was delivered from
my enemies." [Psalms (Tehillym) 18. 2 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD
JESUS, our PERFECT FOUNDATION, the SOLID ROCK, is our GREATEST JOY and
our HIGHEST PRAISE.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O GOD, WHO alone is all good, WHOSE mercies fail not; WHOSE
loving-kindnesses never cease, we have all our hope and trust in YOU.
We bless YOU, our SALVATION and our HELP, our GOD WHOM thanksgiving is
due. We are ever grateful that YOU dwell in 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. . .
The only reason some people listen to reason is to gain time for
rebuttal.

SUN-SHIELD-GRACE-GLORY
"For the LORD GOD is SUN and SHIELD; the LORD bestows grace and glory;
HE does not withhold HIS bounty from those who walk without blame."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 84. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

In the innumerable mercies of our RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD, HE will not
forsake us in our wilderness journey, nor will HE depart from us day or
night. HE has sent us HIS HOLY SPIRIT to instruct us and never
withholds any good thing from us that HE may give us according to the
riches of HIS glory to strengthen us. "And my GOD shall supply all your
need according to HIS riches in glory by CHRIST JESUS." [Philippians 4.
19]

"But to you who revere MY NAME THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ("YINNON
TSEDEQ") shall rise with healing in HIS Wings." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 2
Tanakh, Nevi'im] This prophecy was completed in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH,
when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem (wings/fringe on
the Prayer Shawl/Tallit) of the LORD'S garment, for healing was
immediately granted to her.

"Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and attain knowledge of
GOD. For the LORD grants wisdom; knowledge and discernment are by HIS
decree. HE reserves sound wisdom for the upright and is a SHIELD for
those who live blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice, protecting
the way of HIS saints. You will then understand what is right, just,
equitable - every good path." [Proverbs (Mishle) 2. 5 - 9 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

"And the WORD became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS glory,
the glory as of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the FATHER, full of grace and
truth." [John 1. 14] We have been justified by faith in the LORD
JESUS, "to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, by which HE has made us
accepted in the BELOVED." [Ephesians 1. 6]

"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; HIS greatness cannot be
fathomed. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and
great in mercy. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger
and abounding in kindness. The LORD is good to all, and HIS mercy is
upon all HIS works. HE fulfills the wishes of those who fear HIM; HE
hears their cry and delivers them. The LORD watches over all who love
HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3, 8 - 9, 19 - 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Knowing this, we can be confident and completely content, even in this
world of havoc and turmoil.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Bidding farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah Service and wishing
abundant blessings to our family of friends. Tov Shavua – have a
good week as you spread the sweet fragrance of the LORD & MASTER in the
lives of those you touch daily.
Remember, GOD'S answers are wiser than our prayers. Stay alert for
such a time as this...keep watching and praying! The LORD is my
STRENGTH, my FORTRESS, my REFUGE in the day of affliction…all our
trust and hope is in HIM.


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Smart is when you believe only half of what you hear. Brilliance is when
you know which half to believe. Wise is when you believe ALMIGHTY GOD.

COMPROMISING & TOLERANCE
"Assuredly, this is the declaration of the SOVEREIGN, the LORD OF HOSTS,
the MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL: 'Ah, I will get satisfaction from MY foes; I
will wreak vengeance on MY enemies! I will turn MY hand against you, and
purge out your dross as with lye in a crucible, and take away all your
alloy and slag." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 24 - 25 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

I am certain that the MIGHTY OMNISCIENT RIGHTEOUS JUDGE of all ages has
a special hell for "fence-sitters" . . . at least HE truly will judge
them accordingly. Compromising (fence-setting) may be a survival
technique that people have developed so they do not offend those who's
beliefs differ from their own.

The LORD GOD is good, longsuffering, and His mercy endures forever to
those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the HOUSE OF THE LORD.
[Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 11] Although ALMIGHTY GOD is compassionate and
merciful, HE will not tolerate one who's mind-set is to sin, "As the
LORD once delighted in making you prosperous and many, so will the LORD
will now delight in causing you to perish and in wiping you out; you
shall be torn from the land that you are about to enter and possess."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 28. 64 Tanakh, Torah]

The LORD GOD ETERNAL alone is the UNIQUE MEASURE and PERSONIFICATION OF
ABSOLUTE TRUTH. HE only is the CREATOR & SUSTAINER of everything in
the heavens and the earth; and "in HIS hand, HE controls your life
breath and all your ways." [Daniel (Danyel) 5. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim;
also see Job/Iyob 12. 10]

Paul the apostle warned against compromising the SACRED SCRIPTURES or
tolerating any new concepts or re-defining the WORD OF GOD. "But there
are some who trouble you and want to pervert the GOSPEL OF CHRIST. But
even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than
what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said
before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you
than what you have received, let him be accursed." [Galatians 1. 7 - 9]
"For if he who comes preaches another JESUS whom we have not preached,
or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a
different gospel which you have not accepted--you may well put up with
it!" [2 Corinthians 11. 4]

When we tolerate what the ETERNAL LIVING GOD does not tolerate, what the
HOLY BIBLE calls "sin" or "iniquity" -- or compromise what the LORD
SUPREME says is true for the sake of peace, we are falling short of the
work we have been responsibly entrusted to do by the LORD JESUS. Paul
teaches that we are to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good
confession in the presence of many witnesses...I urge you in the sight
of GOD WHO gives life to all things...keep this commandment without
spot, blameless until our LORD JESUS CHRIST appears." [1 Timothy 6. 11 -
15]

"If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this
day whom you are going to serve...But I and my household will serve the
LORD, ELOHEY OF ISRAEL." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 24. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Whom will you serve?



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR grace we
were taught the blessed holiness of the weekly day of rest; and Sabbath
is the sign of the tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and
grant us YOUR perfect rest. Amen. On Sabbath, we are reminded that
justice is our duty and a better world our goal.
Our beloved and delightful brethren, our joy and crown, we encourage you
to stand firm, persevere in service to the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, HE will
make it worth it all in HIS perfect time.


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. . .
All blessings begin, "Blessed are YOU, LORD GOD" -- as though the person
were speaking to a close friend. Aren't you?

GARDEN OF RENOWN
"I shall establish for them a GARDEN OF RENOWN (MESSIAH); they shall no
more be consumed by famine in the land, nor bear again the shame and
taunts of the Gentiles." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 34. 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Shem" is the Hebrew rendering for "renown (more frequently translated
name which implies honour, fame, glory)." Shem was also the name of
Noah's faithful son. It was from him (Shem), that the "PLANT OF RENOWN"
came forth. "Blessed be the LORD, the GOD of Shem." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 9. 26 Tanakh, Torah]

This "GARDEN OF RENOWN " is the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HOLY ONE OF
ISRAEL, and this promise is the climax of one of the great MESSIANIC
prophecies of the OLD TESTAMENT assuring Israel that her MESSIAH would
deliver them some day from their long exile and bondage. ALMIGHTY GOD'S
servant David would again be their single shepherd to tend them; there
would be "rains that bring blessings" and they would again be the people
of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 34. 23, 26, 30]

Nevertheless, the primary meaning centers, as it should, on this "PLANT
OF THE NAME" -- the MOST HIGH ONE WHOSE NAME would be implanted firmly
and permanently in the very land HE had created. Israel, the place of
HIS choosing. CHRIST THE LORD JESUS is the "TRUE VINE" [John 15. 1]
WHO will provide the true nourishment for all HIS people forever.

The LORD JESUS "has grown up, by HIS (YEHOWAH) favour, as a TENDER
PLANT, like a TREE TRUNK out of arid ground." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 2
Tanakh, Nevi'im] MESSIAH would appear first as a HUMBLE SPROUT out of
a dead stump. "A ROD shall grow out of the stem of Jesse, and a
BRANCH€ ¦’¥out of his roots" for our iniquities. But then, HE shall
"see HIS offspring, and prolong HIS days, that through HIM the LORD'S
purpose might prosper" [Isaiah/Yeshayah) 11. 1; 53. 10] and become our
GARDEN OF RENOWN forever. "HE shall be like a TREE planted beside
streams of water, which yields its fruit in season; WHOSE foliage never
withers or fades; and whatever HE produces thrives, and prosper
forevermore." [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Without a doubt, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the TREE OF LIFE, the STEADFAST
PLANT, our CELEBRATED MAGNIFICENT GARDEN OF RENOWN.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!

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, Amen. 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, Amen. May peace abundant
descend from heaven with life for us and all Israel, Amen.
Stay alert for such a time as this. . . keep watching and praying.


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The world stands on three pillars: On Torah, on worship, and on acts of
lovingkindness. Throughout the Festival of Shavuot, the Season of the
Giving of Torah, we are reminded of the centrality of Torah; which
teaches us the third pillar, to worship Almighty God through our
compassionate (kind) and coherent (fair) dealings with all.
When GOD'S PRESENCE filled the Tabernacle, HE said: "Today I am
causing MY PRESENCE to rest among you; if you sin, MY PRESENCE will
leave you. But when MESSIAH comes, MY PRESENCE will remain with you
permanently. Now you see the DIVINE PRESENCE through fire, but with the
coming of the MESSIAH you will see ME clearly revealed, as it is
written: 'For eye to eye shall they see when GOD returns to Zion.'"
[Tz'enah Ur'enah]
FULFILLED LAW
"HE (the risen LORD YESHUA) said to them (the 11 frightened disciples),
'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you,
that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law (Torah)
of Moses and the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Psalms (Kethuvim) concerning
ME.'" [Luke 24. 44]
After HIS death and resurrection, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH appeared to HIS
disciples and ate broiled fish and honeycomb with them to prove HE was
not a spirit as they supposed. Then, the LORD JESUS opened their minds
so they could understanding the scriptURES saying to them: "This is
what is Written: 'The CHRIST will suffer and rise from the dead on the
third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in
HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of
these things. I am going to send you what MY FATHER has promised; but
stay in the City until you have been clothed with POWER from on high.'"
[Luke 24. 46 - 49]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH alone perfectly completed all three offices
(Prophet € ¦’¶ Priest - King): "JESUS OF NAZARETH, WHO was a PROPHET
mighty in deed and word before GOD and all the people." [Luke 24. 19]
"We have a GREAT HIGH PRIEST WHO has passed through the heavens, JESUS
THE SON OF GOD, let us hold fast our confession." [Hebrews 4. 14] And
HE lives continually to make intercession for us, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST
was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners, and has become higher than the heavens." [Hebrews 7. 25 - 26]
"All who survive of all those nations that came up against Jerusalem
shall come up year by year to worship and bow low to the KING, THE LORD
OF HOSTS and to observe the Feast of Booths (Succoth)." [Zechariah
(Zecharyah) 14. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Even as I will pour water on
thirsty soil, and rain upon dry ground, so will I will pour MY SPIRIT on
your offspring, MY blessing upon your posterity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44.
3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out MY SPIRIT on
all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on MY
menservants and on MY maidservants I will pour out MY SPIRIT in those
days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and
fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and
the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of
the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the NAME OF
THE LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall
be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD
calls." [Joel/Yoel 2. 28 - 32]
This began to be fulfilled when Shavuot (Pentecost) came, 10 days after
MESSIAH, the BELOVED SON, returned to the FATHER in heaven. "And they
were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak with other
tongues, as the SPIRIT gave them utterance." [Acts 2. 4] Now we can
come boldly into the Throne Room of Grace. . . how marvelous!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Zey ha'yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh . . . This is the
day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it!
"Chag Samayach (Joyous Holiday)!" Blessings to all who love Zion! We
were greatly blessed when the HOLY ONE has brought us out of slavery
from Egypt (Passover) and took HIS people directly to Mount Sinai
(freedom). There HE gave us the Law (Shavu'ot) to keep us free from
slavery (to sin). Then, gave us YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to keep us free and
give us true peace and rest (Sukkoth/Booths). HalleluYAH! what a
Saviour!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Being happy does not mean that everything is perfect. . . it means
you've looked beyond the imperfections to see as love sees.

SHAVUOTH
From the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering - the
day after Sabbath - you shall count off seven weeks. They must be
complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week –
Fifty Days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD.
You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as an
elevation offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of a measure of
choice flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 - 17 Tanakh, Torah]

Shavuoth (weeks) also called Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Harvest and
Feast of Weeks. Shavuoth is recognized as a memorial to the giving or
revelation of ALMIGHTY GOD'S gift of the 10-Commandments at Mount Sinai
50 days after the Israelites were led out of Egypt. Seven weeks after
leaving the land of death, the Israelites received the entire moral law
from the mouth of the LORD GOD HIMSELF as HE spoke to them from Mount
Sinai to guide and establish the redeemed nation.

It is a time to remember and observe the anniversary of the Covenant
between the ETERNAL GOD and Israel. GOD'S time-table is remarkable,
first HE established HIS pattern for redemption in the death of the
Sacrificial Lamb. As death visited the first-born of all the homes in
Egypt not covered by the blood, Israel was set free from her bondage.
Passover is a memorial to freedom. Many years later, at Passover,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH concluded that sacrifice, setting us free from sin
and death. Paul identifies HIM in the resurrection as "CHRIST THE
FIRST-FRUITS" [1 Corinthians 15. 23] for it was on the morning of the
offering of the first fruits of the barley harvest that MESSIAH JESUS
arose from the dead.

Shavu'ot remembers GOD'S message of the Law, "All the people answered as
one, saying, All that the LORD has spoken we will do!" [Exodus (Shemot)
19. 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is no liberty without DIVINE Law and
self-discipline. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA said, "Go! make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON
and of the HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age." [Matthew 28. 19 - 20]

On Shavuoth/Pentecost, the priest waved two loaves of challah (leavened
bread) before the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN. Usually leaven is forbidden, but
on this occasion there was a hidden meaning to the leaven. OLD
TESTAMENT saints wrote about the "GREAT SECRET" and the SECRET laid
hidden from Genesis to Malachi (Bereshith – Dibre Hayamin Bet in the
TANAKH). But, it was never fully known until the time of Paul. The
HOLY SPIRIT revealed to this Jewish Apostle that GOD'S eternal purpose
was to take from both Jew & Gentile, a people for HIS GREAT NAME, that
they would be made a joint-body in MESSIAH!

The two loaves "baked with leaven" were to be waved before the HIGH &
LOFTY ONE on Shavuoth, represent Jew and Gentile. The leaven is
symbolic of sin in them both being brought together in the SON. Here
ETERNAL GOD was teaching HIS people that divine redemption through HIS
ANOINTED ONE would be for whosoever will. "For there is no distinction
between Jew and Greek, for the same LORD over all is rich to all who
call upon HIM. For whoever calls on the NAME OF THE LORD shall be
saved." [Romans 10. 12 - 13]

As the wave offering was lifted up to a high plane, so the HOLY SPIRIT
leads both Jew and Gentile to the holy faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to
the highest position near to the very heart of GOD OMNISCIENT. Also,
the HOLY SPIRIT leads both Jew and Gentile and forms us into one body.
Faith in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA makes every man equal in GOD'S sight.
The LORD MOST HIGH is the gracious and merciful GOD & KING!

The LORD JESUS set us free from the Law in granting us salvation.
Salvation is a gift to be accepted not a status we achieve. JESUS, the
ROCK of our salvation, sets us free from our own habits and actions in
order that we may be free to obey. We become free to do, not as we
please, but as the LORD GOD commands. In a sense, we are set free from
our own habits, actions and the traditions of men so that we may hear
the authentic and complete WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. This freedom comes from
the knowledge that it is no longer our own efforts, but it is GOD'S
power that is at work within us. This was then demonstrated and brought
to completion in HIS season or timing: "And when the DAY OF PENTECOST
(Shavuoth) had fully come, they were all together in one place"
[Acts 2. 1], celebrating this "FESTIVAL OF THE FIRST-FRUITS" of the
wheat harvest "and they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT" becoming
the "first fruits" of GOD'S Harvest.

The POWER OF THE ETERNAL ONE came to dwell in us. The prophets were
continually calling the nation of Israel back to the LIVING GOD WHO had
made HIMSELF known at the Exodus. We can know that same HOLY GOD,
through YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, by the power of the SPIRIT OF GOD. On
Shavuoth/Pentecost, the HOLY SPIRIT came [Acts 2] to fulfill the
prophecy of David so that the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA would be recognized by
Israel and known as THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF THE LIVING GOD.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR love, so rich and pure.
Amen
Chag Samayach (Joyous Holiday) - observing Shavuoth/Pentecost!! Have an
extraordinarily blessed day in celebrating the Festival of Weeks.


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. . .
Being happy does not mean that everything is perfect. . . it means
you've looked beyond the imperfections to see as love sees.

SHAVUOTH
From the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering - the
day after Sabbath - you shall count off seven weeks. They must be
complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week –
Fifty Days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD.
You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as an
elevation offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of a measure of
choice flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 - 17 Tanakh, Torah]
Shavuoth (weeks) also called Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Harvest and
Feast of Weeks. Shavuoth is recognized as a memorial to the giving or
revelation of ALMIGHTY GOD'S gift of the 10-Commandments at Mount Sinai
50 days after the Israelites were led out of Egypt. Seven weeks after
leaving the land of death, the Israelites received the entire moral law
from the mouth of the LORD GOD HIMSELF as HE spoke to them from Mount
Sinai to guide and establish the redeemed nation.
It is a time to remember and observe the anniversary of the Covenant
between the ETERNAL GOD and Israel. GOD'S time-table is remarkable,
first HE established HIS pattern for redemption in the death of the
Sacrificial Lamb. As death visited the first-born of all the homes in
Egypt not covered by the blood, Israel was set free from her bondage.
Passover is a memorial to freedom. Many years later, at Passover,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH concluded that sacrifice, setting us free from sin
and death. Paul identifies HIM in the resurrection as "CHRIST THE
FIRST-FRUITS" [1 Corinthians 15. 23] for it was on the morning of the
offering of the first fruits of the barley harvest that MESSIAH JESUS
arose from the dead.
Shavu'ot remembers GOD'S message of the Law, "All the people answered as
one, saying, All that the LORD has spoken we will do!" [Exodus (Shemot)
19. 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is no liberty without DIVINE Law and
self-discipline. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA said, "Go! make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON
and of the HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age." [Matthew 28. 19 - 20]
On Shavuoth/Pentecost, the priest waved two loaves of challah (leavened
bread) before the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN. Usually leaven is forbidden, but
on this occasion there was a hidden meaning to the leaven. OLD
TESTAMENT saints wrote about the "GREAT SECRET" and the SECRET laid
hidden from Genesis to Malachi (Bereshith – Dibre Hayamin Bet in the
TANAKH). But, it was never fully known until the time of Paul. The
HOLY SPIRIT revealed to this Jewish Apostle that GOD'S eternal purpose
was to take from both Jew & Gentile, a people for HIS GREAT NAME, that
they would be made a joint-body in MESSIAH!
The two loaves "baked with leaven" were to be waved before the HIGH &
LOFTY ONE on Shavuoth, represent Jew and Gentile. The leaven is
symbolic of sin in them both being brought together in the SON. Here
ETERNAL GOD was teaching HIS people that divine redemption through HIS
ANOINTED ONE would be for whosoever will. "For there is no distinction
between Jew and Greek, for the same LORD over all is rich to all who
call upon HIM. For whoever calls on the NAME OF THE LORD shall be
saved." [Romans 10. 12 - 13]
As the wave offering was lifted up to a high plane, so the HOLY SPIRIT
leads both Jew and Gentile to the holy faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to
the highest position near to the very heart of GOD OMNISCIENT. Also,
the HOLY SPIRIT leads both Jew and Gentile and forms us into one body.
Faith in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA makes every man equal in GOD'S sight.
The LORD MOST HIGH is the gracious and merciful GOD & KING!
The LORD JESUS set us free from the Law in granting us salvation.
Salvation is a gift to be accepted not a status we achieve. JESUS, the
ROCK of our salvation, sets us free from our own habits and actions in
order that we may be free to obey. We become free to do, not as we
please, but as the LORD GOD commands. In a sense, we are set free from
our own habits, actions and the traditions of men so that we may hear
the authentic and complete WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. This freedom comes from
the knowledge that it is no longer our own efforts, but it is GOD'S
power that is at work within us. This was then demonstrated and brought
to completion in HIS season or timing: "And when the DAY OF PENTECOST
(Shavuoth) had fully come, they were all together in one place"
[Acts 2. 1], celebrating this "FESTIVAL OF THE FIRST-FRUITS" of the
wheat harvest "and they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT" becoming
the "first fruits" of GOD'S Harvest.
The POWER OF THE ETERNAL ONE came to dwell in us. The prophets were
continually calling the nation of Israel back to the LIVING GOD WHO had
made HIMSELF known at the Exodus. We can know that same HOLY GOD,
through YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, by the power of the SPIRIT OF GOD. On
Shavuoth/Pentecost, the HOLY SPIRIT came [Acts 2] to fulfill the
prophecy of David so that the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA would be recognized by
Israel and known as THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF THE LIVING GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR love, so rich and pure. Amen
Chag Samayach (Joyous Holiday) - observing Shavuoth/Pentecost!! Have an
extraordinarily blessed day in celebrating the Festival of Weeks.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When asked why Shavuoth is called the time of the "Giving of the TORAH"
rather than the "Receiving of the TORAH" - the Kotzker Rebbe responded,
"The TORAH was given but once on Mt. Sinai, but the receiving of the
TORAH is everyday."
The Law is a hidden treasure. . ."dresh (Hebrew: search it out)!"
FESTIVAL OF HARVEST
"Three times a year you shall hold a festival for ME: You shall observe
the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD - eating unleavened bread for seven days
as I have commanded you - at the set time in the month of Abib, for in
it you went forth from Egypt; and none shall appear before ME empty
handed; and the FEAST OF HARVEST, of the firstfruits of your labours, of
what you sow in the field; and the FEAST OF INGATHERING at the end of
the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labours from the
field." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 14 - 16 Tanakh, Torah]
"Shavuot (Chag ha'Shavuot - "Feast of Weeks")" is the Hebrew word for
the FEAST OF HARVEST (Chag ha'Katzir also called Chag ha'Bikuriym –
"Festival of First Fruits"). The Festival of Shavuot is the anniversary
of the giving of the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT, it is also
known as Pentecost. This year it begins on the eve of May 18 and lasts
thru sundown May 20 (Hebrew Date: Sivan 5 - 7), the event taking place
50 days after Passover. A new grain offering that the ETERNAL LORD GOD
required included two loaves of leavened bread which the priest waved
before the LOVING MASTER. "You shall bring from your settlements two
loaves of bread as a wave offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of
an ephah of choice fine flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to
the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 17 Tanakh, Torah]
On this Feast, the Book of Ruth is read in Synagogues around the world.
It tells of a poor Moabitess and her Jewish mother-in-law who return to
Bethlehem from Moab at harvest time. Under the Law, the GREAT & MIGHTY
GOD OF ISRAEL instructed, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you
shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the
gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the
stranger: I the LORD am your GOD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 22 Tanakh,
Torah] Ruth (friend) is directed by the hand of the HOLY ONE to glean
in the field of Boaz (fleetness), the man she will marry and who
father's Obed (serving), the grandfather of Jesse (I possess) - the
father of David (beloved). [Ruth/Roos 4. 21 - 22] The Moabitess, Ruth
is the great-grandmother of King David. Since tradition alleged that
King David was born and died on Shavuot, the Book of Ruth is read in his
honour.
Also, Shavuoth is the day King David was to have written his most famous
songs, Psalm 119, which highly praises and extols the WORD OF THE MOST
HIGH. David, the greatest king of Israel and a man after GOD'S OWN
heart, is remembered on this Festival for his unique and intimate
relationship with the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH.
Shavuoth is a time to re-commit oneself to the MAGNIFICENT GOD OF THE
UNIVERSE and to HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. Now is the time for harvest of
souls. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA exhorted us to "lift up your eyes and
look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who
reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he
who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." [John 4. 35 - 36]
"Blessed is that servant whom his MASTER, when he comes, will find so
doing." [Matthew 24. 46] "Observe what is right and do what is just; for
soon MY SALVATION shall come, and MY DELIVERANCE be revealed." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 56. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"May the LORD reward your deeds. May you have a full recompense from the
LORD, the GOD OF ISRAEL, under WHOSE wings you have come for refuge."
[Ruth (Roos) 2. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Come . . .let us worship and bow
down before our BLESSED CREATOR!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
6 Sivan (May 19 this year) - The giving of the TORAH at Mount Sinai.
[Exodus/Shemot 19 & 20]
REDEMPTION & TORAH (An excerpt from Torah Club, Volume 5)
Then GOD spoke all these words, saying, "I am the LORD your GOD, WHO
brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
[Exodus/Shemot 20. 1 - 2]
The Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) is the anniversary of the giving of
the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT. As part of the
commemoration, the Ten Commandments are read publicly in the Assembly on
the Feast of Shavuot.
The first commandment is to believe in the LORD GOD and to accept HIS
claim of ownership over us. Unless we accept the basic premise of GOD'S
existence, no number of commandments will have any authority or meaning
for us. The need for such a command demonstrates the incongruity of
ascribing to morality without believing in a moral authority. If we
accept the premise of objective morality, we must accept that there is a
higher authority issuing that objective standard.
We also learn from this that redemption must precede commandments.
Before we can receive the TORAH, we must already be saved. Israel's
salvation from Egypt was not accorded to her on the basis of her
obedience to the commandments. She was already redeemed (on no merit of
her own) before the Laws at Sinai were given to her. Thus the first
declaration at Mt. Sinai is a reminder of their redeemed status. Only
because the Israelites were already saved are they able to receive the
commands of ALMIGHTY GOD.
True legalism continually attempts to reverse this process by claiming
that one's obedience to certain commandments (or, all the
commandments) is the mechanism by which salvation is earned. The first
of the Ten Commandments directly contradicts this notion. Salvation and
relationship with GOD OMNISCIENT precedes the TORAH.
"Chag Shavuoth Samayach (Joyous Holiday)!"

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

Thought FOR TODAY
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The best synagogue is the heart.
KNOWN OF GOD
"O LORD, YOU have examined me and know me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 1
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The most awesome (frightening, majestic, impressive, imposing,
inspiring, convicting) attribute of the ETERNAL ONE is that HE knows
everything about us. The OMNISCIENT CREATOR has searched (penetrated)
us and knows (understands) us. Since ALMIGHTY GOD is both omnipotent
(all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), it follows that nothing
escapes HIS conscious knowledge about us. HE observes our ordinary
activities and knows our innermost thoughts. "When I sit down or stand
up YOU know it; YOU discern my thoughts from afar." [Psalms (Tehillym)
139. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "YOU observe my walking and reclining, and are
familiar with all my ways." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The Hebrew word "yada" is translated "familiar" and suggests that the
HIGH & LOFTY LORD GOD actually sees the formation of the words on our
tongue before we begin to speak them. "There is not a word on my tongue
but that YOU, O LORD, know it well." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 4 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] That means we are transparent to HIM; we cannot deceive the
MOST HIGH GOD in any way. The ALMIGHTY ONE knows what I am going to
think; I cannot hide anything from HIM. The BELOVED CREATOR knows more
then we know about ourselves, and those things we won't even admit to
ourselves.
Furthermore, the SUPREME LORD is everywhere around each one of us
wherever we are or could be. "Where can I escape from YOUR SPIRIT? Where
can I flee from YOUR PRESENCE? If I ascend to heaven, YOU are there; if
I descend to Sheol, YOU are there too. If I take wing with the dawn to
come to rest on the western horizon, even there YOUR hand will be
guiding me, YOUR right hand will be holding me fast." [Psalms (Tehillym)
139. 7 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] There is no escape from the PRESENCE of
the ALMIGHTY; HE is wherever we go.
The Apostle Paul once perceived, "For in HIM we live, and move, and have
our being." [Acts 17. 28] This very intimate and complete knowledge
about us is what makes salvation of the LOVING LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT
GOD OF ISRAEL such a marvelous matter, "for when we were still without
strength, in due time the LORD JESUS died for the ungodly. For scarcely
for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone
would even dare die. But GOD demonstrates HIS OWN love toward us, in
that while we were still sinners, MESSIAH died for us." [Romans 5. 6 -
8]
How great the KING OF THE UNIVERSE must have loved us to create us in
HIS IMAGE; yet even greater love did the LORD GOD OF JACOB show us in
making us conscious that we are created in the DIVINE IMAGE. . . then,
by HIMSELF, dying to redeem what HE so loved! Such wonderful,
extravagant, amazing love!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May your ever-growing faith in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH grant you the
privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being
delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin and all snares that entangle
you to rob you of your integrity as a child of the KING. For the LORD
your GOD will save those found worthy from the hands of the wicked and
rescue you from the clutches of the violent as you stay rooted and
grounded in HIM.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
<http://delrifkah.homestead.com/>

Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
CREATOR GOD creates new worlds constantly. In what way? By causing
marriages to take place. [ -The ZOHAR]
CUSTOMS - KOSHER / TREF
"Only be sure that you do not partake of the blood; for the blood is the
life, and you must not consume the life with the flesh." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 12. 23 Tanakh, Torah]
Orthodox Jews are very careful in their method of killing animals for
food. The trachea and esophagus are severed by means of a knife,
entirely devoid of notches, so that the blood may flow easily out of the
body through the slit made. Slaughtering is not directly commanded in
the Pentateuch but is based on this scriptURE.
Slaughtering, according to the Jewish method, causes instantaneous
unconsciousness and permits the greatest effusion of blood. The knife
must be of a described size for each kind of animal, and of the maximum
keenness, to prevent the slightest unnecessary suffering. It provides
for as complete a draining as possible. In addition to this draining,
the meat is soaked in water for half an hour, kept in salt for a full
hour, and then thoroughly rinsed. Some meat is broiled, however,
without this special treatment. Eggs, which have blood spots, are
forbidden by Jewish law.
A qualified Shochet (butcher) carefully examines the animal, which after
being declared "fit for food" or "Kosher" - is slaughtered. If he finds
the animal sound, he seals the parts with a mark "kosher" meaning "fit
for food" in contradistinction to "terefah" or "tref" meaning "unfit" -
and originally signifying something torn by a wild animal.
Technically, it is a term describing all things which are not "kosher."
The LORD GOD declared, "You shall be holy people to ME: you must not eat
flesh torn by beasts in the field; you shall cast it to the dogs."
[Exodus (Shemot) 22. 31 Tanakh, Torah] "Fat from animals that died or
were torn by beasts may be put to any use, but you must not eat it."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 7. 24 Tanakh, Torah] "You shall not eat anything
that died naturally or is torn by beasts, thereby defiling himself: I am
the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 22. 8 Tanakh, Torah] Even Jacob
affirmed to Laban, "That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to
you; I myself made good the loss; you exacted it from me, whether
snatched by day or stolen by night." [Genesis (Bereshith) 31. 39 Tanakh,
Torah]
The blood of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was drained from HIM for the life of the
world; HE was torn by "wild beasts" or "strong bulls of Bashan"
according to the prophecy: "Many bulls surround ME; strong bulls of
Bashan encircle ME. They open their mouths at ME like tearing, roaring
lion." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 12 - 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The CRUCIFIED LORD, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, was made "terefah (unfit)"
therefore the Jewish people as a nation did not partake of HIM. In
prophecy they declared: "...HE had no form or beauty that we should
look at HIM; no charm, that we should find HIM pleasing. HE is despised
and rejected by men, a MAN of suffering and acquainted with grief. As a
leper, HE hid HIS face from us; HE was despised, we held HIM of no
account." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im – "And we
hid, as it were, our faces from HIM." NKJV]
But the SOON-COMING PIERCED ONE was cursed for the sake of the sinner!
HE was made unfit that the sinner might be accepted in HIM. The LORD
JESUS was made sin that all believing on HIM might be made righteous!
This was to fulfill the WORD OF GOD concerning the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL WHO
is the SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. Thank you LORD, without YOU how lost we
would be!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat! – Celebrating the traditional Melaveh Malkeh
(escorting in the Sabbath) - Queen of the week. May your day be filled
with rich blessings as you glorify ALMIGHTY GOD and rest in HIM.
"The children of Israel shall keep Sabbath, to observe Sabbath
throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign
between ME and the children of Israel forever."

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

<><

Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Failure is only postponed success as long as courage coaches ambition.
[Herbert Kaufman]

CHOICE FOR GLORY
"How can you say, 'We are wise, and we possess the Law of the LORD?'
Assuredly, for naught has the pen of the scribe laboured working
falsehood. The wise shall be put to shame, shall be dismayed and caught;
see, they reject the WORD OF THE LORD, so their wisdom amounts to
nothing." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 8. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA prayed, "I thank YOU, FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN AND
EARTH, that YOU have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and
revealed them to babes. Even so, FATHER, for so it seemed good in YOUR
sight." [Luke 10. 21] "GOD has chosen the foolish things of the world
to put to shame the wise, and GOD has chosen the weak things of the
world to put to shame the things which are mighty." [1 Corinthians 1.
27] The HOLY ONE judges all who reject HIS WORD; furthermore they are
unworthy of everlasting life.

"But only in this should one glory: that he is earnestly devoted to
understand and know ME. For I the LORD act with lovingkindness, justice,
and righteous equity in the world; for in these I delight - declares the
LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Yet indeed I also
count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of CHRIST
JESUS my LORD, for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and
count them as rubbish, that I may gain CHRIST." [Philippians 3. 8]

The LORD knows those who fear HIM, HIS eye is ever on those who
confidently delight in HIS mercy. The ALMIGHTY ONE will deliver their
soul from death. By virtue of HIS great goodness to us, we rejoice
continually in HIS HOLY NAME wherein we place our trust and hope.
"Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD, the people HE has chosen
to be HIS OWN inheritance. The LORD looks down from heaven; HE sees all
mankind. From HIS dwelling-place HE gazes on all the inhabitants of the
earth – HE WHO fashions the hearts of them all, WHO discerns all
their doings." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 12 - 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

We should earnestly pray for the SPIRIT OF WISDOM and revelation in the
knowledge of the LORD JESUS that our understanding be enlightened, and
"that you may know what is the hope of HIS calling, what are the riches
of the glory of HIS inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of HIS
power toward us who believe" [Ephesians 1. 18 - 19] The words of
wisdom we speak are from the LIVING GOD, "the hidden wisdom which GOD
ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this
age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the LORD OF
GLORY. But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has
it entered into the heart of man the things which GOD has prepared for
those who love HIM. BUT GOD HAS REVEALED THEM TO US THROUGH HIS SPIRIT.
FOR THE SPIRIT SEARCHES ALL THINGS, YES, THE DEEP (height, intense
wisdom, enormous extent, hidden secrets) THINGS of GOD." Do not quote
one verse only without going onto completing the thought which, in this
case in point, states: "GOD HAS REVEALED THEM TO US THROUGH HIS SPIRIT."
[1 Corinthians 2. 7 - 10]

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct
that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom." [James 3. 13] The
one who is approved by the LORD ETERNAL is commended, not the one who
praises himself. Appropriately, "he who glories, let him glory in the
LORD." [2 Corinthians 10. 18]


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat ha-Chodesh we are praying for you our
friends, both Jew or Gentile. May you have a heart to know YEHOWAH, that
HE is the LORD of your life; oh, return to HIM with your whole heart.
May each of you be delivered from trouble and harm, or strengthened
through it. Heal us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight.
Go forth victoriously into the week and take some of Sabbath's sweetness
with you.


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


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