Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
To make a long story short, don't tell it. 

SIGN OF THE COVENANT 
"Such shall be the covenant between ME and you and your descendants to follow which you shall keep: Every male child among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between ME and you. And throughout your generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days. As for the homeborn slave and the one bought from an outsider who is not of your offspring, they must be circumcised, homeborn and purchased alike. Thus shall MY covenant be marked in your flesh as an Everlasting Pact. And if any male who is uncircumcised fails to circumcise the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken MY covenant." [Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 10 - 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

The custom of my Jewish people is to have a great celebration, "brith (also berith or bris) milah (covenant, bond or obligation of circumcision)" when a boy is eight days old. As the child is brought in for circumcision, all those who are gathered for the occasion call out: "Blessed be he that comes in the NAME OF GOD." At every circumcision, Elijah is supposed to be seated at the right hand of the "sandek (one who holds the infant during the operation)." The "Mohel (one who performs the circumcision)" recites a prayer which begins: "Zehu Kisei Eliyahu" — "This is the Chair of Elijah...for YOUR SALVATION, O LORD, I have waited" — these words must be said in a loud voice. Jewish people are taught that Elijah was the Angel of the Covenant who was to announce the coming of MESSIAH. And we know that this promise of HOLY God is recorded in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. Immediately after the "bris" the Jewish boy is given his Hebrew name and he enters into the Covenant and becomes a rightful heir. 

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

What is the ETERNAL ONE trying to teach us by this Covenant with Abraham? Circumcision of the flesh is a type and shadow of a greater experience of the heart. ALMIGHTY GOD desires to cut away all your old life — the eighth day is the "morrow after the Sabbath" — the day of Resurrection, the day of the New Creation. HE can give you a NEW life — a NEW beginning and believing in MESSIAH YESHUA will do that very thing for both the Jew and the Gentile, for all (who-so-ever-will) are HIS people. 

It does not matter if you are born a natural Jew and have gone through the ceremony of circumcision in the flesh. The MIGHTY GOD OF ISRAEL & JOSEPH does not recognize you as a TRUE Jew until your heart is circumcised – more specifically - the old life has been cut away by believing in the LORD JESUS, your MESSIAH, LORD & KING. 

To our Jewish forefathers, the LOVING CREATOR GOD made a pronouncement in the words of Jeremiah: "Behold, days are coming — declares the LORD — that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised…for all the House of Israel are uncircumcised of heart (their minds are blocked to GOD'S commandments)." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 25 - 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

GOD OMNIPOTENT wants to give you a new life, a new heart. This is made possible when "with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Romans 10. 10] Then it will be possible for you to love GOD with all your heart and soul. He promises in HIS HOLY WORD — "Then the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring to love the LoRd your God with all your heart and soul, in order that you may live." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 30. 6 Tanakh, Torah] 

In the NEW COVENANT, the Jewish Apostle Paul wrote by GOD'S inspiration telling us who is a true Jew: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the SPIRIT, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God." [Romans 2. 28 - 29] "For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." [Galatians 6. 15] 

My fellow-Jewish and Gentile brethren, will you not heed the voice of the LORD? Our COVENANT-KEEPING GOD commands you to circumcise the foreskin of your heart so that the old law is cut away and a new law takes its place. The ordinances, rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices under the OLD COVENANT are fulfilled in the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, the deliverer who has come out of Zion — YESHUA OF NAZARETH, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD! Why don't you accept a NEW BEGINNING for yourself? Accept His Life, His Love, His Peace, His Righteousness, His Joy…allow YESHUA to come into your heart as He so desires to do. CHRIST will do so, and much more, if you but ask Him!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Good Sabbath! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall rejoice in GOD'S Holy Kingdom; the people that make the seventh day holy, even all of them shall be satiated and delighted with GOD'S goodness, seeing that they did find pleasure in holiness and called it the desirable of days, in remembrance of the ALMIGHTY'S creation. 
May your Sabbath Day be for good and for blessing, for joy and for gladness, for salvation and comfort, for sustenance and maintenance, for life and peace, for pardon of sin and forgiveness of iniquity. Blessed are YOU, O LORD, WHO sanctifies the Sabbath for Israel and all YOUR children from every nation, tribe and tongue. 
This is the 10th Day of the Omer 


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Unless we remember, we cannot understand. [Edward Morgan Foster] 
The ALMIGHTY ONE, blessed be HE, commanded us to remember because it is only by treasuring the messages of the past that we can understand the present and hope for a more blessed future. 

INFALLIBLE PROOFS 
"To whom HE also presented HIMSELF alive after HIS suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the KINGDOM OF GOD." [Acts 1. 3] 

Believing in the deity of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was not simple blind faith or a wishful hope, to CHRIST'S followers — but genuine reliable evidence. Only GOD OMNIPOTENT could defeat death and they knew beyond all doubt, that the LORD JESUS — GOD THE SON — had RISEN BODILY from the tomb. They had seen HIM, talked with HIM, touched HIM and even eaten with HIM…alone, in crowds, in closed rooms and out in the open. [Luke 24. 36 - 44] 

"Infallible Proofs" literally and precisely means, many measures or confirmable evidences of certainty — and this phrase is used only this one time in HOLY SCRIPTURE. The inspired, inerrant WORD OF GOD applies the term, "infallible proofs" only to the RESURRECTION of MESSIAH YESHUA, which is fascinatingly noteworthy. It is not overstating the fact to say that MESSIAH'S RESURRECTION IS THE MOST CERTAIN FACT IN ALL HISTORY, and many prominent volumes have been written establishing such evidences. Without question, the Apostle Peter could knowingly say, "We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but were eyewitnesses of HIS MAJESTY." [2 Peter 1. 16] 

John the Apostle, whom the MASTER loved, testified saying — "The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the FATHER and was manifested to us." [1 John 1. 2] John not only saw the BELOVED ANOINTED ONE in HIS RESURRECTED BODY but in HIS GLORIFIED BODY as well, and heard MESSIAH YESHUA proclaim: "I am HE WHO lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen! And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." [Revelation 1. 18] 
Like the first followers of MESSIAH YESHUA, we must believe to receive salvation, "if you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved." [Romans 10. 9] And, our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER promises that "if the SPIRIT OF HIM WHO raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE WHO raised CHRIST from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT WHO dwells in you." [Romans 8. 11] 

This faith is not unwarranted or without foundation, it is a most reasonable faith, based on Many Infallible Proofs, and we can trust the risen LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH completely with our eternal souls. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
The REDEEMER OF ZION, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is the CREATOR & REDEEMER, blessed be HE. Consider and know, see and understand that HE has chosen you. HE will never forsake or reject HIS own. Even when we pass through valleys of trial, HE provides everlasting joy and perfect peace through it all. How extraordinary indeed. 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Great opportunities disguise themselves as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable, that is, without GOD’S wisdom. That is where HE does HIS greatest work…the more impossible the situation, the greater are HIS accomplishments. 

PASSING THROUGH THE SEA 
"But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. So the LORD delivered Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians. Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore of the sea." [Exodus (Shemot) 14. 29 – 30 Tanakh, Torah] 

Looking for a natural explanation instead of believing what HOLY SCRIPTURES accurately accounts for is what humanists and liberal theologians try using to explain this Red Sea crossing. Those who deny the literal account of GOD’S wonders say the Israelites simply crossed over on a shallow portion of the Sea of Reeds, which is at the extreme northern end of the west arm of the Red Sea before it became the Suez Canal. 

However, this was another of GOD’S extraordinary miracles, and it happened just as clearly reveal in the WORD OF TRUTH — it was not a mere wind storm that drove the shallow waters seaward. "Moses held out his arm over the Sea and the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind all that night, and turned the sea into dry ground. The waters were split, and the Israelites went into the midst sea on dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." [Exodus (Shemot) 14. 21 – 22 Tanakh, Torah] 

A great path opened up through the deep waters, they were supernaturally restrained as a wall of water was on both sides of the wide pathway, and it was deep enough to drown all of Pharaoh’s army when the waters collapsed on top of them after the "Chosen of the LORD" were safely across. Yes, it is the LORD GOD "WHO dried up the Sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the Sea a road for the redeemed to cross over." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 51. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The passage was through the Eastern arm of the Red Sea, which enabled the Israelites to cross "from the Red Sea...into the Wilderness of Shur." [Exodus/Shemot) 15. 22] A miracle of such a enormous magnitude is nothing less than the creative power of the ALMIGHTY ONE WHO created a force of energy that was powerful enough to hold the deep waters to be firm walls standing against the force of gravity. 

Later generations continued to look back on this event as being colossal and awesome proof of the MASTER CREATOR’S divine call of Israel. The Song of Moses declares such praises: "YOUR right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power; YOUR right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy! In the greatness of YOUR excellence YOU shatter YOUR opponents; YOU sent forth YOUR wrath; it consumed them like stubble. At the blast of YOUR nostrils the waters piled up; the floods stood upright (Hebrew: natsab — stand firm, fast, still, stay up) like a wall; the depths congealed (Hebrew: qapha’ — set firm, hardened, thicken, settle) in the heart of the Sea." [Exodus (Shemot) 15. 6 – 8 Tanakh, Torah] 

Centuries later, the Apostle Paul recalled this extraordinary miracle — "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the Sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK that followed them, and that ROCK was MESSIAH. But with most of them GOD was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness...all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (warning, instruction), upon whom the ends of the ages have come." [1 Corinthians 10. 1 – 5, 11] 

Who is like YOU, glorious in holiness, KING OF GLORY in all that YOUR hands have established? The LORD shall reign forever and ever, there is none like our GREATLY MAGNIFICENT & AWESOME GOD. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
This is Yizkor Pesah, the last day of Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread — be reminded of your commitment to obey GOD in holiness and integrity of life. 
We are overwhelmingly grateful for ALMIGHTY GOD’S goodness and grace to us, truly HIS mercies endure forever. Now, go forth and proclaim the GOOD NEWS as the BELOVED MASTER commissioned while it is still day. The Seder experience is an opportunity to refocus and get back on track. Every moment of life is a gift from Above, we just need the eyes of faith to see it. 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
 
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
My blindness is often reassured by what I don't know. 

FLESH & BONES 
"Behold MY hands and MY feet, that it is I MYSELF. Handle ME and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." [Luke 24. 39] 

Many deny the bodily resurrection of the LORD YESHUA. However, MESSIAH YESHUA HIMSELF answered those who say it was a spiritual resurrection. At first HIS disciples thought they were seeing "HIS SPIRIT" — but then HE showed them the scars of the spikes that had pierced HIS hands and feet. Furthermore, HE ate a fish and honeycomb before them. [Luke 24. 37, 40, 42] The disciples could no longer doubt the reality of HIS BODILY resurrection. JESUS, the PIERCED ONE will always bear those scars, however, even in HIS glorified body. HOLY SCRIPTURE proclaims that when HE comes again, "they will look on HIM WHOM they had pierced." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Behold, HE is coming with clouds and every eye will see HIM, and they also that pierced HIM; and all tribes of the earth shall mourn BECAUSE of HIM. Even so, Amen." [Revelation 1. 7] YESHUA'S SPIRIT never did die, so HIS SPIRIT could not be resurrected. 

YESHUA, the SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD used the words — Flesh & Bone —instead of Flesh & Blood, when HE spoke to HIS disciples. JESUS' precious blood had been shed on the cross as the price of our redemption. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 19] "For the life of the flesh is in the blood — I have given it to you for making atonement for your lives upon the altar; it is the blood, as life, that makes atonement." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] Now our life is in the LORD MESSIAH alone. Our BLESSED REDEEMER said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE." [John 14. 6] 

Our own resurrected bodies shall be like YESHUA’S glorious body [1 John 3.2; Philippians 3. 21] when "the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" [1 Corinthians 15. 52] to be like HIM forever. How abundant are the reasons for our thanks to the ETERNAL GOD OF TRUTH for the many precious gifts HE continues to HIS own dear children! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Thank YOU LORD GOD for filling the heart with marvelous joy and peace, for giving us strength of faith in YOU for even greater tasks. Our confidence rests solely in YOU, our GREAT, ETERNAL, WONDERFUL LORD. YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness and the power, the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is YOURS; YOURS is the Kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted above all. YOU are the LIFE of all, the HELP of those that flee to YOU, the HOPE of those who cry to YOU. Cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness — purify our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart, and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. Amen 
This is the 6th Day of the Omer. [The omer was an ancient Hebrew measure of grain brought to the Temple from the new barley harvest on the Second Day of Passover. The HOLY SCRIPTURE commands the counting of seven weeks from the time the omer was brought until the celebration of Shavuot (Pentecost). Since the destruction of the Temple, the omer offering is no longer observed, but the 49 days of the omer are still counted during the evening service.] 


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The evidence of two witnesses is as good as that of one hundred. 

EYE WITNESSES 
"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the LORD JESUS went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when HE was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of HIS resurrection." [Acts 1. 21 - 22] 

The most important event since creation itself was the Resurrection of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, and it was vital that the witness of HIS chosen apostles focus especially on this great event. They must believe with confidence in HIS BODILY resurrection, having been with HIM throughout HIS ministry, heard HIS predictions of HIS death and resurrection, then seen the infallible proofs, especially the empty tomb and HIS post-resurrection appearances. All the original eleven disciples and the chosen replacement for Judas, namely Matthias, satisfied these requirements, as well as Saul (who became Paul) later on. 

After the coming of the promised HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD at Pentecost (Hebrew: Shavuoth), "with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA. And great grace was upon them all." [Acts 4. 33] The resurrection proved that YESHUA OF NAZARETH was GOD THE CREATOR, SAVIOR & REDEEMER due to the fact that ONLY THE CREATOR OF LIFE COULD DEFEAT DEATH. 

Paul saw the risen LORD on the road to Damascus and was taught of HIM for three years in Arabia. [Galatians 1. 15 - 18] "Am I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen JESUS CHRIST our LORD? are you not my work in the LORD?" [1 Corinthians 9. 1] Only those who had seen the risen REDEEMING ONE and had been specifically chosen by HIM could be accurate, reliable and factual — Apostles — for they must be credible witnesses of HIS resurrection. And, they were! 

Peter's eyewitness account: "We are witnesses of all things which HE (CHRIST JESUS) did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, WHOM they killed by hanging on a tree. HIM, GOD raised up on the third day, and showed HIM openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by GOD, even to us who ate and drank with HIM after HE arose from the dead." [Acts 10. 39 - 41] 

Paul's witness was: "GOD raised HIM (YESHUA) from the dead. HE was seen for many days by those who came up with HIM from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are HIS witnesses to the people. 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 JESUS." [Acts 13. 30 - 33] "Then last of all HE was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." [1 Corinthians 15. 8; also 1 - 11] 

The Apostles were true eyewitnesses of MESSIAH YESHUA'S resurrection and multitudes have received eternal salvation because they believed their report. Thank you, OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for JESUS, YOUR "INDESCRIBABLE GIFT" to us! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
This is a GLORIOUS DAY celebrating YESHUA’S victorious resurrection! HE lives, rules, and reigns…HE is our LIVING HOPE. 
Chol Hamo’ed - Intermediary Festival Days - commemorates our freedom: Freedom from slavery. Freedom from oppression. Freedom from those who rise against the Jewish Nation to destroy it. But GOD governs according to HIS righteous will. Just is HE in all HIS ways, and wise are all HIS decrees. May HIS Kingdom come and HIS will be done in all the earth. Praised be the LORD of life, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE for evermore. 
So included in the timeless Haggadah (means showing forth; read at the Seder telling the story of Passover) we say: “In every generation, our enemies rise up against us to destroy us. But the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, saves from their hands.” HE will also save those who come to HIM in complete repentance, HE will wash them white as snow and purify their spirits. Hallelu’YAH! 
Our beloved and delightful brethren, our joy and crown, we encourage you to stand fast in the risen LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. May our Heavenly Father hear our prayers; that our long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David, King of kings comes quickly. And, may His Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day. 
"Chag Sameach — Good Holiday!" This is the 6th Day of the Omer. 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

HAZARDS OF INTENTIONAL SINNING 
"But the person, be he citizen or stranger, who acts defiantly (with upraised hand) reviles the LORD; that person shall be cut off from among his people, because he has despised the WORD OF THE LORD, and violated HIS commandment, that person shall be completely cut off — his guilt shall be upon him." [Numbers (B’Midvar) 15. 30 - 31 Tanakh, Torah] 

Under the Mosaic Law, the first four chapters of Leviticus provides forgiveness of sins committed unintentionally. And again in the book of Numbers, it is recorded how those sins may be atoned for— "And if a person sins unintentionally, then he shall bring a she-goat goat in its first year as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for the person who sins unintentionally, when he sins unintentionally before the LORD, to make atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him." [Numbers (B’Midvar) 15. 27 - 29 Tanakh, Torah; also Leviticus/Vayikra 4. 27 – 31, 35] 

However, it is altogether different for the one who deliberately disobeyed GOD’S Law. The one who so despised GOD’S commandment was to be put to death. "He who despises the WORD will be destroyed, but he who respects a command will be rewarded." [Proverbs (Mishle) 13. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The GOD of the OLD COVENANT is also the GOD of the NEW COVENANT, "For I am the LORD — I do not change." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The OLD COVENANT contains GOD’S Law, but also HIS love, mercy, and grace is affluently recorded, such as: "Turn us back, O LORD, to YOURSELF, and we will be restored; renew our days as of old." [Lamentations (Eicha) 5. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "O LORD! I have heard YOUR speech and am awed (afraid), O LORD, by YOUR deeds. Renew YOUR work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy." [Habakkuk 3. 2 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

In this age or dispensation of mercy and grace, many might say that this harshness of GOD’S Law has been replaced by HIS love. There is abundant pardon for all sins, and HE will forgive us. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] But, "if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins...Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the SON OF GOD underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? — It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD." [Hebrews 10. 26, 28 - 29, 31] 

If this warning only applied to those who have willfully renounced faith in the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, the question still remains whether one with true saving faith will willfully sin against the known will of GOD, as revealed in HIS HOLY WORD. 

Whoever says, "I know HIM" and does not keep HIS commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." [1 John 2. 4] And, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor is he who does not love his brother." [1 John 3. 10] 

Only the ALL-KNOWING HEAVENLY FATHER GOD knows the heart, but those who call themselves "CHRIST-ians" who deliberately reject and disobey HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD should at least examine themselves, whether they be in the faith; test themselves and know of a certainty that JESUS CHRIST, the LORD OF GLORY is in them…lest they be disqualified. [2 Corinthians 13. 5 – 6] 

"Come now, and let us reason together — says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as snow-white; though they are red like crimson, they can become like fleece...If you are willing and obedient." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 - 19a Tanakh, Nevi’im] And the SAVIOR, the PRINCE OF PEACE is still bidding…"Return to ME, and I will return to you." 


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. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest. Amen. We are reminded that justice is our duty and a better world our goal. LORD YOU are my PRAISE, my STRENGTH, my FORTRESS, my REFUGE — in days of affliction and at all times. 
Celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread. . .and the 3rd Day of the Omer. 
"Hag Semaiach — Good Holiday!" 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Hear counsel and receive instructions that you may be wise and consider your latter end. 

HE IS RISEN 
"HE is not here; He is risen! as HE said. COME! see the place where the LORD lay." [Matthew 28. 6] 

The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH spoke frequently that HIS death was drawing near, and also proclaimed that HE would rise from the dead. [Matthew 17. 22 - 23] Likewise, HIS cruel persecutors knew of this and tried to stop it by placing guards at the tomb. [Matthew 27. 63 - 66] 

The death of MESSIAH YESHUA, the BLAMELESS, PERFECT LAMB OF GOD, should have been no surprise. The LORD JESUS had frequently escaped attempts on HIS life. King Herod tried to kill the PRINCE OF PEACE when HE was a BABY. [Matthew 2. 16] Satan tried to persuade HIM to jump from the pinnacle of the Temple. [Matthew 4. 6] The people of Nazareth attempted to throw HIM over a cliff [Luke 4. 29]; and the Pharisees sought to kill HIM on several different occasions. 

JESUS, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD came from heaven to earth to die! But, CHRIST'S death had to be a special death. HE was "the LAMB OF GOD slain from the foundation of the world." [Revelation 13. 8] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH came to do the "will of the FATHER" which included HIS sacrificial death and HIS triumphant resurrection to win the victory over hell and death. "I am HE WHO lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen! And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." [Revelation 1. 18] At exactly the right time the PIERCED ONE, the MAN OF SORROWS, did die bearing our sins on the Cross of Calvary. Then MESSIAH, JESUS OF NAZARETH, rose victoriously, just as HE said HE would! 

Even in the LORD JESUS' empty tomb, HE left the sign that HE was "risen, but would COME AGAIN." When Peter and John ran to the tomb after hearing from Miryam (Mary) Magdalene that the tomb was empty, they both ran to the tomb and "found the linen cloths lying there, and the napkin that was on HIS face was not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself...and when the other disciple (John), came to the tomb...he saw and believed." [John 20. 1 - 10] 

To understand this completely, one must know the Jewish custom of folding the napkin after a meal. This is done as a silent way of telling to the host/hostess that you are “thankful for the meal" and "hope for another invitation to dine" — in other words, they would come again. The Jewish LORD, MESSIAH YESHUA knew this custom and was telling HIS followers, even using these burial wrappings, that HE would come again. O, if only the rocks would have cried out, they would proclaim the same. 

The resurrection cannot be over emphasized for apart from JESUS' Resurrection, we have no assurance of HIS deity, no forgiveness of sins, nor life eternal. "IF CHRIST is not risen, your faith is delusive; you are still in your sins!" [1 Corinthians 15. 17] "HE (MESSIAH YESHUA), was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification." [Romans 4. 25] 

The enemies of the cross knew this and are still seeking to destroy the BREAD OF LIFE, denying HIS incarnation and virgin birth. Mentally, priests and peoples still crucify the risen LORD OF GLORY and set guards over HIS grave, declaring HIM to be dead. But, "HALLELUYAH! HE IS RISEN!" We are assured of this fact — it is the skeptics, unbelievers, arrogant gossips and contemptuous tale bearer that are the ones on trial now. They must come by way of the Cross of Calvary for salvation through the precious shed blood of the BLESSED REDEEMER, or they will be cast into eternal darkness where there will be wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

But we who know the BELOVED SAVIOR can celebrate together because our GOD lives, rules, and reigns forevermore! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
OUR LORD YESHUA IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Not the grave nor any other power on earth could hold HIM, LORD OF THE SABBATH, the PRINCE OF PEACE, the KING OF GLORY! 
May we live as willingly for HIM as HE joyously laid down HIS life for us! Oh the love of JESUS — truly there is light & joy, gladness & honor for the people of GOD, our GOD reigns victoriously! 
With the ending of Sabbath, comes the Dawn of the New Day for our LORD is alive and reigning forevermore! HalleluYAH! 
We bid farewell to Sabbath as we continue to celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the RISEN KING. 
"Chag Pesach Sameach — Good Passover Holiday!" 
Blessed Resurrection Day! Because HE lives, we too shall live, Hallelu’YAH! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The cure of a fool is not in our hands.

DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD
"Behold, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the coming of the greatly awesome and dreadfully terrible DAY OF THE LORD." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This fearsome theme of the DAY OF THE LORD will be a great and dreadful day. This phrase occurs repeatedly throughout HOLY WRIT to remind us over and over again that although GOD is merciful and long-suffering, HE will not remain silent forever. Man's day will end soon, and the DAY OF THE LORD will come.

Day of the LORD in the OLD COVENANT "Woe! you who wish for the DAY OF THE LORD! Why should you want the DAY OF THE LORD? It shall be darkness not light!" [Amos (Amus) 5. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Before the great and terrible DAY OF THE LORD comes, I will set a sign in the sky and on earth; blood and fire and pillars of smoke; the sun shall turn into darkness and the moon into blood." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 31 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The GREAT DAY OF THE LORD is approaching, approaching most swiftly. The DAY OF THE LORD is faster than a runner, fleeter than a warrior. It is bitter! There a warrior shrieks! That Day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of calamity and desolation, a day of darkness and deep gloom, a day of thick dark dense clouds." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 1. 14 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Lo! the DAY OF THE LORD is coming with pitiless fury and wrath and fierce anger, to make the earth a desolation, to wipe out the sinners upon it." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 13. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Day of the LORD in the NEW COVENANT Luke, quoting Peter's statement from Joel/Yoel bearing witness declares — "I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor 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." [Acts 2. 19 - 21] "But the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10; 1 Thessalonians 5. 2] "The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment." [2 Peter 2. 9] "(YESHUA) will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the DAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 1. 7 - 9]

It is obvious that the DAY OF THE LORD is coming and it will be a time of terrible judgment on all who have rejected or ignored ALMIGHTY GOD WHO created them. But GOD'S faithful believers can take great comfort, for then — "the LORD (Yehowah) shall be KING over all the earth. And in that DAY the LORD (Yehowah) alone shall be worshiped and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME." [Zechariah (Tsefanyah) 14. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

I have a longing in my heart to see HIM, look upon HIS face, and be forevermore with my GOD & KING; the ONE WHO saved me by HIS glorious grace. What a Glorious Day that will be!

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 favor 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.
This is the 1st Day of the Omer. In Leviticus 23, this day is called B’Yom Haneefchem Et ha’Omer – The Day you Bring in the Sheaf of the Wave Offering. GOD commanded the people, "When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest." {The Bikkurim (firstfruits) of their barley as a wave offering [Leviticus 23:10, Joshua 5:12]} "Then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest...And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD (Yehowah)." [Leviticus/Vayikra 23:11, 15 - 16]

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Coincidences happen when GOD chooses to remain anonymous.

THE NINTH HOUR
"And about the ninth hour MESSIAH YESHUA cried out with a loud voice, saying — ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI? — that is — MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?" [Matthew 27. 46]

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the SIN-LESS LAMB OF GOD, at the zenith of suffering for the sins of the world uttered this desolate cry at the ninth hour, for this was the time of the regular evening sacrifice, as well as the time of evening prayers for the Israelite people.

At the ninth hour is when Elijah prayed, on Mount Karem'El, to the MOST HOLY ONE against the prophets of Baal, and GOD, the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB, answered by fire from heaven. [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 18. 36 - 39] Ezra's great prayer of confession and intercession also happened at this same hour [Ezra/Ezra 9. 5] and a wonderful renewal and awakening with the LORD GOD followed among the covenant people of Israel. When Daniel uttered his own prayer of confession and intercession "about the time of the evening offering" [Daniel/Danyel 9. 21], GOD OMNIPOTENT sent the Angel Gabriel to answer his prayer.

In the NEW COVENANT, "Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour" [Acts 3. 1], and the result was the first apostolic miracle. Cornelius was the first Gentile convert to LORD JESUS, WHO was praying "about the ninth hour of the day" [Acts 10. 3] when he, like Daniel, received a visit from an Angel of GOD to tell him to send for Peter, who would introduce him to MESSIAH.

At the ninth hour, GOD the RIGHTEOUS ONE answered all these recorded prayers, at the time of the daily evening sacrifices. However, when YESHUA ha'MASHIACH prayed, the HEAVENLY FATHER did not answer since HE had forsaken HIS OWN SON.

"ELOI, ELOI, lama sabachthani?" [Mark 15. 34] was the cry of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the MAN OF SORROWS. HE knew! And now we know that it was simply because HE "loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20] MESSIAH'S love is greater then can be measured, but it can be ascertained by the cross and separation from the FATHER, so HE "was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that HE, by the grace of GOD, might taste death for everyone." [Hebrews 2. 9] The LORD, MESSIAH YESHUA, died of a broken heart. . . that we might live. Such incredible love!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we celebrate Chol ha’Mom’ed – the Intermediary Festival Days & Day 2 of the Omer, remember that we who were saved from our enslavement and bondage to sin are blessed to have the loving support of a CARING GOD WHO is Personally involved in our lives. Praise to the LAMB OF GOD WHO took our sins away, paying the price that we might be redeemed back to HIM. What a MARVELOUS SAVIOR HE is!
Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, (Holy! Holy! Holy!)
Adonai Elohim SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY’vo (WHO was and is and is to come!)

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There is no riches above a healthy body and no joy above a redeemed soul. 

MESSIAH GAVE HIMSELF 
"HE WHO gave HIMSELF for our sins, that HE might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our GOD and FATHER." [Galatians 1. 4] 
There can never be a greater gift than what our MESSIAH, the LORD YESHUA gave. HE not only has given us forgiveness, salvation and all spiritual blessings, HE gave HIMSELF! The spotless, perfect, glorious ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF ALMIGHTY GOD gave HIS life, substituting HIMSELF in our place to suffer the righteous judgment of the MOST HOLY LORD GOD for our sins. 
Six times this wonderful affirmation is found in GOD'S LIVING WORD. When the MESSIAH YESHUA gave HIMSELF, HE paid the price to deliver us from this present evil world into the eternal world to come. This promise is exceedingly intense and personal. . . the LORD JESUS "loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20] The gift YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gave is more precious and everlasting than any the world could ever give. 
The LORD YESHUA'S gift is the SUPREME SACRIFICE. "MESSIAH also has loved us, and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma." [Ephesians 5. 2] The PRECIOUS SACRIFICE has brought us to HIMSELF, for "CHRIST also loved the church, and gave HIMSELF for her — that HE might present her to HIMSELF a glorious church — not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." [Ephesians 5. 25 - 27] 
The OFFERING was sufficient to pay for the redemption of all our sin, as HE "gave HIMSELF a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Timothy 2. 6] This RANSOM isn't simply to redeem us from the penalty of sin at the Judgment Seat, but also from the power of sin in our lives now. And this is the testimony of the final occurrence of this great declaration. . . KING JESUS, the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the LORD OF GLORY "gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS own special people, zealous for good works." [Titus 2. 14] Such great love the GREAT & MIGHTY CREATOR has for us, what more could HE do? 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
This Passover, remember, we too have a mission to mankind, to be a light unto the nations. [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 42.6] And we can do it – because we were ourselves slaves to sin. We know what suffering is and we know what it means to wallow in empty idolatry. 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, and 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] 
Have a blessed Passover 


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Unless we remember, we cannot understand. [-Edward Morgan Foster] GOD commanded us to remember because it is only by treasuring the message of the past that we can understand the present and trust HIM for a even more blessed future.

THROUGH IT ALL
"But now, thus says the LORD — WHO created you, O Jacob, WHO formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I will redeemed you; I have singled you out by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through water, I will be with you; through streams, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be scorched; through flame, it shall not burn you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This tremendous promise is essentially to be understood in a spiritual connotation — a deliverance through overflowing sorrows and fiery trials. However, the ETERNAL ONE has demonstrated HIS ability to fulfill the spiritual aspects of the promise by HIS miraculous literal fulfillment in the physical realm also. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is one literal example of safely passing through deep waters.

Those "Three Fiery Israelites — Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed-nego)" were in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace from where the MOST HIGH GOD delivered them from burning. This, after HE personally joined them in a sizzlingly glorious "triumphant march" through the flames. [Daniel/Danyel 3. 25] As the three emerged untouched from the flames of the "furnace that was heated to excess," the king, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal companions were awe-struck when they "looked at those men, on whose bodies the fire had had no effect, the hair of whose heads had not been singed, whose shirts looked no different, to whom not even the odor of fire clung." [Daniel (Danyel) 3. 22, 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water, but the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same WORD, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [2 Peter 3. 6 - 7] The whole world perished once, being flooded with water. But, "a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water." [1 Peter 3. 20] In Noah's Ark , the eight were carried safely away from the violent, sin-filled world. Furthermore, "the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10] However, all who trust in the saving blood of MESSIAH YESHUA will be "saved; yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 15]

In our firmly grounded confidence in the precious LORD JESUS, may we boast as did the psalmist: "YOU have tried us, O GOD, refining us as one refines silver. YOU have caught us in a net, caught us in trammels (restraints, chains) and laid afflictions on our loins. YOU have let men ride over us; we have endured FIRE and WATER, and You have brought us through to prosperity." [Psalms (Tehillym) 66. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The MIGHTY ETERNAL GOD keeps us through the fires and waters not from them for our refining and HIS glory.

These recorded accounts of the past and promises of the future assure us that Omnipotent ALL-LOVING GOD is able to deliver us through the deep, difficult waters and painful, burning trials of this immediate life. "That the trial of your faith…though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the appearing of MESSIAH YESHUA." [1 Peter 1. 7] Whatever comes our way, whatever trials be our lot, we can trust in our REDEEMER & LORD, through it all.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
This is the 14th of Nisan, 5774, is the Eve of Passover, Erev Pesach! This annual celebration of Passover should serve to remind us of our departure from the past and our commitment to obey GOD all the way to HIS Promised Land of holiness and integrity of life. The Passover Seder is one of the most meaningful experiences you can enjoy and should be a tremendous opportunity to express our overwhelming gratitude for GOD’S goodness and grace toward us and to renew our commitment to walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives.
Shalom and a blessed Pesach to all of you, During the Jewish year there are seven Sabbaths known as ”Shabbaton" or ”high Sabbaths." These Sabbaths fall upon particular calendar days rather than on days of the week


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Belief cannot be commanded, but unbelief will be dealt with.

FIRST ADAM — LAST ADAM
"The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the SECOND MAN is the LORD from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the HEAVENLY MAN, so also are those who are heavenly." [1 Corinthians 15. 47 - 48]

Death reigned because of the transgression of the first Adam and sin was passed down through mankind. The LAST ADAM, WHO would conquer death, was sinless. "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA) WHO was to come." [Romans 5. 14]

Adam named the creatures. "The LORD GOD formed out of the earth all wild beasts and all birds of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that would be its name." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 19 Tanakh, Torah]

The LAST ADAM created all things. "GOD created the great sea monsters and all the living creatures of every kind...according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind...all living creatures according to its kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth. Then GOD said — Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness. — And GOD created man in HIS IMAGE; in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 21 - 27 Tanakh, Torah]

Adam was put to sleep. "And from his side, the LORD GOD took a rib and created woman." Then the MASTER CREATOR brought her to the man and he (Adam) said: "This time it is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 21 - 23] This time a "help-meet" was "out of him" — a part of him, closer and dearer than any other living creature in Eden's Garden.

The YESHUA'S side was pierced. "But when they came to JESUS and saw that HE was already dead, they did not break HIS legs. But one of the soldiers pierced HIS side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out." [John 19. 33 - 34] The LAST ADAM gave of HIMSELF that the Church may be redeemed through the blood and water that flows out of HIM. ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy performed a miraculous operation upon the LAST ADAM — for there came forth from HIS side-parts the precious blood, HIS life, which made it possible for one to be born-anew, born of GOD. This time a very vital, warm, living part of HIM! Now we who are believers in MESSIAH YESHUA can be closer and dearer to HIM than when we were mere creatures of the dust alone.

Adam was a gardener. "The CREATOR took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to till it and tend it." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 15 Tanakh, Torah]

The Last Adam was mistaken for a gardener. "Miryam (Mary) stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of YESHUA had lain." When they asked her why she was weeping, she replied that her LORD had been taken away and she didn't know where they laid HIM. Then, "JESUS said to her — Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? — She, supposing Him to be the GARDENER, said to HIM— SIR, if you have carried HIM away, tell me where you have laid HIM, and I will take HIM away." [John 20. 11 - 15]

"The first man, Adam, became a living being; the LAST ADAM became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the HEAVENLY MAN." [1 Corinthians 15. 42 - 46, 49]

John said, regarding the image of the Heavenly Man: "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]

Paul confirmed the same concept by saying, "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." [1 Corinthians 15. 51 - 53] This is the change we look forward to at the coming of the LORD JESUS for HIS oWN. HalleluYAH!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May this Passover serve as a reminder to obey the HOLY ONE completely and HE will bring us into the Promised Land. May we faithfully enjoy the tremendous opportunity of expressing our gratitude for the ALMIGHTY GOD'S goodness and grace. Daily, let us renew our commitment to walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives.
"Shalom! Wishing and blessed Pesach to each of you."


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Woe! Woe! Woe! To the man whose ADVOCATE becomes his JUDGE.

PESACH (Part 1 of 2)
"Now the blood (of the lamb, or goat) shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, so no plague will destroy you to you when I strike the land of Egypt." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 13 Tanakh, Torah]

The first Feast of the LORD is on the fourteenth day of the first month, Abib or Nisan (names of the months were changed at the time of Babylonian captivity from Abib to Nisan), and it is called Pesach (Passover). It commemorates the time when the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt. Israel cried out to GOD in their affliction, and HE raised up a deliver — Moses. "Now Moses, tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb (means sword or destruction), the Mountain of GOD. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was aflame, yet the bush was not consumed.
Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this marvelous sight, why the bush does not burn." When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, GOD called to him from the midst of the bush: "Moses, Moses!" And he answered, "Here I am." Then the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob declared to Moses— I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey." [Exodus (Shemot) 3. 1 – 4, 17 Tanakh, Torah]

In Egypt, Moses demanded that Pharaoh let GOD’S people go a three-day journey into the wilderness to hold a feast and make sacrifice to GOD. [Exodus/Shemot 3. 18; 5. 3; 8. 27] Pharaoh refused, so the ALMIGHTY gave Moses the authority to call down plagues on the land of Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 4. 17; 7. 1 - 10. 23] After the first nine plagues, Pharaoh would still not let the Children of Israel go. [Exodus/Shemot 10. 24 - 29]

Finally the LORD OF HOSTS instructed that on the 10th day of the month of Abib, each household should take a male lamb, one year old, mature but young, without spot or blemish. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 3 - 5] The household was to keep its lamb for four days, during which time they were to inspect him and to make sure that he was perfect. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 3 - 4] "Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of the Israelites shall kill it at twilight." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 6 Tanakh, Torah] In Hebrew, the phrase "in the evening (Hebrew: bain haarbayim - between the evenings)" would be used. This suggests the time, a point between the sun’s declining in the west and its setting (about 3 pm). In the Temple, the day was divided into quarters. The quarter between 12 noon and 3 pm was called the minor evening oblation, while that between 3 pm and 6 pm was called the major evening oblation. Therefore, "between the evenings" means between those two periods. The hours were counted from daylight (roughly 6 am) until sundown (around 6 pm). The ninth hour, when the LORD YESHUA was slain, would therefore be 3 pm, the same time the lamb was slain in Egypt.

In the doorway, one would lay their hand on the lamb, thereby identifying with it symbolically. The sacrifice was not for sin, but in complete obedience the GOD’S command. The laying on of hands is called "shemicha" in Hebrew and is referred to in the Book of Hebrews as being one of the elementary doctrines of the faith: "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of CHRIST, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward GOD, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if GOD permits." [Hebrews 6. 1 - 3] The one performing "shemicha" is declaring that the sacrifice which is going to be presented to GOD, is offering the spotless lamb in his name, and that the fruit of the sacrifice shall be his.

Then the throat of the lamb is cut, its blood is applied to the lintel and to each side-post around the door. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 7] Then the lamb is roasted over an open fire on pomegranate branches. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 9] That night, the Jewish people in Egypt ate the lamb with bitter herbs and matzah (unleavened bread) as the LORD commanded. "Then they shall eat the flesh that same night; they shall eat it roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 8 Tanakh, Torah] They were to eat with his staff in his hand, and his sandals on his feet (indicating one was to be eager, ready to go). [Exodus/Shemot 12. 11] The people were forbidden to go outside their houses [Exodus/Shemot 12. 22], for that night an Angel of Death was coming to Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 12, 23, 29]

The Angel of Death slew the firstborn sons in every house where the blood had not been applied, whether Egyptian or Jewish, royal or slave, human or animal. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 29] But GOD made a promise to the people within those houses which had the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. "For when the LORD passes through to smite the Egyptians; HE will see the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, and the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the Destroyer to enter into your houses and smite you." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 23 Tanakh, Torah] This is where the name Pesach (Passover) comes from. That night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron in the night and said "Rise, depart from among my people, you and the Israelites with you! Go, worship the LORD as you said! Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone! And may you bring a blessing upon me also!" [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 31 - 32 Tanakh, Torah]


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbat ha’Gadol! —The Great Sabbath refers to the Final Redemption of MESSIAH YESHUA being ushered in by the Prophet Elijah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the Great & Terrible Day of the LORD.”
The celebration of Passover should serve to remind us of our departure from the past and our commitment to obey GOD all the way to HIS Promised Land in holiness and integrity of life. The Passover Seder is one of the most meaningful experience you can enjoy and should be a tremendous opportunity to express our overwhelming gratitude for ALMIGHTY GOD’S goodness and grace to us, and to renew our commitment to walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives. [Special haf-TORAH reading: Malachi 3. 4 - 24]
"Happy Passover" to our precious family of friends. L'Chayim. . .To Life!
Our love, Rabbi Del & Rifkah

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

Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Inside each of us is a Pharaoh — inside every Pharaoh is a slave — inside every slave is a Moses.

PESACH (Part 2 of 2)
"Now the sojourn of the Children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years — to the very day — it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD departed from the land of Egypt. It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt; that same night is the LORD’S, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 40 - 42 Tanakh, Torah]

The Children of Israel were owned by Pharaoh, but with his death (Psalms/Tehillym 135.15; 74. 13-14 [Leviathan is a term the rabbis identified with Pharaoh in this instance]), his ownership over them would cease; therefore freeing them, not for just a three-day journey into the wilderness to worship ALMIGHTY GOD, but to continue on to the Promised Land. Understanding that the Children of Israel left Egypt on the 15th of Abib [Numbers/B’Midvar 33. 3], and had only been granted a three-day leave. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 31] Pharaoh’s approach to their camp was in the evening — "The ANGEL OF GOD, WHO went before the camp of Israel, now moved followed behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus there was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one could not come near the other all that night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the Sea and the LORD drove back the Sea by a strong east wind all that night, and made the Sea into dry ground. And the waters were divided." [Exodus (Shemot) 14. 19 - 21 Tanakh, Torah]

In reconstructing the feasible chronology, the children of Israel would have begun the Exodus during the night [Exodus/Shemot 12. 29 - 37] between midnight and dawn. The first portion of their journey carried them to Sukkot, evidently to secure the body of Joseph. [see Exodus/Shemot 13. 19 - 20] The Israelites pitched their tents there [Numbers/B’Midvar 33. 5] while Moses has Joseph’s coffin reclaimed. The journey continues on to Etham [Numbers/B’Midvar 33. 6], where the people camp for the night. Then they journeyed to to Pi Hahiroth (means: mouth of the gorges) next to the Sea. [Numbers/B’Midvar 33. 7] It is here, in the evening that Pharaoh approaches the Hebrew camp, being held back by the pillar of fire and cloud allowing the Israelites crosses Yom Suph (the Red Sea). "Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the LORD looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and HE troubled the army of the Egyptians. And HE took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." And Moses stretched out his hand over the Sea; and when the morning appeared, the Sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea." [Exodus/Shemot 14. 24 - 27]

According to The Biblical & Historical Background of the Jewish Holy Days (by Abraham P. Block) the Exodus out of Egypt began on a Friday (15th), which would cause the crossing of the Sea to occur on a Sunday (17th). With the Pesach lamb had been slain on the 14th of Abib (which in that year was on a Thursday), the Israelites left Egypt and retrieved the bones of Joseph on the 15th (Friday), and crossed the Sea on the 17th (Sunday).

It is reasonable that the death, burial, and resurrection of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH’S could parallel these dates as well as the days of the week. For the LORD YESHUA was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea (Ramah). [Matthew 27. 57 - 61] Ramah, the city of Joseph, means "a height…as a seat of idolatry" in Hebrew. As mentioned, Moses had also gone to the tomb of another Joseph to retrieve his body; thereby leaving his tomb empty. [Joseph told the Children of Israel that GOD would visit them and that they should carry up his bones from Egypt with them, when they left. When he died, they embalmed him and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. see Genesis/Bereshit 50:25-26]
Joseph of Egypt, the seat of idolatry, had been an excellent picture of the coming MESSIAH YESHUA by all that had happened in his life; he was hated by his brothers, cast into a pit, sold as a slave, falsely accused, committed to the dungeon; but, through the SPIRIT OF GOD, was raised to be ruler of Egypt second only to Pharaoh. He was sent by GOD to preserve life, during the famine. In later years, he revealed himself to his brothers, who thought him to be the ruler of the Gentiles, rather than one of their own brothers. Even though Joseph holds the power of death in his hand for the sins of his brothers, he extends mercy and forgiveness. Joseph means "GOD will add" showing that there is another coming after him. This was fulfilled by his brother, Benjamin, which means "son of my right hand." YESHUA’S first coming proclaimed the promise of HIS second coming; and HE is the SON seated at the right hand of GOD.

"Hag ha’Matzah or Festival of Unleavnened Bread" is the second spring festival that commemorates the events of the night of the 15th of Aviv/Nisan — the meal of the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs — and the actual departure from Egypt. During this week-long feast, the Children of Israel are commanded to eat matzah (unleavned bread).

Our prayer is for people to know the hand of the LORD is mighty, and that all would know and fear the LORD GOD forever. Have a blessed Passover!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
There is light and joy, gladness and honor for all of GOD’S people as we bid farewell to Sabbath ha’Gadol, may the HOLY ONE bless and fill you with HIS Holy Commandments and call us to occupy ourselves with the LIFE-GIVING WORDS of TORAH. And, may your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin.
Blessings to each of you this Passover/Resurrection Season and always. May we be blessed to encourage each other and to celebrate together Passover! Wishing you a blessed week filled with the sweetness of Sabbath, and a terrific Seder with family and friends. Shalom!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
TORAH is not education, it is a transformation. So if you are not growing and transforming, you are not really learning. 

ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE 
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that CHRIST died for our sins according to the SCRIPTURES, and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the SCRIPTURES." [1 Corinthians 15. 3 – 4] 

This text states the great truth that the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA died for our sins and was buried stressing that HIS resurrection was physical, not just spiritual; then HE arose victoriously from the grave. Truly, this is a crucially important passage of the GOOD NEWS. 

Yet, it does not state exactly why YESHUA died for our sins; for it was not just to pay for our salvation and make us free. The number one reason was because of the great love of the ALMIGHTY SOVEREIGN GOD. "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved." [John 3. 16 – 17] HIS suffering and death provide redemption for all who trust in HIM. 

"HE died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them and rose again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15] The Apostle Paul tells us that MESSIAH "gave HIMSELF for our sins, that HE might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our GOD and FATHER." [Galatians 1. 4] 

Peter explained that the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH "bore our sins in HIS OWN body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness." [1 Peter 2. 24] Another time John said that GOD ALMIGHTY so loved us that it was manifest when, "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." [1 John 4. 9 – 10] 

The LORD YESHUA is the believer’s EXAMPLE and HOPE in times of suffering in this spiritually hostile world. HE did not die only to save our souls, but to empower us to live in a way that would glorify GOD here on earth. HE is our LIVING HOPE and INHERITANCE. HE came, HE really lived, HE died to redeem us, then HE arose as TRIUMPHANT CONQUEROR. Now, won’t you live for HIM? 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
This was the day, the 10th of Nisan, that the Passover lamb was selected, see Exodus 12:3 
The celebration of Passover should serve to remind us of our departure from the past and our commitment to obey GOD all the way to HIS Promised Land in holiness and integrity of life. The Passover Seder is one of the most meaningful experience you can enjoy and should be a tremendous opportunity to express our overwhelming gratitude for ALMIGHTY GOD’S goodness and grace to us, and to renew our commitment to walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives. 
May protecting wings arch over each of you as we daily commit our lives into the mighty hands of the LORD JESUS. Thanks be to GOD WHO loved us so HE gave HIS SON to take our sins away and set us free from the bondage of sin! HalleluYAH! 
We embrace you and desire that many abundant blessings are experienced in your life this Passover-Resurrection Season! 
Our Love, Rabbi Del & Rifkah 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reality should never deter a good imagination.

HIS GOOD PLEASURE
"But it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM (YESHUA); HE has put HIM to grief. When YOU made HIS soul an offering for the guilty, HE shall see HIS offspring and have long life, and that through HIM the pleasure of the LORD'S purpose might prosper at HIS hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This MESSIANIC Prophecy is the most amazing love of all, the revelation that it pleased the HEAVENLY FATHER to put HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON through a terrible, bruising death. This also shows that CREATOR GOD is interested and pleasures in things that happen to us. "For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21]

The only possible way "the pleasure of the LORD" could be accomplished was to redeem souls of lost mankind, whom HE created for eternal fellowship with HIM. "For the LORD delights in HIS people; HE adorns the lowly with salvation." [Psalms (Tehillym) 149. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "May those who desire MY righteousness sing forth joyously; may they always say— Extolled be the LORD WHO desires the well-being of HIS servant." [Psalms (Tehillym) 35. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The NEW COVENANT records several times when the EVERLASTING KING spoke from heaven assuring us that HE was "well pleased" with HIS BELOVED SON — MESSIAH YESHUA. [Matthew 3. 17; 17. 5; Mark 1. 11; Luke 3. 22; 2 Peter 1. 17] "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM!" This is intricately difficult, if not impossible, to understand. . . but if it were not true, none of us could ever be saved. The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH proclaimed to HIS little flock — "it is your FATHER'S good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." [Luke 12. 32] "Like a SHEPHERD, HE pastures HIS flock; HE gathers the lambs in HIS arms and carries them in HIS bosom; gently leading those who are with young." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

We were created for "HIS pleasure" [Revelation 4. 11], and we have been predestined "to adoption as sons by JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will." [Ephesians 1. 5] This is too much for us to comprehend, so we must believe and rest in the great truth that "it is GOD WHO works in you both to will and to do for HIS good pleasure." [Philippians 2. 13] We are assured that "the LORD takes pleasure in them that fear HIM, those who hope in HIS mercy and faithful care." [Psalms (Tehillym) 147. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "In the wisdom of GOD, it pleased GOD through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." [1 Corinthians 1. 21] Let us rejoice with thanksgiving for HIS gentle compassion and lovingkindness toward us.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
LORD GOD MOST HIGH, YOU are my praise and my glory! Help us LORD, to break down the barriers which keep us from YOU. . . falsehood & faithlessness, callousness & selfishness, injustice & hard-heartedness. Thank YOU for YOUR tender mercies and YOUR amazing love. Hasten the day that we may behold the glory of YOUR might, when the world will be perfected under YOUR Kingdom, our ALMIGHTY GOD & KING.
Passover is a unique time of the year, another reminder to commit ourselves anew to guard our tongues - we need to guard our tongue and avoid evil speech - that everything we say will be with grace.


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

Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is part of human nature to think wise things and do extravagantly foolish ones.

PERFECT REST OR RESTLESSNESS
"One day when the sons of GOD presented themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came along with them. And the LORD said to the Adversary — Where have you been? —Satan answered the LORD — From roaming to and fro on the earth, walking back and forth on it." [Job (Iyob) 1. 6 – 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Satanic activity is clearly seen in this remarkable scene in the heavenlies. Satan, being in complete opposition to GOD and HIS Perfect Plan of Salvation, never rests. However, unlike the BLESSED OMNIPRESENT GOD OF HEAVEN, the evil one is a finite (restricted, limited), though very powerful and brilliant, created being. So, to accomplish his goal, he is never at rest, but continues going from place to place and working deception after deception, bringing everyone he can under his diabolical manipulation, influence, and control.

Thus, the MERCIFUL, ALMIGHTY GOD urgently warns us to "be sober, be vigilant (watchful, on your guard); because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith." [1 Peter 5. 8 – 9a]

The same is true of the demonic spirits who have followed Satan in his rebellion against the RIGHTEOUS & HOLY ONE. They never rest until they can take possession of some person’s body and mind, then control that person’s behavior as they will. "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says— I will return to my house from which I came. —And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation." [Matthew 12. 43 - 45]

Those who yield to the pressures of these evil spirits and of the devil himself, are characterized with the same restlessness, and it is the unsaved who usually find themselves in such a state. They will find a desperate destiny where — "they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." [Revelation 14. 11]

True, perfect and peaceful rest is found only in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, with HIS complete forgiveness, blood-washed cleansing, and gentle guidance. The MERCIFUL INTERCESSOR bids us — "Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and MY burden is light." [Matthew 11. 28 - 30] That yoke is the yoke of instructions for service and obedience. Wearing the MASTER’S yoke will bring you into perfect peace and rest for your soul.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!.
May its radiance illumine our hearts as we kindle the candles of Sabbath!
O continue YOUR lovingkindness to them that know YOU, O LORD ; and YOUR righteousness to the upright in heart. Let all those that seek YOU rejoice and be glad in YOU;
let such as love YOUR salvation say continually: "the LORD be magnified." Amen.


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love is more then something you say, it’s something you do.

MOMENT IN TIME
"He shall bring the bull to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, before the LORD, and lay his hand upon the head of the bull. The bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD, and the anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 4. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Torah]

This verse refers to the "sin offering" that must be killed by the person who is offering it, not the priest. The priest could perform the other rituals of the sacrifice, including burning the remains of the bullock outside the camp, but when offering a "burnt offering" [Leviticus/Vayikra 1. 1 - 5] or a "peace offering" [Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 1-2], the one making the offering had to kill the animal being offered. In each, before the sacrifice was slain, the one making the offering was to lay his hands upon the head of the bullock, signifying the transfer of his own sin and guilt to the innocent creature being offered.

How exclusively unique is the timing of the coming of the PRINCE OF PEACE, in the flesh, and HIS perfect atoning death on the cross. The nation of Israel was not free, being ruled by Gentiles, the Romans. The Jews did not have the power to execute a prisoner, only the Romans could. Because the LORD JESUS came, not only to die and redeem HIS Jewish people, HE came to redeem the Gentiles also.

This follows the pattern that was president for the "sin offering" described in Leviticus where the one for whom the offering is made, must be guilty of killing the sacrifice, both Jew and Gentile are guilty of crucifying the GREATEST SACRIFICE, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, once for all.

The Jewish authorities planned and demanded MESSIAH'S death [Matthew 26. 3 - 4], and the Gentile Pilate and his Roman soldiers consented and carried out HIS execution. [Matthew 27. 26, 35] Thus, the death of the LORD YESHUA on the cross was effective for both Jew and Gentile — the whole world — following the set pattern of the requirement the MASTER DESIGNER planned from the beginning of time.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR & PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We render thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR continuous goodness, which YOU bestow upon us day by day. Truly, YOUR mercies never fail and YOUR loving-kindness never ceases. Therefore, we confidently, and most gratefully put our trust in YOU.


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
While there is life, there is hope.

BLINDED MINDS
"But even if our GOSPEL is veiled (hidden), it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the GOSPEL of the glory of MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO is the IMAGE OF GOD, should shine on them." [2 Corinthians 4. 3 - 4]
The Devil, that evil dragon, is the "ruler of this world" [John 12. 31], the wicked one "who deceives the whole world." [Revelation 12. 9] It is sobering to realize that this horrendously vile ruler and his demonic cohorts have the power to blind the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from comprehending even the simplest elements of the SAVING TRUTH of our precious LORD JESUS. "The wicked will do wickedly and none of the wicked will understand; but the wise will understand." [Daniel (Danyel) 12. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "He who is wise will consider these words, he who is prudent (Hebrew: biyn — to discern, careful, sensible) will take note of them. For the ways of the LORD are right; the righteous can walk in them, while sinners stumble on them." [Hosea (Hoshea) 14. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
However, MESSIAH YESHUA, the HOLY ANOINTED ONE can make the blind to see! In answer to prayer and through the faithful presentation of the WORD OF TRUTH, "the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER OF GLORY, may give you the SPIRIT OF WISDOM and revelation in the knowledge of HIM, the eyes of your hearts understanding being enlightened; THAT YOU MAY KNOW." [Ephesians 1. 17 - 18]
The LOVING SAVIOR, YESHUA of Nazareth, desires that people come to HIM, therefore, HE gives HIS witnesses weapons that can even overcome Satan, and open the eyes of the spiritually blind. The spiritual weapons are truth and righteousness, peace and faith, the WORD and prayer. [Ephesians 6. 11, 13 - 18] "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations of reasonings, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bring into captivity every thought of our mind, to the obedience of CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 10. 4 - 5]
Even though old slew-foot, the Devil, is far more intelligent and powerful than we, or those we seek to reach, our MAGNIFICENT OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD still enables us to recapture their minds, and bring them to CHRIST THE ADORED REDEEMER, as we proclaim HIS truth, by HIS amazing, saving grace and in HIS NAME! Even now, the choice is still for every individual to make.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
For all things, O GOD our KING, we bless and exalt YOU for ever and ever. YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. YOU, LORD GOD are good, YOUR mercies fail not and YOUR loving kindnesses never cease. We give you thanks and glory and wisdom for this is befitting. Amen.


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Redeem us, O LORD GOD, from the serfdom (slavery) of ignorance and irreverence. 

SINCE THE BEGINNING 
"When YOU did awesome wonders we dared not hope for, YOU came down, the mountains quaked at YOUR PRESENCE. Such things had never been heard or noted since the beginning of the world. No eye has seen them, nor have men heard or perceived them, O GOD, but YOU, WHO act for those who trust and wait for YOU." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 64. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Paul, drawing from this beautiful OLD COVENANT promise, applied it to believers everywhere of all generations who are guided by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which GOD has prepared for those who love HIM." [1 Corinthians 2. 9] We will receive the special rewards especially prepared for us in its proper time. 

We were chosen "in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love." [Ephesians 1. 4] For YESHUA "saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS OWN purpose and grace which was given to us in MESSIAH YESHUA before time began." [2 Timothy 1. 9] The ETERNAL ONE, the HOPE OF ISRAEL even had our redemption from sin planned with the precious blood of CHRIST. The LORD JESUS, GOD'S PRECIOUS BELOVED SON "was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." [1 Peter 1. 19 - 20] 

Although GOD is infinite and may seem far away, HE is always right by us in everyday life. Such wondrous love is not comprehendible, it is beyond our understanding; but such marvelous things await those who diligently seek God, the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB. Those who wait for HIM and are found faithful can rejoice, for "your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the MOST HIGH." [Luke 6. 35] 

The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH and the HEAVENLY FATHER are both worthy of abundantly rich blessings: "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Blessing and honor and glory and power be to HIM WHO sits on the Throne, and to the LAMB, forever and ever! Amen" [Revelation 5. 12 - 13] "Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our GOD forever and ever. Amen" [Revelation 7. 12] Worthy is our LORD GOD MOST HIGH, worthy of all praises, let all who have breath praise the HOLY ONE for HE is praiseworthy, Amen! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in the coming week. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout each day so they are filled with love and unselfishness - that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes. 

We are called to be heirs of GOD in MESSIAH YESHUA. There is no higher calling in all of creation. Everything happening in our lives is intended to prepare us for this high calling by working in us the nature of the MASTER DESIGNER. CHRIST JESUS is the ANSWER to every human problem, and HE is the ANSWER to every problem we're now facing, and those that are about to come upon us. It is not just that HE has the answers, but HE is the ANSWER.

If we are living in the knowledge that the ONE we serve is over all rulers and authorities and dominions, why should we fear? Every challenge is an opportunity to grow in faith, so a key to the victorious life is to not waste our trials…let them strengthen us as we continue in our “higher calling.” 
You are in our prayers daily! "Tov Shavua - Have a good week!" 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Yeshuat ha’Shem k’heref ayin. . . The salvation of GOD is like the blink of an eye. " [–Pesikta Zutreta] Regardless of how bleak something may look, salvation is near. ALMIGHTY GOD can change everything in the blink of an eye, so we know that in HIM there is hope and redemption. 

FREEDOM’S VALUE & RESPONSIBILITY 
"The chief commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen (free)." [Acts 22. 28] 

The privilege of being born a free Roman citizen was a life-saving circumstance for Paul in his defense before the Jewish mob trying to kill him in Jerusalem, "The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he (Paul) was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them." [Acts 22. 30] This happened after Paul had returned from his third missionary journey. 

The Apostle Paul used his citizenship status at least once before to get out of prison in Philippi — "But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out." And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city." [Acts 16. 37 - 39] Obviously, his Roman citizenship was a great asset at that time also. 

This is a type of the wondrous position we have as citizens of Heaven. When Paul later wrote to the followers of CHRIST at Philippi, he reminded them that "our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the SAVIOR, the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, WHO will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to HIS glorious body, according to the working by which HE is able even to subdue all things to HIMSELF." [Philippians 3. 20 - 21] 

And that status is one of true freedom from the power of sin in our lives as well as the fear of death and judgment when we meet fact-to-face with the RIGHTEOUS ONE. "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of GOD, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." [Romans 2. 22 - 23] "And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." [Romans 6. 18 - 19] "For the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death." [Romans 8. 2] 

We thank GOD for the freedom of religion, at least at this present time, our freedom to believe and teach all the great truths of HOLY SCRIPTURE, a liberty which we must cherish and guard, for it is under constant attack by unbelievers. Also, we must remember to "not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." [Galatians 5. 13] Liberty is not a license. 

As citizens of Heaven, "we are ambassadors for CHRIST" here on earth, with our fundamental duty being that of urging men everywhere on YESHUA’S behalf to "be reconciled to GOD. For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM. We then, as workers together with HIM also plead with you not to receive the grace of GOD in vain." [2 Corinthians 5. 20 - 6. 1] 

By the SPIRIT OF MESSIAH, we are free — YESHUA paid the full price and we can stand fast in the liberty HE has given us. Praise HIM evermore! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath — Queen of the week! May it be YOUR will that the new month bring us a life of peace, a life of goodness, a life of blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity. 
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace we were taught the sanctity of the weekly day of rest, Sabbath is the sign of the tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest. We meditate on YOUR Teachings at all times rejoicing in them, for in them are true life and length of days. O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO made us YOUR people. Amen 


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
An eternity is any moment opened with patience.

VANISHING SERPENTS
"(The Egyptian magicians). . . each cast down his rod, and they turned into serpents. But Aaron's rod swallowed their rods." [Exodus (Bereshith) 7. 12 Tanakh, Torah]

Just like the future Image of the Beast in the book of Revelation, which will seem to have life, these magician-induced serpents are "lying wonders." [2 Thessalonians 2. 9; Revelation 13. 15] Evil spirits do possess certain powers, which can be used to impress their worshippers with the magical insights and abilities of the images. However, neither man nor demons can really create life; they simply imitate, steal, cheat and lie. Creation is a privileged prerogative, indulgence, or advantage of GOD ETERNAL. HE alone can and did "create all the living creatures." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 21 Tanakh, Torah]

Both human magicians and demonic spirits can, however, generate hypnotic mental states and occult hallucinations; by which ungodly people, like Pharaoh, may be deceived into seeing as real physical entities. However, when their demonstration was over, there was nothing to show for it. Even the magician's rods (not serpents) were gone, for Aaron's rod became an indisputably authentic serpent who had made a meal of them. In a true creation miracle, Aaron's MASTER DESIGNER had transfigured the dead atoms of a wooden stick (just as HE later caused it to sprout, put forth buds, produce blossoms and yielded ripe almonds, see Numbers/B'Midvar 17. 8) into a living serpent capable of consuming other sticks which only appeared (impersonated, seemed, imitated) to be serpents.

The deception of the magicians was revealed later when they were unable to imitate the mighty hand of GOD turning dust into lice throughout the land of Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot) 3. 18] There is a limit to the things the ALMIGHTY LIVING GOD will allow, even of deceivers, proving that only HE is the CREATOR/SUSTAINER of life and does as HE wills!

The miracle of Aaron's rod can also be seen as a parable: Aaron's ROD OF LIFE took on the nature of the serpent, just as the OVERCOMER was "made sin" for us. [2 Corinthians 5. 21] But then, it swallowed up the other serpent-rods, and the sting of "that old serpent" was put away. Thus, "death is swallowed up in victory. O DEATH, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [1 Corinthians 15. 54 - 55] In YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, VICTORY IS AHEAD! and we are more then conquerors because of our WONDERFUL LORD.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
MERCIFUL KING awaken our soul to grateful acknowledgement of YOUR grace which has bestowed upon us the gift of life, and make our pathway come in safety to the coveted goal — YOUR LOVING PRESENCES. LORD, YOUR loving-kindness is mighty over us, and we are ever thankful to YOU. Blessed be YOUR HOLY NAME.


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is no riches above a healthy body and no joy above knowing our sins are forgiven; those who know both are most opulent (wealthy).

OUR TRIUMPHANT ADVOCATE
"Surely now my WITNESS is in heaven, HE has my record, HE WHO is on high." [Job (Iyob) 16. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

There are two significantly important NEW COVENANT truths in this OLD TESTAMENT text. The patriarch Job knew that he and all of mankind had a record of their life in heaven. All road do lead to GOD, but the wide roads end in judgment before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE; whereas only the narrow road leads to salvation through the LORD JESUS, which very few find

The Hebrew word "sahed (means: my record)," occurs only this one time in the HOLY SCRIPTURE and it makes clear that our works here on earth, either good or bad, have been recorded by the SUPREME CREATOR OF THE WORLD. This record, inevitably testifies against us, "for there is not one good man on earth who does what is best and doesn't err." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] At "GOD'S THRONE OF JUDGMENT," which will be very soon, the dead are "judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the BOOK...and anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE is cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 12, 15]

We can know that our names will be in GOD'S BOOK OF LIFE, even as Job knew that "my WITNESS is in heaven" — Some ONE WHO "might arbitrate between a man and GOD, as between a man and his neighbor!" [Job (Iyob) 16. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The Hebrew word for "witness" is 'ed implying a recognized personal witness who can testify on our behalf. Job knew this ELECT WITNESS and could confidently say, "I know that my REDEEMER lives; in the end HE will testify on earth." [Job (Iyob) 19. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] MESSIAH YESHUA is the REDEEMER and FAITHFUL WITNESS: "If anyone sins, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is the PROPITIATION for our sins." [1 John 2. 1 - 2] "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the PERFECT SACRIFICE for our sins; therefore, HE could redeem us from sin's penalty and serve as our DEFENSE WITNESS in heaven. Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of the LORD JESUS, the BRUISED REED. HalleluYAH! What an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL SAVIOUR — IMMANU'EL, GOD with us!
Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE Universe, WHO gives us peace like a quiet river and HIS righteousness as the waves of the sea.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
More paths cross than meet.

YOUR INHERITANCE
"Ask of ME, and I will make the nations your inheritance; your estate, the limits of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with an iron mace, shatter them to pieces like a potter's vessel." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This dramatically vivid and all-inclusive phrase, "ends of the earth" occurs at least thirty times in the OLD COVENANT and five times in the NEW COVENANT. The verse is ALMIGHTY GOD’S promise to HIS SON, YESHUA, the LIVING WORD. [v. 7] This same promise appears many times, "Let all the ends of the earth pay heed and turn to the LORD, and the peoples of all nations shall worship before YOU; for the kingdom is the LORD'S, and HE rules the nations." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Let HIM have dominion from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. Let desert-dwellers kneel before HIM, and HIS enemies lick the dust. Let kings of Tarshish and the isles pay tribute; kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. Yes, all kings shall bow to HIM, and all nations serve HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 8 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "For lo HE shall be great to the ends of the earth; and this ONE shall be peace." [Micah (Michah) 5. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This DIVINE SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, WHOSE future dominion will extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, is also the MIGHTY CREATOR of the ends of the earth. "WHO has ascended heaven and come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in a garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S nAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This GREAT ONE WHO both created and will ultimately regain all the ends of the earth will also be their RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. "The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven HE will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. HE will give strength to HIS KING, and exalt the horn of HIS aNOINTED (MESSIAH YESHUA)." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

At the present time, the LORD OF GLORY is still "despised, shunned and rejected by men" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 53. 3], both as CREATOR & SOON-COMING KING by all the nations of the world. Nevertheless, HE has provided "salvation to the ends of the earth" [Acts 13. 47] for all who will receive HIM. The LORD JESUS has commanded and prophesied that HIS followers must be "witnesses to ME in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." [Acts 1. 8] The greatest message we carry from the ONE WHO is the DOOR OF HOPE to others is, "turn to ME and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am GOD, and there is none else." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] In the MESSIAH YESHUA, Israel’s descendants shall be justified and shall glory.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world HE created. May Your will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed, MOST HOLY ONE, in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen. May YOU be blessed forever, even throughout all eternity. May YOU, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored and exalted above all else. Amen
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. May the LIGHT of the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, fill you with a yearning desire to submit to HIS inscrutable will and give you strength for your daily tasks.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A miracle is not the suspension of natural laws...it is the operation of the HIGHER POWER. 

PORTRAIT OF MESSIAH’S BIRTH 
"Then the LORD spoke to Moses — On the first day of the first month you shall set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting." [Exodus (Shemot) 40. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

This OLD TESTAMENT Sanctuary pictures the WORD WHO became FLESH and TABERNACLED among the Israelite people. The ALMIGHTY LORD GOD said that the month of Nisan (March/April) was the beginning of the months for you. "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 2Tanakh, Torah] 

GOD is always first "Thus says the LORD, the KING OF ISRAEL, their REDEEMING ONE, the LORD OF HOSTS— I am the FIRST and I am the LAST and there is no god besides ME." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "In the beginning GOD…" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 1] "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD." [John 1. 1] HE does all things well and always in order. HE was born into the human family, chosen and called of GOD to be our HIGH PRIEST. 

The Tabernacle of GOD portrays THE MAN, MESSIAH YESHUA filled with the SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD, for this Sanctuary at Sinai taught that the TRUE TEMPLE OF GOD, YESHUA, would personally appear in the flesh. [Malachi/Malakhi 3. 1-3] YESHUA ha’MASHIACH is the Anti-type of this sacred building in WHOM was fulfilled the will and desire of GOD to dwell with HIS people. "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] Not only was GOD with HIS people, but HE also was within them! 

YESHUA was born the LAMB OF GOD — sheep are seasonal breeders (in autumn), the young being born in the springtime around March/April. [The only exception is the Dorset horn breed of sheep which breed anytime of the year.] And, MESSIAH died as the LAMB OF GOD. "Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year." [Exodus/Shemot 12. 5] A lamb, being born in the spring would be a yearling and available for the Passover Sacrifice the following year. The MESSIAH died at the appointed time, the PERFECT PASSOVER SACRIFICE for our sins. 

In GOD’S order of things, HE is always first! If YESHUA was born on the first day of the first month, it would correspond to the setting-up of the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness. This characterizes "GOD’S presence among us" and MESSIAH being born into the human family was definitely "IMMANU’EL — GOD with us." 

The promise to Haggai may have been the timing of Elizabeth conceiving in her old age — "Take note from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation was laid for the LORD'S TEMPLE — consider it..." John the Baptiser could have been the remarkable one that Haggai spoke of when he stated that "...from this time forward, you will be blessed." [Haggai (Chagai) 2. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Nevi’im] John was the forerunner, the foundation being laid, the Elijah announcing the coming of MESSIAH, the TEMPLE. Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Miriam (Mary) went to be with her from Nazareth. Thus, it was around the month of Tammuz (our June) — the timing was near the Feast of Shavuoth, at the end of wheat harvest. 

Recalling the story of Ruth & Boaz. Ruth was the childless widow and Boaz became her "ga’al (kinsman-redeemer...a ga’al connects redemption with conception)." Boaz covered Ruth with his mantle (Hebrew: kanaph — wing, an edge, a garment of bed clothing, skirt) [Ruth/Roos 3.3-12] equivalent to the SPIRIT OF THE LORD overshadowing (cast a shadow, envelope in a haze of brilliance, invest with preternatural (supernatural) influence) Miriam causing her to conceive, her GA’AL. Through the union of Ruth & Boaz the lineage and household of David began. Through this line the MESSIAH would come. . . the GA’AL (GOD’S REDEEMER) for mankind, born in Bethlehem. 

"Three times you shall keep a Feast to ME in the year: You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)...and the Feast of Harvest (Shavuoth)...and the Feast of Ingathering/Booths (Sukkoth). Three times a year all your males shall appear before the SOVEREIGN, the LORD." [Exodus/Shemot) 23. 14 – 17] 

Consider the timing of the birth of YESHUA: Joseph was a righteous man and obeyed the Laws of GOD. So he would have traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover as required. When the edict was issued to go to their hometown to register for taxation, Joseph was required to go to Bethlehem, his home town where the CHILD was born. Since Bethlehem is only about five miles from Jerusalem, they both could have gone there together just a few days after Miriam delivered. Was YESHUA conceived on Shavuoth and born nine months later, that Spring, at the time when lambs are born? 

If Miriam was overshadowed and the CHILD placed in her womb at the time of the Feast of Harvest, she could have traveled to Bethlehem with her the father, and perhaps even Joseph as they would be traveling to attend the Feast in Jerusalem; and she chose to stay with Elizabeth instead of going on with them. She did stay with Elizabeth for three months, which would have made Elizabeth’s due date sometime in Tishri (our September). Miriam would now be three months into her pregnancy by the time of the fall Festivals of the LORD. Again her father and Joseph, along with all the Jewish males would be traveling to Jerusalem. After the Feasts, they would return to their home in Nazareth with Miriam once again joining them on their return trip. 

If YESHUA was indeed born on 1st of Nisan, Joseph would have found suitable lodging for his wife and the CHILD with relatives in Bethlehem; then he would be free to attend the Festival in Jerusalem on the 14th of Nisan after caring for his wife and the CHILD. Miriam would be in a house for the 41 days time of her impurity after childbirth. [see Leviticus/Vayikra 12. 1 – 4] The BABY was circumcised on the 8th day — near the time the lambs would have been chosen for the Passover sacrifice; then presented in the Temple after the days of Miriam’s purification were over. During that time, the wise men found them in a house. [Matthew 2. 11 

Although no one knows for sure when MESSIAH was born, this gives us something to think about. MESSIAH’S birth was important and necessary for HIM to come as our KINSMAN-REDEEMER, but HIS death and resurrection surpass that fact, for it is through HIS substitutionary death that life is possible for who-so-ever will accept HIS atonement and partake of the new life we have in HIM. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
HAPPY NEW YEAR — The BIBLICAL year, that is! 
At dust "Rosh Chodesh Nisan" begins, the first day of the month of "Nisan" — the beginning of the Biblical new year. [Exodus 12. 1 - 2] 
LORD, the new month brings us a life of peace in YOU...a life of goodness, a life of blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity. May this day lead us to search the hidden recesses of our hearts and find treasures in YOUR HOLY WORD. May it arouse us to examine all our thoughts and deeds in the light of YOUR truth, that we may know wherein we have strayed from YOUR way. And when we have learned our shortcomings and that the burden of our sins weighs us down, grant us the strength and courage to turn from the evil of our ways and to seek the SHELTER of YOUR FATHERLY love and forgiveness — Amen! 

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
I have learned that you ought always to be more or less specific. 

FEAR NO EVIL 
"In the days of evil and times of trouble, why should I fear when the iniquity at my heels compass me about?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 49. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This enigmatic question should be of real great concern to all unbelievers. The "day of evil" seems to refer to those of old age while the young are encouraged, "So remember, appreciate your CREATOR in the days of your youth, before those days of sorrow come and those years arrive of which you will say — I have no pleasure in them." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

However, those who have not "remembered their CREATOR" while young may one day come to realize that the iniquities which had been accumulating against their record day by day through a long lifetime had actually involved the venom of that old serpent, ha’Satan, which the LOVING MASTER of the Universe long ago warned would bruise the heels of the children of Eve. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 15] Their sins, which will eventually become so numerous as to "compass" them about, might even destroy them in this present life and for eternity. Satan, that old snake, will have "the power of death" [Hebrews 2. 14] until the day when the TRUE SEED of the woman, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA will "crush the head" of that wicked one forever. Even though the sins of the whole world were placed upon JESUS, the SON OF MAN, it was only HIS "heel" that was cruelly and viciously "bruised" by the Devil. 

Because of MESSIAH YESHUA’S great victory over Satan — when the LORD OF GLORY died for our sins and then defeated death by HIS resurrection, we no longer need to fear death, even when the evil days draw near. 

To accept ALMIGHTY GOD'S precious Gift of Salvation from sin and death when one is young is best. However, it is never too late, as long as we live and have breath in our bodies. So, why should we worry when "we have known and believed the love that GOD has for us. GOD is love, and he who abides in love abides in GOD, and GOD in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: That we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as HE is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." [1 John 4. 16 - 18] For your greatest joy, delight and pleasure now and for all eternity, acknowledge JESUS as your ROCK OF DELIVERANCE, the MOST HIGH GOD as your REDEEMER & LORD. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
O INFINITE & MERCIFUL CREATOR , firm in the faith we are emboldened to seek YOUR PRESENCE, and we are assured that we shall find YOU if, with sincere hearts, we seek YOU. As the flowers of the field drink of the dew of heaven and of the radiance of the sun, so would we, lifting our spirits unto YOU, drink of the pure fountains of holiness. Loving YOU is its own reward, our souls rejoice in YOUR PRESENCE, for YOU are our PRAISE and our SONG. Amen 
Enjoy a blessed day with the LORD! 


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Make sure your ears hear what your mouth says because what comes out of the heart...goes into the heart. 

TERRIBLY SHAKEN 
"Men shall go into the caverns in the rock and into the caves of the earth— from the terror of the LORD and the glory of HIS majesty, when HE arises to overawe and shake the earth mightily." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 2. 19 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

From the time of the Great Flood when the whole world was greatly convulsed and trembled, the earth has been in a state of instability resulting in various earthquakes. And as of late, there are more and more reported nearly daily somewhere around the world. 

In spite of the destruction and wreckage some quakes have already caused, there is some coming that will exceed anything ever yet experienced. The earthquake prophesied to be even more devastating there in the prophesy of Isaiah and from Haggai, "For thus says the LORD OF HOSTS: —In just a little while, I will once more shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; I will shake all nations. And they shall come to the DESIRE all nations, and I will fill this Temple with glory— says the LORD OF HOSTS." [Haggai (Chagai) 2. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This tremendously dreadful earthquake is also predicted in the Book of Revelation. "I looked when HE opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of HIM WHO sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the LAMB! For the Great Day of HIS wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" [Revelation 6. 12 - 17] 

The LORD YESHUA will come 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." [2 Thessalonians 1. 8 - 10] 

When these judgments of ALMIGHTY GOD are in the earth, those who have rejected the love of the only sin-bearing SAVIOR will still remain unrepentant and will simply be trying to flee HIS anger, trying to hide from fierce anger of the AWESOME GOD OF WRATH. 

Our LOVING GOD is long-suffering, but "the great day of HIS wrath" will surely come. "The earth is ferociously breaking, violently broken, the earth is crumbling, split open, the earth is shaken exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, tottering to and fro like a hut. Its iniquity shall weigh it down, and it will fall, and not rise again." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 24. 19 – 20 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Finally there will come "noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed GOD because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great." [Revelation 16. 18, 20 - 21] 

However, to those who belong to the PRINCE OF PEACE, MESSIAH YESHUA, there will be deliverance from the wrath to come. We are promised, "that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear." [Hebrews 12. 27 - 29] 

Pray that you may be found worthy to escape the things that will come to pass. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR & PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We render thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR continuous goodness, which YOU bestow upon us day by day. Truly, YOUR mercies never fail and YOUR loving-kindness never ceases. Therefore, we confidently, and most gratefully put our trust in YOU. 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
MESSIAH will come, but I do not desire to pass thru the trials preceding HIS coming. 

GREAT WALL OF FIRE 
"And I MYSELF —declares the LORD — will be a WALL OF FIRE all around Jerusalem, and I will be the GLORY inside it." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

This is the beautiful promise to Jerusalem in the days drawing closer when "all Israel shall be saved." [Romans 11. 26] Meanwhile, believers can appropriate it as evidence of the SOVEREIGN LORD, the MASTER CREATOR and HIS great concern and kind consideration for all HIS people. 

The safest, most secure place in all the world for one of MESSIAH'S servants is to be in the perfect will of GOD ALMIGHTY. The believer has all around him, an invisible, but invincible (indestructible) spiritual "wall of fire" both protecting and strengthening him. The psalmist said it this way, "The ANGEL OF THE LORD camps around those who fear HIM and rescues them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Gehazi (means: valley of vision), the servant of Elisha (means: GOD is salvation), who was fearful of the enemy army arrayed against them, was encouraged when his eyes were enabled to see [in answer to Elisha's prayer] that, "the hills all around Elisha were covered with horses and chariots of fire." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 6. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD is like an impregnable, unconquerable wall of mountains surrounding HIS people. "Jerusalem, hills enfold it; and the LORD enfolds HIS people now and forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 125. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] A contemplation of King David regarding the blessedness of forgiveness of the LORD reads, "YOU are my SHELTER, my HIDING PLACE; YOU preserve me from distress; YOU surround me with songs and joyous shouts of deliverance. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 32. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The earthly Jerusalem is a foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem which will have "a great and high wall" [Revelation 21. 12] within which the people of the EVERLASTING GOD will dwell safely forever and all "the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light." [Revelation 21. 24] 

"In that day, this song shall be sung in the land of Judah: Ours is a strong and mighty city; HE makes victory our inner and outer wall." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 26. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Now, in type — reality, throughout eternity, the GREAT WALL OF MOUNTAINS & ANGELS and DIVINE FIRE is our GREAT SALVATION in the LORD JESUS. "The cry— Violence! —shall no more be heard in your land, nor— Waste, wrack and ruin! —within your borders. And you shall name your walls Victory, Salvation and your gates Renown Praise." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 60. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Amazing, this is tremendously amazing! I wait for YOUR DELIVERANCE, O LORD, for it is good to hope and wait for YOU. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!! 
HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR truth to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love YOUR Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Amen 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Do not confuse the image of life with life itself. 

PROMISE – NEW CREATION 
"Raise your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: Though the heavens should melt away like smoke, and the earth wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants die out like gnats; MY victory and salvation shall stand, MY triumph and righteousness shall remain unbroken." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 51. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There is a glorious future awaiting the redeemed of the LORD. Although the MOST HIGH OMNIPOTENT GOD'S primeval creation of the heavens and the earth is eternal [Psalms/Tehillym 148], these are now groaning in pain under the effects of sin and the curse. When our KING, the LORD YESHUA returns, all will be made new and right and "creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY of the children of GOD." [Romans 8. 21] 

Moreover, the scars of sin and death will even be burned away by the refining fires of the ALMIGHTY ONE for "the LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you 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. 9 - 12] 

There are explicit references in WRITTEN HOLY SCRIPTURES to these great promises of a "new heaven and earth" which assures us that they will be so wonderful this present earth and its heavens will soon be totally forgotten: "For as the new heaven and the new earth which I will make shall endure by My will — declares the LORD — So shall your seed and your name endure." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 66. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This new heaven and earth will remain eternally and so will all who dwell there, with their true spiritual children. "For behold! I am creating a new heaven and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered, they shall never come to mind." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 65. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." [2 Peter 3. 13] Not only will sin be absent, but the results of sin and the curse will have no place there. "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. And GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [Revelation 21. 1, 4] 

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will by no means pass away." [Matthew 24. 35] The TESTIMONIES of the MIGHTY KING are true and they are our assurance of an eternal inheritance in HIM. Such unfathomable free gifts we can receive, just for the taking through Believing Faith. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Consider your latter end; fear GOD, the HOLY CREATOR, take heed to HIS counsel, seek to understand. 
Please LORD, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care; give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair; give us the vision to see what is possible; give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day. 


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


Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The righteous are held responsible for their generation. 

MESSIAH ALONE 
"But by the grace of GOD I am what I am; and HIS grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all. Yet not I, but the grace of GOD which was with me." [1 Corinthians 15. 10] 

The grace of the LORD GOD is nothing less than the unlimited love of the SOVEREIGN HOLY ONE expressed in the GREATEST GIFT of HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH our SAVIOR & KING, WHO "poured out HIS life unto death, and was numbered among the sinners, whereas HE bore the guilt of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 53. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This is the unequivocally (undeniably definite) undeserved love of the LOVING CREATOR GOD toward sinners. 

If one were to review the writings, works and life of the Apostle Paul you would conclude that he was one of the most dedicated and fruitful CHRIST-like-ones who ever lived. But being a man, Paul had to wrestle with the sin of pride by reminding himself, time and time again, that he owed all to the grace, guidance and provision of GOD MOST HIGH. 

Paul could well have boasted that he had labored more abundantly than any of the other apostles, but then he brought himself up short with the reproof, "not I, but CHRIST!" All of his work and success in fruit-bearing he owed completely to the loving grace of Almighty GOD. Paul's great testimony concerning his new and changed life in MESSIAH YESHUA was, "I have been crucified with CHRIST; it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the SON OF GOD, WHO loved me and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20] The transformed, righteous, powerful life Paul now lived was not his own accomplishment, but absolutely and entirely due to the indwelling SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD. 

We should never boast of our own life, deeds or works, but to "reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to GOD in MESSIAH YESHUA our LORD." [Romans 6. 11] Remember always, it is not us, but the LOVING MESSIAH — HE is to be our praise and testimony. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Whoever walks upright, works righteousness and speaks the truth will abide in the LORD'S Tabernacle and dwell in HIS holy hill. Watch and pray that you may be found worthy. Be encouraged and stand strong, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA our KING is coming soon! 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not. 

GOD'S PEOPLE REST 
"There remains therefore a rest for the people of GOD. For he who has entered HIS rest has himself also ceased from his works as GOD did from HIS." [Hebrews 4. 9 - 10] 

Though we may get weary in the work the ALMIGHTY has assigned us here on earth, we never grow tired of the work, for the need is so great and the laborers are so few. The LORD knows our needs and the fact that we need rest so HE ordained a weekly day of rest, HIS Sabbath. The CREATOR HIMSELF set this precedence or example for mankind — HE did the work of creation in six days and rested the seventh. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 8 - 11] 

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, nonetheless, taught that it is still "lawful to do good on the Sabbath" [Matthew 12. 12], and SCRIPTURES command us to always walk as the wise do "redeeming the time, because the days are evil" and "understand what the will of the LORD is." [Ephesians 5. 16 - 17] 

There is a threefold purpose in the opening text from the book of Hebrews. The Hebrew word for rest — shabbathown — is actually the special word for "Sabbath Rest" — used only this one time in the NEW COVENANT (speaking of YESHUA, the text says: "sat down at the right hand of the MAJESTY on high {rested}" — Hebrews 1. 3). This seemingly indicates that the weekly rest day, like each of the other laws in the Ten Commandments, is still a DIVINE principle in the CHRISTian dispensation, and violating it is to our hurt and disadvantage. It also refers to the rest we find in KING JESUS, "For he who has entered HIS rest has himself also ceased from his works as GOD did from HIS. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience." [Hebrews 4. 10 - 11] 

Also for our future life, it is most comforting when we, the believers and worshippers of GOD MOST HIGH, will have blessed rest from toils and troubles, "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write— Blessed are the dead who die in the LORD from now on. Yes! says the SPIRIT — that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." [Revelation 14. 13] 

How very much our wonderful CREATOR GOD has blessed us, even in these hard days, we can find rest for our souls in YESHUA the REDEEMER, our LORD & KING. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath, come, let us welcome the Bride of the Week...may its radiance illumine our hearts as we kindle the candles of Sabbath! 
Ultimately, the world will again be perfected in the End of Days. Man will again live in harmony with the world and nature, devoting his being and energies to GOD alone. That period is known as "Yom Shekulo Shabbat" – a time of eternal Shabbat, a time we eagerly await today. As a result, Shabbat is a time of both spiritual and physical enjoyment – a time in which the two types of experiences coalesce in complete harmony and together enhance our appreciation of our LOVING MASTER. On Shabbat, both the physical and spiritual all merge into one magnificent whole, serving as a reflection of the one all-encompassing GOD WHO created them. Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me! 


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


Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
What you get for nothing is worth just that! 

PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD 
"Assuredly, because you are acting thus toward ME, even so will I act toward you, O Israel — prepare to meet your GOD, O Israel!" [Amos (Amus) 4. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There is only one thing that everyone can know for sure, not even death and taxes are certain for some will never die (those who are caught up in the rapture—1 Thessalonians 4. 17; 1 Corinthians 15. 51-52); but "each one of us shall give account of himself to GOD." [Romans 14. 12] Those who don't believe in GOD will also meet HIM and find out for sure that HE is. Those who ridicule HIS HOLY WORD, those who disobey HIS Laws, those who worship false gods — everyone will someday meet the LIVING RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD. Beware! take vigilant heed of the warning: "Prepare to meet your GOD!" 

Blessed be the WONDROUS GOD OF CREATION, "YAH" is HIS NAME, is the one-and-only LORD GOD OF HOSTS. "Behold, HE WHO formed the mountains, and created the wind, and has told man what HIS wish is, WHO turns black darkness into daybreak." [Amos (Amus) 4. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Hebrew word for darkness is 'eyphah — used only one other time in HOLY SCRIPTURE and it is synonymous with hell. "A land of darkness, as deepest darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, all gloom and disarray without any order, whose light is darkness." [Job (Iyob) 10. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"The LORD has made HIMSELF known: HE works judgment; the wicked man is snared by his own devices. Let the wicked be turned into Sheol, and all the nations who ignore GOD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The message of the Prophet Amos needs to be heard in every generation: "prepare to meet your GOD!" Since "the wicked will not survive judgment, nor will sinners, in the assembly of the righteous" and judgment is sure. [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this THE JUDGMENT" and for those who die unprepared, "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD." [Hebrews 9. 27; 10. 31] 

The only way to be prepared to come into HIS HOLY PRESENCE is through MESSIAH YESHUA, the LORD OF HOSTS of all heaven and earth. HIS precious blood, as our covering, is the only way to be cleansed of your sins. There is no "second chance" after death; but as long as we have breath, grace, mercy and forgiveness is available from our precious LORD JESUS, covering those who believe and know the true HOPE OF ISRAEL and the whole world. HalleluYAH! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat ha’Chodesh — Sabbath of the New Moon...may our lips ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over us. To be truly blessed, continue serving the BELOVED MASTER with a clean heart (lev tahor) and consider your latter end! 
"Tov shavua b'ezrat ha'Shem! — Have a good week with the help of GOD!" 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A simple maidservant saw miracles on the Red Sea which even Ezekiel did not envision. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — GOD the FATHER (Part 3 of 4) 
Without the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of ALMIGHTY GOD, there could have been no crucifixion scene for it was foreordained before the foundation of the world that the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD would be "cut off." Jews and Gentiles were gathered together against YESHUA , the MAN OF SORROWS, "to do whatever YOUR (GOD'S) hand and YOUR purpose determined before to be done." [Acts 4. 28] The HOLY ONE HIMSELF, blessed be HE, was responsible for the death of the LORD YESHUA, the UNIQUE ANOINTED ONE! In the very beginning it was GOD, the OMNISCIENT PRE-INCARNATE WORD OF GOD WHO slew an animal in the Garden of Eden, shedding its blood to provide coats of the skin to clothe and cover Adam and Eve. This prefigures the "GREATER SACRIFICE" which the HIGH & LOFTY ONE was to give for the redemptive atonement to "whosoever" will accept HIS free gift. Before the creation of the earth it was in the mind of the HEAVENLY FATHER that the SON would come because HE was the ONLY PERFECT SUBSTITUTE to die that those, believing on HIM, could live. This SINLESS LAMB was "slain before the foundation of the earth" by the determinate counsel of ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT GOD! 
"The LORD (GOD THE FATHER) has laid on HIM (GOD THE SON) the iniquity and guilt of all of us. But the LORD (FATHER GOD) chose to bruise HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA); HE (GOD THE FATHER) put HIM (GOD THE SON) to grief and crushed HIM. HE (LORD YESHUA) made HIMSELF an "OFFERING" for sin and guilt, that HE might see offspring and have long life, and that by HIS hand the LORD'S purpose might prosper." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 6, 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
Who bruised the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL? WHO put HIM to grief, and made HIS soul an offering for sin? The MAJESTIC LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! MESSIAH YESHUA HIMSELF foretold that, out of HIS great love, GOD would put HIM to death, "YOU (GOD THE FATHER) commit ME (GOD THE SON) to the dust of death." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD GOD ETERNAL could have prevented that awful scene on Golgotha 's Cross by sending legions of angels in defense of JESUS, HIS "ONLY BEGOTTEN SON." HE could have, but as it is written, "HE WHO did not spare HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all." [Romans 8. 32] "When HE (YESHUA) came into the world, HE said— Sacrifice and offering YOU did not desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME. —YESHUA continued— "Behold, I have come to do YOUR will, O GOD. — HE takes away the first that HE may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 5, 9 - 10] 
At JESUS' trial, Pilate told HIM that he had the power to release or crucify HIM. YESHUA answered, "You could have no power at all against ME unless it had been given you from above." [John 19. 11] "For GOD so loved the world that HE GAVE HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever (Jew or Gentile) believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life!" [John 3. 16] 
The crucifixion is not a "historical misunderstanding" nor is it a "tragic event which ended in defeat." The Cross of Golgotha is a FULFILLMENT of a DIVINE Decree made before the foundation of the world! The death of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is prophesied and we see the manner of that death portrayed in type and symbol throughout the OLD COVENANT; the furniture of the Wilderness Tabernacles was designed by the LOVING CREATOR, then directed by the ALMIGHTY ONE, the LION OF JUDAH, to be placed in the formation of a Cross! 
When the Israelites were commanded to take up the Tabernacle to travel to another place which the LORD would show them, they were to march with the furniture in a Cross formation. When the people of Israel observed that first Passover in Egypt , they were to kill an innocent, blameless, spotless lamb, then take the blood and strike it on the two side posts and the lintel of their houses. Taking the blood from the basin and striking it on the lintel, the upper part of the doorframe and on the two side posts again fashions the "Cross!" [Exodus/Shemot 12. 22] 
The Breast of the Wave Offering which is waved (side-to-side motion), and the Thigh of the Heave Offering which is raised and lowered (up-and-down motion) . . . "their gift to the LORD, their sacrifice offerings of peace" [Exodus/Shemot 29. 27-28], also form the semblance of a Cross. Thus the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, through HIS death on a Cross became the PEACE OFFERING reconciling us back to our RIGHTEOUS & HOLY GOD. 
"O how I thank YOU, my BLESSED REDEEMER, my LORD and my GOD!" 
. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Welcoming Shabbat Parah! (Sabbath of the Red Heifer, a purification process preceding Passover - a remembrance of the going forth from Egypt . Torah Reading : Numbers/B'Midvar 19:1-22] 

Come, let us welcome the Sabbath. May its radiance illumined our hearts as we kindle the candles. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE. The LORD is my LIGHT and my SALVATION. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE in man. The spirit of man is the light of the LORD. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE Law. For the commandment is a Lamp and the Law is a Light. 
Light is the symbol of Israel 's mission. I, the LORD, have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light to the nations. 
Therefore, in the spirit of our ancient tradition that hallows and unites Israel in all lands and all ages, let us go forth with the light of GOD'S WORD to the nations as HE commanded. 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem , is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Freedom is having morals to do what we should do, freedom is not just doing what we want to do. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — EVERYONE! (Conclusion) 
The crucifixion of the MESSIAH YESHUA OF NAZARETH is an event in which the whole world took part. HIS Jewish disciples and well-wishers forsook HIM and fled; Gentiles spat on HIM and mocked the LORD OF GLORY. Jews delivered HIM to Pontius Pilate; Gentiles nailed YESHUA to Golgotha's Cross. Jews cried, "Crucify HIM! Crucify HIM!" Gentiles gambled for HIS seamless garment. Believing Jews wept at the foot of the cross; Gentiles crushed the crown of thorns on His brow. Completed Jews brought costly spices; Gentiles offered Him vinegar and gall. MESSIANIC Jews were HIS pallbearers; Gentiles pierced HIS side. Thus, both the Jews and Gentiles are ALL responsible for crucifying our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, GOD'S PRECIOUS oNLY-BEGOTTEN SON. 

No one is exempt from responsibility in the death of MESSIAH YESHUA! The Jewish prophet Isaiah wrote— "It was our sickness that HE was bearing, our suffering that HE endured. We accounted HIM plagued, smitten and afflicted by GOD; but HE was wounded because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities; HE bore the chastisement that made us whole, and by HIS bruises we were healed...through the sins of MY people, who deserved the punishment, HE was cut off from the land of the living, it is their punishment that HE bore...and HE bore the guilt of the many and made intercession for sinners." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5, 8, 12 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Before OMNIPOTENT GOD, the entire world is guilty of the crucifixion of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. HIS suffering and death was necessary for our salvation. According to the DIVINE PLAN, the INNOCENT ONE must die in order that we might live. The SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS must be made sin in order that we might be made righteous in HIM. The MESSIAH must suffer the wrath and judgment of the RIGHTEOUS MOST HOLY LORD GOD so that we might be reconciled to our HEAVENLY MAKER, the LION OF JUDAH, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. This ONE WHO was the PERFECT SUBSTITUTE, the PERFECT SACRIFICE, PERFECT RANSOM and PERFECT DELIVERER for our souls is YESHUA ha'MASHIACH (JESUS CHRIST THE LORD — THE WORD — GOD INCARNATE — IMMANU'EL). And we, Jew or Gentile, believing upon HIM and accepting MESSIAH as MASTER & LORD of our life are pardoned from our sins, are covered over by the blood of the PIERCED LAMB; and we receive HIS life and righteousness! 

With love comes an obligation, if we love the LORD JESUS, we will keep HIS Commandments. Go, therefore, into all the world and tell this "GOOD NEWS"...wholeness (holiness) is available for the asking! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we as we bid farewell to Shabbat Parah (Sabbath of the Purification Process preceding Passover — a remembrance of the going forth from Egypt.) Now, as we enter a new week let us remember to pray, not only for the peace of Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel, but model that peace in our own lives. 
We are praying that your holidays be filled with the joy, love, and peace of our INVINCIBLE HOLY GOD. 
May you be richly blessed daily throughout the week, recognizing your need of the MASTER continually! 

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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
In time of trouble one tends to make vows; in time of comfort to change one's mind. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — MESSIAH (Part 2 of 4) 
"I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. The GOOD SHEPHERD gives HIS life for the sheep. Therefore MY FATHER loves ME because I lay down MY life that I may take it again. No one takes it from ME, but I LAY IT DOWN of MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from MY FATHER." [John 10. 11, 17 - 18] 

YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE, was not forced to die. HE consented to it, for HIS FATHER had so commanded. When Peter took a sword and used it to defend his BELOVED MASTER, JESUS rebuked him — "Put up your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which MY FATHER has given ME?" [John 18. 11] Our WONDERFUL LORD drank the full cup of bitterness so we would not have to. 

It was prophesied in the OLD COVENANT that the MESSIAH would give HIMSELF over to suffering and death. "I offered MY back to the floggers, and MY cheeks to them that tore out MY beard, I did not hide MY face from the shame of insult and spittle." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 50. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Yes, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gave HIS head to wear the thorns for you; HE gave HIS cheeks to be struck with many blows for you. "Let HIM give HIS cheek to the one who strikes HIM; and be full of reproach and mockery." [Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

JESUS, the MAN OF SORROWS, gave HIS eyes to weep over your sins; HE gave HIS tongue to pray for you; HE gave HIS back to be ploughed for you. "Plowmen plowed across MY back; they made long their furrows." [Psalms (Tehillym) 129. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

YESHUA, the MERCIFUL REDEEMER OF ISRAEL, then gave HIS side for you to be pierced with a spear; HIS hands opened to the cruel nails; and HE gave HIS soul, an offering for you. Yes, HE clothed HIMSELF in a human body that HE might have it to offer sacrificially for you. "Therefore, when HE came into the world, HE said — Sacrifice and offering YOU did not desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME." Then HE added — "Behold, I have come to do YOUR will, O GOD. — HE takes away the first that HE may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 5, 9 - 10] 

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH possessed a human heart that it might be broken and allowed HIS life's blood to be poured out that it might freely flow giving HIS LIFE for the world! Who-so-ever will may freely receive this PRECIOUS ATONEMENT for sin. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. 

. . . to be continued 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Rejoice and magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt HIS NAME together. HIS glory is in the earth and in the heavens. HE is the strength of all HIS servants, the praise of them that truly love HIM, the HOPE of Israel and the whole world. HalleluYAH! 
Chazaq ve'Emats! — Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the Law which Moses MY servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This BOOK OF THE LAW shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." [Joshua/Yehoshua 1.7-8] 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The brute will not fear sin, nor will the ignoramus be saintly. 

MESSIAH'S SECOND COMING 
"As I looked on, in the night vision, One like the SON OF MAN came with the clouds of heaven; HE reached the ANCIENT OF DAYS and was presented to HIM. Dominion, glory, and kingship were given to HIM; all peoples and nations of every language must serve HIM. HIS dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and HIS kingship, one that shall not be destroyed." [Daniel (Danyel) 7. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The first time the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the PRINCE OF PEACE came, HE walked the earth in humiliation; the second time HE is coming in a blaze of glory! The first time HE came to die; the second time HE will rule and reign forevermore. The LORD JESUS came first to redeem; when HE returns HE will claim those HE has atoned for. The ANOINTED REDEEMER came once that HIS heel might be bruised by Satan; MESSIAH must come again to crush the serpent's head and with a rod of iron to dash HIS enemies to pieces. The RULER OF ISRAEL came once to wear a crown of thorns. It is prophesied HE will come again to wear the diadem of universal dominion. The first time, nailS were hammered through HIS hands. When the TRIUMPHANT KING returns, HE will grasp the scepter of sovereignty and will reign forever! 

From Enoch down to the last prophet declared the second appearing of CHRIST JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT, by the mouths of the apostles, repeatedly said — JESUS is coming again! — When the disciples were troubled because they were informed that YESHUA would leave them, HE comforted them with these words— Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER'S House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and receive you to MYSELF; that where I am, there you may be also." [John 14. 1 - 3] 

GOD'S WORD is true. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but HIS WORD shall stand forever. "GOD is not man that HE should lie, or mortal to change HIS mind. Would HE speak and not act, promise and not fulfill?" [Numbers (B'Midvar) 23. 19 Tanakh, Torah] 

When the followers of the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH asked HIM when HE would return, HE described to them the events which are now transpiring in our day before our very eyes. HE said: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in MY NAME, saying —I am the CHRIST— and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows...And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." [Matthew 24. 4 - 8; 12 - 14] 

"Then if anyone says to you — "Look! here is the CHRIST" or "There!" — do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you— "Look! He is in the desert!" do not go out; or "Look, he is in the inner rooms!" —do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the SON OF MAN be." [Matthew 24. 23 - 27] 

All will see and know for themselves, for GOD will make HIS coming visible to every living being. "Then the sign of the SON OF MAN will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." [Matthew 24. 30] 

Some consider the second coming of MESSIAH an experience of death, but HIS first coming did not mean death to the Jews — rather, it meant more abundant life! At JESUS' second coming, the enemy, death, will be swallowed up in victory, those who are dead in CHRIST will arise and live again! 

The second appearing of MESSIAH YESHUA, some express as only a spiritual coming. But the promise is, "this same JESUS." Therefore, HIS appearance is literal and exact. When HE ascended into heaven, HE was flesh and bones. After HIS resurrection, the LORD appeared to HIS disciples who thought HE was a ghost. Thus, the RISEN ONE urged them to handle HIM and see — for HE said: "A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." [Luke 24. 39] KING YESHUA will also have the marks of the wounds in HIS body forever showing evidence of the price HE paid for our salvation. This same "flesh-and-bones JESUS" shall come again as HE promised HE would! 

There are numerous false christs in the world today even as the FAITHFUL & TRUE ONE warned there would be in the last days before HIS return. But an authentic disciple of the LORD is not deceived by them. ALMIGHTY GOD, by HIS holy angels declared that "this same JESUS will so come in like manner as you saw HIM go into heaven." [Acts 1. 11] 

The LORD JESUS CHRIST went away on a cloud in their sight [Acts 1. 9], and HE is coming back with clouds. MESSIAH ascended suddenly and miraculously. HIS returning will be suddenly and miraculously. When YESHUA was ascending into heaven, HIS disciples were watching HIM go away. YESHUA is returning for those who love HIS appearing, who not only have the knowledge of HIS second coming, but who are watching and waiting in great longing, and living lives consecrated to HOLY GOD in anticipation of this up-coming glorious event! 

In view of the world events which are taking place around us, the things our LORD described would occur just before HIS Second Advent are now taking place. Each of us who have accepted YESHUA as our MESSIAH, KING and personal SAVIOR can "look up, and lift up our heads, for our complete and final redemption draws near!" [Luke 21. 28] Are you watching in obedience? 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Truly, the LORD is waiting to show you grace; HE will arise to pardon you, for the LORD is a GOD of justice. Blessed are all who wait for HIM. 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Happy are those whose youth has not shamed their old age! 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — SATAN (Part 1 of 4) 
One of the parties responsible for the death of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is Satan. We read of him in the very first promise of the coming MESSIAH, where ALMIGHTY GOD spoke to the Serpent and said, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her SEED (JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE); HE shall crush your head, and you will bruise HIS heel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Old Serpent (Satan) would bruise the heel of the BLESSED REDEEMER, and according to the prophecy, this was done. Literally and precisely, in no other death but crucifixion would the heel of an individual actually be bruised! CHRIST JESUS' heel did crush the head of the Old Serpent (defeating him by HIS death, then raising victoriously from the grave); and MESSIAH'S "heel" — in crushing the Serpent's head, was "bruised" as it was DIVINELY foretold! 

It is the Devil who seeks to prevent the plan of our OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD and to confuse the minds of the people. This Prince of Darkness is the evil one who entered into the heart of Judas, planted hatred and aroused jealousy in the Sadducees and Pharisees. He not only stirred them up, but also promoted the lying scheme of the LORD JESUS' crucifixion. 

Many claim that the persecution and the suffering visited upon the Jews today is because at the hour of crucifixion the people of Israel shouted: "Let HIS blood be upon us and upon our children." [Matthew 27. 25] This was a wicked prayer (if it could be called a prayer) spoken by unbelieving men. The blood of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH does not cry out for vengeance or retaliation! IT WAS SHED FOR CLEANSING US FROM SIN, and the LORD YESHUA willingly laid down HIS life "that the world through HIM might be saved." [John 3. 17] MESSIAH YESHUA, the ANOINTED LORD OF GLORY took no notice of the aforementioned request for it was said in ignorance. Rather, HIS great compassion was expressed when HE cried — "FATHER forgive them, for THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!" [Luke 23. 34] 

Israel, as a nation, would have been doomed and no Jew could ever be saved had they known HE was the MESSIAH and had rejected HIM. When thousands of Jews were saved on Shavuoth (Day of Pentecost), JESUS our GREAT HIGH PRIEST'S Prayer of Forgiveness from Golgotha's Cross was answered and continues to be answered whenever a Jew or Gentile accepts HIM as their MESSIAH, REDEEMER & LORD! [Acts 2. 1-42] Great is HIS faithfulness. 

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
The Amidah (Judaism's most central prayer, recited 3 times daily)— "Sound the great Shofar to announce our freedom, raise the banner to gather our exiles, and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Praised are YOU, LORD, WHO gathers the dispersed of HIS people, Israel. And to Jerusalem, YOUR City, may YOU return in mercy. May YOU dwell there as YOU have promised. Build it now in our day and forever, and speedily reestablish the throne of David in her midst. Praised are YOU, Lord, WHO builds Jerusalem. Amen!" 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Will you be a footnote in history or will you be a chapter heading? We ask you to stand with Israel as she stares down the face of evil in this world once again. As Jews around the world will say on Passover, just a month after celebrating Purim (the holiday where the Book of Esther is read and GOD’S salvation is celebrated again): "In every generation there are those that rise to destroy us and the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, saves us from their hands." 
Happy Purim…beloved ones in the Land of Miracles. 

ONE-WAY OF ESCAPE 
"She let them down by a rope through the window — for her dwelling was on the outer side of the city wall and she lived in the actual wall...She sent them on their way, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord to the window." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 2. 15, 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

When the spies came into Jericho to search out the land, it was only Rahab the harlot and her household who alone was saved when the rest of the city was destroyed. Rahab had rescued the two spies by hiding them on her rooftop under the stalks of flax, when the men of Jericho came searching for them. When the gates of the city were closed, Rahab helped them escape through her window, which was on the wall of the city. Then, according to their word, she hung a scarlet cord from the window through which she let them down as a sign of their vow. [Joshua/Yehoshua 2] 

The window, was the only way of escape for the Hebrew spies, and the window held the "sign of the oath" which was required for the protection of all within that home. 

Noah was commanded to build an ark, and did so specifically according to the specifications from ELOHIYM. "Make an opening for daylight in the ark, and finish it a cubit from the top. Put the door to the ark in its side." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 16 Tanakh, Torah] 

This window in the ark was the only source of light; and its door in the side was the only way into safety. "At the end of forty days, Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made." [Genesis/Bereshith 8. 6] It was the only way Noah had of opening up and receiving news of new life and restoration, for it was through this one window that the dove was sent forth and returned with the sign, the freshly plucked olive leaf by which Noah knew the waters had receded from the earth. [Genesis/Bereshith 6 - 8] 

When all flesh that was to be saved on the ark was in, the LORD GOD shut the door. When the time for the closing of the age and the day of grace, GOD will again close the door. Likewise, HE WHO opens the way to salvation, knows when it will be shut and not opened again. There will be no other opportunity to be saved. 

The ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE, MERCY & TRUTH is JESUS, the PERFECT ONE is the ONLY-BEGOTTEN, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME." [John 14. 6] The GOOD SHEPHERD came to earth to give us life, and that we may have life more abundantly. [John 10. 10] 

The unscrupulous principles of the world leads to confusion, offers multiple directions, and ends in utter destruction. Thankfully, in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, all fear and confusion disappears for HE is the ONLY WAY OF ESCAPE becoming our PERFECT REFUGE from all sins. HE is the ONLY SOURCE OF LIGHT EVERLASTING; HE is the ONLY WAY OF SALVATION . 

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." [1 Corinthians 10. 13] The LORD JESUS, the AMEN, the FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS, the BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." [Revelation 3. 19] GOD’S desire is for us to be HIS people, and HE will be our GOD WHO will give us one heart to fear HIM forever, throughout all eternity. 

The way GOD has provided to escape temptation, is by the knowledge of what lays ahead. Like MESSIAH YESHUA, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 1 - 2] So, let us faithfully run, with patience, determination and endurance, the race that is set before us. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Happy Purim! The main event is reading the entire Book of Esther. Set in Persia 2,300 years ago, the "Megillah (as it is usually called, meaning “scroll”)" recounts how a seemingly unrelated series of events swirled together to save the Jewish people from annihilation. The brief, but perceptive version is as follows: When King Ahasuerus throws a huge six-month party and the queen, Vashti, refuses to follow orders, she is replaced by a new queen — Esther (Hadassah's captive name) the Jewess. Esther's Uncle Mordecai, the leader of the Jews, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king — putting him also in a favorable position with the king. All this comes in handy when Haman, the king's top advisor, obtains a decree to have all the Jews destroyed. In the end, through a complex twist of events, Esther gets the decree reversed, Haman is hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, and Mordecai becomes prime minister. 
Megillah Esther teaches us that life's challenges work out for the best, when we recognize what appear to be obstacles as opportunities to develop ourselves for the better and when we recognize that all things come from Omnipotent God's invisible hand that guides our lives. 
"Hag Semaiach — Good Holiday!" 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/