Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When you are at one with the CREATOR, there is no better place for you
to be.

NAME OF THE LORD
"GOD said to Moses— I Am that I AM (Hebrew: EHYAH 'ASHER EHYAH).
Thus shall you say to the Israelites — I Am sent me to you." [Exodus
(Shemot) 3. 14 Tanakh, Torah]

This unique name of GOD (EHYAH) was given to stress the truth that HE is
timeless, that HE is "THE ETERNAL, SELF-EXISTING ONE." In using the
words "I AM" — YESHUA ha'MASHIACH identifies HIMSELF with the
COVENANT PERSONAL NAME OF THE LORD in the OLD COVENANT. The Jews
recognized MESSIAH' S claim to DEITY when HE said, "Before Abraham
was (born), I Am" [John 8. 58]; and they took up stones to stone HIM to
death, considering it as blasphemy, which by Law was punishable by
death. [Leviticus/Vayikra 24. 15; John 8. 24 & 58 — "if you believe
not that I AM (HE), you shall die in your sins."]

As the great I AM, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, is GOD THE CREATOR, and
HE has revealed HIMSELF to us under many beautiful symbolic names. "I
AM" appears eleven times in the GOSPEL OF JOHN (including the verse
above), each intensely rich with spiritual depth of meaning:
"I Am HE" — the MESSIAH. [John 4. 26] JESUS, the ANOINTED MESSIAH
meets our need for a DIVINE SAVIOUR & BLESSED REDEEMER.
"I Am the BREAD OF LIFE, THE LIVING BREAD OF HEAVEN" [John 6. 35, 51]
— meeting our soul-hunger.
"I Am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, THE LIGHT OF LIFE" [John 8. 12] —
meeting our darkness.
"I Am the DOOR of the sheep" [John 10. 7] — meeting our ACCESS to
ALMIGHTY GOD.
"I Am the GOOD SHEPHERD, WHO gives HIS life for HIS sheep" [John 10. 11]
— meeting our helplessness.
"I Am the RESURRECTION and the LIFE" [John 11. 25] — meeting our
death.
"I Am your MASTER & LORD" [John 13. 13] — meeting our dependence on
a HIGHER AUTHORITY, the ONE WHO created us.
"I Am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE" [John 14. 6] — meeting our
need of salvation.
"I Am the TRUE VINE" [John 15. 1] — meeting our need of union with
HIMSELF for life and sustenance.
"I Am JESUS OF NAZARETH" [John 18. 5] — meeting our need of a
KINSMAN REDEEMER, SAVIOR, THE DIVINE GOD/MAN.

This magnificent self-affirmation of the LORD JESUS saturates and
permeates HOLY SCRIPTURES from its first use, "I Am a SHIELD to you;
your EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD" [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 1] to its final
occurrence "I Am the BRIGHT & MORNING STAR." [Revelation 22. 16] All
these beautiful qualities of YESHUA'S character help us to pray more
fervently "that GOD may be all in all." [1 Corinthians 15. 28] Without
HIM, we can do nothing! With HIM, nothing else is needed!

Interesting Comment: According to a Rabbinical tradition, JESUS stole
the true pronunciation of the SACRED NAME from the TEMPLE SCROLL and
inserted it in HIS thigh. To them, this was the reason for HIS
supernatural power. How significant then is the revelation of CHRIST
JESUS coming in glory as related in Revelation 19:16 in connection with
this tradition, for on His thigh will be a name written: "The KING of
kings, and LORD of lords!"

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
How greatly Almighty GOD must have loved us, to create us in HIS IMAGE;
yet even greater love did the HOLY ONE , blessed be HE, show us in
making us conscious that we are created in the DIVINE IMAGE. Then, by
HIMSELF dying to redeem what HE so loved. [The Mishna]

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared
to what lies within us.

CRY FROM THE CROSS
"MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU abandoned (Hebrew: `azab
forsaken, left, rejected, refused) ME? Why so far from delivering ME and
from MY roaring? [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This is one of the most remarkable prophetic chapters ever written
describing in detail the awful suffering of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH the LORD
JESUS on the cross a thousand years prior to it happening. This was the
heart-shattering cry of the SUFFERING SERVANT during the supernatural
dreadful darkness when even HIS HEAVENLY FATHER turned HIS back on HIM.
Why could such a thing be, when HE had always been "holy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from sinners" even though HE had been "tempted and
tested in all points as we are, yet without sin." [Hebrews 7. 26; 4. 15]

The Reason Because GOD THE FATHER "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] as the HOLY ONE'S "eyes are too pure to look upon
evil, and cannot look on wickedness and wrongdoing." [Habakkuk 1. 13
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The FATHER'S BELOVED, ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON willingly allowed HIMSELF to be
offered as the PERFECT & UNBLEMISHED SACRIFICIAL "LAMB OF GOD WHO takes
away the sin of the world." [John 1. 29] "And the LORD has laid on HIM
the iniquity of us all" even though "HE was oppressed, afflicted and
maltreated, yet HE was submissive, opened not HIS mouth. Though HE had
done no injustice and had spoken no falsehood." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53.
7, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] So the weight of all the world's sin was
transferred to the shoulders of the RIGHTEOUS SAVIOR. The LORD MESSIAH
YESHUA carried the burden we could not carry and died so we could live
victoriously.

What an amazing transaction JESUS suffered and died for our sins
so we could be set free to enjoy the fruits of HIS perfect righteousness
eternally! Like Paul, we can now say, "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]

"For the love of CHRIST compels us…that those who live should live
no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them and rose again."
[2 Corinthians 5. 14 - 15] May we live for MESSIAH YESHUA, blessed be
HE, WHO died for us!

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

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
People who think they are more important than others have forgotten what
is important.

CRY OF GOD'S HEART
"Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would revere ME and
follow all MY commandments, that it may be well with them and with their
children forever!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 5. 29 Tanakh, Torah]

To know the MERCIFUL GOD OF HEAVEN, we must "listen! " He tells us, "I
am the FIRST, and I am the LAST as well." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 12
Tanakh, Nevi'im] And we must "believe" believe that HE is the only
GOD and love HIM alone. "Hear, O Israel! the LORD, our GOD, the LORD is
ONE! You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 - 5
Tanakh, Torah]

ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS tender compassionate kindness, desires, "if only MY
people would listen to ME, that they would obey ME and follow MY paths!"
[Psalms (Tehillym) 81. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Instead, the nations are
void of counsel and there is no understanding in them. The people
utterly corrupted themselves with evil and have turned aside from the
LORD'S commands, even denying HIS existence. Our sins are done in the
open for all to see; and in belligerent, hostile, defiance we have
provoked the RIGHTEOUS ONE to anger.

Our response to the SOVEREIGN LORD should be to "Listen to (HIS) counsel
and accept discipline in order that you may be wise in your latter days.
Many designs are in a man's mind, but it is the LORD'S plan that stands
and will be accomplished. " [Proverbs (Mishle) 19. 20 - 21 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] The HOLY ONE declares, "When MY people who bear MY NAME
humble themselves, pray, and seek MY face and turn from their evil ways,
I will hear in MY heavenly abode and forgive their sin and heal their
land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

As we earnestly obey, the GENTLE MASTER will "teach us to number our
days rightly" so we will gain a heart of wisdom and HE will have
compassion on us. [Psalms/Tehillym 90. 8 - 13] "What does the LORD
your GOD demand of you? Only this, to revere the LORD your GOD, to walk
only in HIS paths, to love HIM, and to serve the LORD your GOD with all
of your heart and soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 10. 12 Tanakh, Torah]
"Obey the VOICE OF THE LORD your GOD, to keep HIS commandments and HIS
statutes which are recorded in this BOOK OF THE TEACHING." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 30. 10 Tanakh, Torah] IF we love HIM, this is something we
will want to do, not something we have to do.

The LOVING LORD GOD promises that "you will find HIM, IF only you seek
HIM with all your heart and soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 29 Tanakh,
Torah] Those who have a tender heart to seek the BLESSED SAVIOUR and
humble themselves before HIM, HE will give them the understanding to
acknowledge "that I am the LORD. They shall be MY people and I will be
their GOD when they turn back to ME with their whole heart." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 24. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Both Jews and Gentiles can receive the POWER OF GOD and the WISDOM OF
GOD, in MESSIAH YESHUA. [1 Corinthians 1. 24] Nehemiah was a good
example for everyone with a heart for the LORD to follow — "he read
from the BOOK OF THE TEACHING OF GOD each day from the First to the Last
day." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 8. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] If one were wise,
they would contemplate their eternal worth and redeem the time. "Oh
that they were wise, they would think upon this, they would consider
their Latter End." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 29 Tanakh, Torah] LORD,
bind us closer to YOU and keep us strong.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
...
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join
in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her — that you may suck
from her breast consolation to the full, that you may draw from her
bosom glory to your delight." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 66. 10–11 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is better to have feelings without words than words without feeling.

FOUR WINDS
"Behold, HE WHO formed mountains, and creates the wind, and declares to man what HIS thought is, WHO turns black darkness into daybreak, and treads upon the high places of the earth — HIS NAME is the LORD, the GOD OF HOSTS." [Amos (Amus) 4. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

These are some wondrous works of HIM WHO is altogether perfect in knowledge! Even the winds obey HIM. [Matthew 8. 27; Luke 8. 25] "At the sound of HIS VOICE, there is a rumbling of water in the skies; HE makes vapors rise from the ends of the earth, HE makes lightning for the rain, HE brings forth wind from HIS treasuries." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 13; 51. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Whatever the LORD desires HE does in heaven and in earth, in the seas and all the depths. HE makes clouds rise from the end of the earth; HE makes lightning for the rain; HE releases the wind from HIS vaults." [Psalms (Tehillym) 135. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Mighty are the ways of the AWESOME CREATOR, controlling even the elements in the four corners of the earth for HIS purpose and plan:

EAST WIND - (Hebrew: qadiym ruwach) The East wind is the most often mentioned in HOLY SCRIPTURE; it is stormy, wrecks ships, and withers growing things. "So Moses held out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD drove an east wind on the land…and when morning came the east wind had brought the locusts." [Exodus (Shemot) 10. 13 Tanakh, Torah] "Like the east wind, I will scatter them before the enemy. I will show them MY back and not MY face in their day of disaster."[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 18. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "They all come, bent on destruction; their faces are set like the east wind, and they amass captives like sand." [Habakkuk 1. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

WEST WIND - (Hebrew: yam ruwach) The West wind blew away the plague of locusts. "The LORD caused a shift to a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and hurled them into the Red Sea; not a single locust remained in all the territory of Egypt." [Exodus (Shemot) 10. 19 Tanakh, Torah]

NORTH WIND - (Hebrew: tsaphown ruwach) The North wind brings rain, refreshing or stormy. "The north wind brings forth rain." [Proverbs (Mishle) 25. 23 Tanakh, Torah] "Awake, O north wind! Come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, that its perfume may spread." [Song of Songs (Shir Ha'Shirm) 4. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "I looked, and lo, a stormy wind came sweeping out of the north." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 1. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

SOUTH WIND - (Hebrew: darowm ruwach) The south wind is gentle and helps growth. "(Do you know) why your clothes become hot when HE quiets the earth by the south wind?" [Job (Iyob) 37. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "HE set the east wind to blow in heaven, and brought in the south wind by HIS might." [Psalms (Tehillym) 78. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Awake, O north wind, Come, O south wind! Make my garden breathe out fragrance, that its spices may flow out. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its luscious choice fruits." [Song of Songs/Shir Ha'Shirm 4. 16] "As for man, his days are like those of grass; he blooms like a flower of the field; a wind passes by and it is gone, and its place no longer knows it. But the LORD'S mercy is for all eternity toward those who fear HIM, and HIS righteousness is for the children's children of those who keep HIS Covenant and remember to observe HIS precepts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 15 - 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

And some glorious day, the MOST HOLY LORD GOD ALMIGHTY "will send HIS angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." [Matthew 24. 31] That is the day the redeemed of the LORD are all looking for. What a magnificently glorious day that will be! HalleluYAH!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD, we give you thanks and praise for your invisible hand that guides our lives and in the mist of turmoil, gives perfect peace from YOUR High Place. We look to YOU alone for our help. YOUR GREAT NAME is blessed forever and to all eternity.
Shalom U'Vrakah (Peace & Blessings) Lift your head up high and rejoice, our GOD reigns! The LORD GOD be with each of you this day and always is our prayer.


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
People who think they are more important than others have forgotten what
is important.

CRY OF GOD'S HEART
"Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would revere ME and
follow all MY commandments, that it may be well with them and with their
children forever!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 5. 29 Tanakh, Torah]

To know the MERCIFUL GOD OF HEAVEN, we must "listen! " He tells us, "I
am the FIRST, and I am the LAST as well." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 12
Tanakh, Nevi'im] And we must "believe" believe that HE is the only
GOD and love HIM alone. "Hear, O Israel! the LORD, our GOD, the LORD is
ONE! You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 - 5
Tanakh, Torah]

ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS tender compassionate kindness, desires, "if only MY
people would listen to ME, that they would obey ME and follow MY paths!"
[Psalms (Tehillym) 81. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Instead, the nations are
void of counsel and there is no understanding in them. The people
utterly corrupted themselves with evil and have turned aside from the
LORD'S commands, even denying HIS existence. Our sins are done in the
open for all to see; and in belligerent, hostile, defiance we have
provoked the RIGHTEOUS ONE to anger.

Our response to the SOVEREIGN LORD should be to "Listen to (HIS) counsel
and accept discipline in order that you may be wise in your latter days.
Many designs are in a man's mind, but it is the LORD'S plan that stands
and will be accomplished. " [Proverbs (Mishle) 19. 20 - 21 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] The HOLY ONE declares, "When MY people who bear MY NAME
humble themselves, pray, and seek MY face and turn from their evil ways,
I will hear in MY heavenly abode and forgive their sin and heal their
land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

As we earnestly obey, the GENTLE MASTER will "teach us to number our
days rightly" so we will gain a heart of wisdom and HE will have
compassion on us. [Psalms/Tehillym 90. 8 - 13] "What does the LORD
your GOD demand of you? Only this, to revere the LORD your GOD, to walk
only in HIS paths, to love HIM, and to serve the LORD your GOD with all
of your heart and soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 10. 12 Tanakh, Torah]
"Obey the VOICE OF THE LORD your GOD, to keep HIS commandments and HIS
statutes which are recorded in this BOOK OF THE TEACHING." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 30. 10 Tanakh, Torah] IF we love HIM, this is something we
will want to do, not something we have to do.

The LOVING LORD GOD promises that "you will find HIM, IF only you seek
HIM with all your heart and soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 29 Tanakh,
Torah] Those who have a tender heart to seek the BLESSED SAVIOUR and
humble themselves before HIM, HE will give them the understanding to
acknowledge "that I am the LORD. They shall be MY people and I will be
their GOD when they turn back to ME with their whole heart." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 24. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Both Jews and Gentiles can receive the POWER OF GOD and the WISDOM OF
GOD, in MESSIAH YESHUA. [1 Corinthians 1. 24] Nehemiah was a good
example for everyone with a heart for the LORD to follow — "he read
from the BOOK OF THE TEACHING OF GOD each day from the First to the Last
day." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 8. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] If one were wise,
they would contemplate their eternal worth and redeem the time. "Oh
that they were wise, they would think upon this, they would consider
their Latter End." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 29 Tanakh, Torah] LORD,
bind us closer to YOU and keep us strong.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
...
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join
in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her — that you may suck
from her breast consolation to the full, that you may draw from her
bosom glory to your delight." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 66. 10–11 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Saichel (Hebrew for common sense) is a gift; intelligence is an
acquisition (achieved possession).

PRIEST'S ARMOR
"I clothed myself in righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my
robe and turban." [Job (Iyob) 29. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Righteousness
shall be the girdle of HIS loins, and faithfulness the belt of HIS
waist." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness is always in agreement with the
nature of ALMIGHTY GOD'S righteousness which is selflessness. "For
none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself." [Romans 14. 7]
HOLY SCRIPTURE never speaks of the BELOVED MESSIAH taking authority,
because HE was AUTHORITY — the power and supremacy of the FATHER
dwelt in HIM. YESHUA demonstrated authority by HIS complete obedience,
"I have kept MY FATHER'S commandments and abide in HIS love." [John 15.
10] Demons either came and bowed at HIS feet or acknowledged HIS
authority. The LORD YESHUA did not have to do anything — they had
no choice but to acquiesce to the authority abiding in HIM. There was
no fighting, no wrestling, no scolding or argument. . .HE cast them out,
and they left.

The body armor of the priesthood is designed by the MOST HOLY to protect
HIS priests from those forces of the flesh which would cause them to
become an "accuser of the brethren" — Satan. Those who
would be priests alongside MESSIAH are commanded to, "Put on the whole
armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." [Ephesians 6.
11 - 13]

The Hebrew views and opinions of armor is centered from the foundation
of the TORAH, being that of the priestly wardrobe described in
Exodus/Shemot 28, rather then the Christian concept of the soldier' s
attire. The word "priest" is translated from the Hebrew kohen,
always denoting one who offers sacrifices. Both 1 Peter 2:9 and
Revelation 1:6 tell that those who actively embrace the life of YESHUA
by keeping the WORDS of the FATHER continually offering sacrifices of
praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 7. 1 – 10…portrays a nation of
priests). While the priesthood of the Levite could only be attained
through birth, the apostle was comparing the clothing worn by those
priests of what is to be put on by those who stand before HIM today.

The Belt of Truth can be seen in the Ephod of Exodus/Shemot 28:5-14
depicting an apron-like garment worn from the waist and covering the
loins.
— "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth..."
[Ephesians 6:14a]
The Breastplate of Righteousness/ Judgment is described in Exodus/Shemot
28:15–30 and Isaiah/Yeshayah 59:17..." For HE put on righteousness as
a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on HIS head; HE put on the
garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak."
— "Having put on the breastplate of righteousness. " [Ephesians
6:14b]
Feet of Shalom. Priests were always barefoot before the HOLY PRESENCE
because they were on holy ground. [Exodus 3. 5 {"Take your sandals off
your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." }; Isaiah 52.
7] In the LORD GOD is there Perfect Shalom (Peace).
— "Having shod your feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF
PEACE." [Ephesians 6:15]
The Shield of Trust. Faith, `aman, in Hebrew means "to trust".
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 7. 9; Psalms/Tehillym 115. 10; Proverbs/Mishle 30.
5]
— "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." [Ephesians 6:16]
The Helmet of Salvation (in Hebrew, teshuw`ah, salvation and deliverance
mean the same) is found in Exodus 28:36-39, and is made of white fine
linen, signifying righteous deeds. [Revelation 19. 8] This Turban
carried an engraved plate attached to it that said "Holy to the YEHOWAH"
— Here, the emphasis is on the covering of thought processes,
"taking every thought captive unto the obedience of the CHRIST JESUS."
[2 Corinthians 10. 5]
— "And take the helmet of salvation." [Ephesians 6:17a]
The Sword of the SPIRIT is the WORD OF GOD. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 1;
Isaiah/Yeshayah 55. 11; John 17. 17] Priests carried no weapons of war,
so the MIGHTY WORD OF THE LORD, as with all of these descriptions about
armor is used defensively, to protect what is within — not
offensively against someone or something outwardly. "For the WORD OF GOD
is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." [Hebrews 4.
12]
— "And the sword of the SPIRIT which is the WORD OF GOD." [Ephesians
6:17b]
The Sacrifice of Prayer is found in Exodus/Shemot 30:7-8. The burning of
incense signifies the supplications continually offered up to the MOST
HOLY LORD GOD by HIS Priests. [Psalms/Tehillym 141. 2; Revelation 5. 8;
1 Peter 2. 5]
— "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT,
being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for
all the saints." [Ephesians 6. 18]

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you
were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence
of many witnesses." [1 Timothy 6. 12 - 13] The ALL-WISE LOVING LORD GOD
has given us everything we need to stand strong in HIM and in the power
of HIS might.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath — the rest of love freely given — a rest of truth
and sincerity — a rest in peace and tranquility, in quiet and safety
— a perfect rest in which you find favor. We bow the head and bend
the knee and magnify the KING of kings, the HOLY ONE, praised be HE.
Amen!
This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad
in it. Have a peaceful, enriching Shabbat with the deliberate intention
of blessing others.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The voice of rejoicing and salvation are in the tents of the righteous.

KOSHER KID
"The choice first-fruits of your soil you shall bring to the HOUSE OF
YEHOWAH ELOHEY. You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk. For you
are a people consecrated to the LORD your GOD." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 19;
34. 26; Deuteronomy/ Devarim 14. 21 Tanakh, Torah]

ALMIGHTY GOD does not say anything about eating meat and milk together,
only the kid was not to be boiled in its mother's milk. CHRIST-like- ones
are not to follow the practices of the heathen nor do at all as they do.
"Do not worship the LORD your GOD in like manner." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 12. 4 Tanakh, Torah]

History teaches that at the time of harvest, the heathen would seethe
(boil) a kid in its mother's milk and sprinkle the broth in a peculiar
mystical way over their trees and gardens to make them more fruitful for
the next year. This offering, on the part of the idolaters, shows the
faith they placed in their gods and of the feasts which was observed in
their honour. In the RAS SHAMRA TABLETS it is stated that "if one
desired favor with a deity he should boil a kid in its mother's milk and
present it to the deity!" [Joseph R. Free's —Archeology & The
Bible.]

We are commanded against worshipping other gods (false—misleading as
they be), we are not even to mention their names. "Be on guard
concerning all that I have told you. Make no mention of the names of
other gods; they shall not be heard on your lips." [Exodus (Shemot) 23.
13 Tanakh, Torah] We are to keep the commands of the ONLY TRUE
ALL-POWERFUL GOD, and nothing is to enter into our observances that
would even hint at idolatry.

CREATOR GOD repeatedly, over-and-over, and time-after-time commands HIS
people— "You shall have no other gods besides ME." [Exodus (Shemot)
20. 3 Tanakh, Torah] All faith and obedience is to be directed to the
GREAT & MIGHTY GOD of Heaven. Now, as in times past, GOD'S people who
are saved through MESSIAH YESHUA, our BLESSED REDEEMER & SAVIOUR, are
not to follow the ways of the heathen or gods of the world.

Man's traditions must be avoided entirely. ALMIGHTY GOD'S HOLY WORD
must be followed completely, then we will have an abundant life now and
receive treasures of eternal joy with HIM and ever rejoice in the
blessings of our LORD GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
For all of us, daily life sometimes seems to be an obstacle course
filled with rocks and thorns. But, when GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD is
in the center of our life, we find sweet honey in the ROCK. Have a
blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the MIGHTY
LORD, the SOURCE OF LIFE.
Do not fear, nor be afraid, boldly declare the wonders of our GOD we
are HIS witnesses, HE will go before us, HE is our MIGHTY ROCK. HE will
sustain us with HIS right hand of justice and victoriously overcome in
righteousness.

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

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May GOD bless and keep you! May GOD watch over you in kindness! May
GOD grant you a life of good health, joy and peace.

MANIFEST LIFE
The GREAT OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD anointed holy men of Israel to write
down HIS promises. There are many pictures of the only ONE SUPREME
PERSON WHO was to come, YESHUA, the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the SAVIOR of the
world. We can see HIM on every page of the TORAH — the LAW OF GOD.
Every incident or person which is mentioned in the OLD COVENANT points
to the HOLY & TRUE ONE and in some way brings out a greater revelation
of HIM.

Also in the NEW COVENANT we read how YESHUA ha'MASHIACH referred to the
TANAKH (OLD COVENANT) many times as pictures of HIMSELF. After the LORD
JESUS had been resurrected from the grave and was walking with two of
HIS disciples on the road to Emmaus, HE lovingly rebuked them for their
sadness over HIS crucifixion. "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to
believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the CHRIST to
have suffered these things and to enter into HIS glory?" [Luke 24. 25 -
26] The risen LORD said to them — "These are the words which I
spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be
fulfilled which were written in the LAW OF MOSES (TORAH) and the
PROPHETS (Nevi'im) and the PSALMS (Kethuvim —WRITINGS) concerning
ME." [Luke 24. 44]

The LORD JESUS rebuked them for not believing all the prophetic pictures
of HIMSELF. Then HE continued speaking to them repeating what the
prophets said — "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, HE
expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF."
[Luke 24. 27]

"All SCRIPTURE" referred to the TANAKH (OLD COVENANT), as there was no
NEW COVENANT written until about twenty years after the BELOVED SAVIOUR
was crucified and resurrected. Over and over again we find the words
— "it is written" or "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophets" or "as the SCRIPTURE says" or "according to the
SCRIPTURE."

Only JESUS fits into all the details of prophecy of the MESSIAH. HIS
conception and birth would be like no other because it would be of a
miraculous nature. Isaiah and Jeremiah both write that the MESSIAH was
to have a HUMAN and DIVINE nature. Isaiah states that the ANOINTED ONE
would be a CHILD born to Israel and would be called "THE MIGHTY GOD, THE
PRINCE OF UNLIMITED PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Jeremiah says HE would be righteous and be called by the name "YEHOWAH
TSIDQENUW (the LORD our VINDICATOR/RIGHTEOU SNESS)." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah)
23. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In the Psalms, David writes of MESSIAH' S death, resurrection, and coming
again. Daniel, Isaiah and others prophesied that YESHUA was to come to
atone for the iniquities of the people and to bring in everlasting
righteousness. "He was despised, shunned by men, as ONE WHO hid HIS
face from us, as a leper; HE was despised, we held HIM of no account.
Yet 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, HE was bruised and crushed because of
our iniquities. HE bore the chastisement that made us whole and gives us
peace...and by HIS stripes and bruises we were healed. Out of HIS
anguish and labor HE shall see the arm of the LORD, HIS vindication; HE
shall be satisfied enjoying it to the full through HIS devotion. MY
RIGHTEOUS SERVANT makes the many righteous, it is their punishment,
their iniquities that HE bears." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5, 11
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

There are many, many other SCRIPTURES we haven't space to quote but will
end by quoting Peter's message to his Jewish brethren as it is still a
message to my Jewish people today and all my Gentile friends:
"The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the GOD of our fathers,
glorified HIS SERVANT JESUS, WHOM you delivered up and denied in the
presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let HIM go.
But you denied the HOLY ONE and the JUST, and asked for a murderer to
be granted to you, and killed the PRINCE OF LIFE, WHOM GOD raised from
the dead, for which we are witnesses.
And HIS NAME, through faith in HIS NAME, has made this man strong, whom
you see and know. Yes! the faith which comes through HIM has given him
this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also
your rulers, but those things which GOD foretold by the mouth of all HIS
prophets, that the CHRIST would suffer, HE has thus fulfilled.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
so that times of refreshing may come from the PRESENCE (paniym —
faces) of the LORD, and that HE may send JESUS CHRIST, WHO was preached
to you before, WHOM heaven must receive until the times of restoration
of all things, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all His holy
prophets since the world began.
For Moses truly said to the fathers — The LORD your GOD will raise
up for you a PROPHET like me from your brethren. HIM you shall hear in
all things, whatever HE says to you. And it shall be that every soul who
will not hear THAT PROPHET shall be utterly destroyed from among the
people. Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as
many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the
prophets, and of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying to
Abraham — And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be
blessed.
To you first, GOD, having raised up HIS SERVANT JESUS, sent HIM to
bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." [Acts
3. 13 - 26]

To believe the words of the Jewish prophets of old and accept JESUS as
your REDEEMING MESSIAH will assure you of Eternal Life — to refuse
or deny HIM will assure you of Eternal Damnation. Choose now! It's time
to seek the LORD!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O ROCK OF ISRAEL, redeem those who are oppressed and deliver those who
are persecuted. Praised and adored are YOU, our REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE
OF ISRAEL. Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU are mighty to save.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Through the blood of MESSIAH' S Cross, the sinner is made near. In
HIS death HE not only revealed the tender love of GOD, but HE put away
our sins and wove for us the garments of stainless beauty in which we
are gladly welcomed into the inner court of the GREAT KING!

CITIES OF REFUGE
"The LORD said to Joshua: Speak to the Israelites saying —Designate
the cities of refuge — about which I commanded you through Moses
— to which a manslayer who kills a person accidentally or
unintentionally, may flee. They shall serve you as a refuge from the
blood avenger." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 20. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"So they set aside Kedesh in hill country of Naphtali in Galilee,
Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kirjath Arba — that is
Hebron — in the hill country of Judah. And across the Jordan, east
of Jericho, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the tableland, from
the tribe of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad; and Golan
in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 20. 7 - 9
Tanakh, Nevi'im; Numbers/B' Midvar 35. 9 - 14]

These cities and tribes of Israel are appropriately named, both for
their immediate purpose and, in a spiritual application, they are a
picture showing the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH as the SAVIOR & REDEEMER of
sinners:

Kedesh — translates to Holy Place. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is the
ULTIMATE REFUGE, the HOLY PLACE, in the New Jerusalem, for the LAMB is
the Temple of it. "I saw no Temple in it, for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and
the LAMB are its Temple." [Revelation 21. 22]

The name Naphtali means wRESTling . . . in MESSIAH YESHUA alone do we
have true rest, perfect rest.

Shechem — signifies strong shoulder (back) or comfort. JESUS is our
STRONG SHOULDER and our COMFORT when we flee to HIM for refuge, the "arm
of the LORD" through WHOM the mighty hand and outstretched arm of
ALMIGHTY GOD has been revealed. Comfort for the heart and lasting
peace come from MESSIAH YESHUA alone, "Peace I leave with you, MY peace
I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14. 27]

"Doubly fruitful" is rendered Ephraim. The LORD JESUS came "that they
may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." [John 10. 10]

Kirjath Arba/Hebron — is translated association, fellowship. We who
are born anew in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH have been called unto the fellowship
of loving service to the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD MOST HIGH. "GOD is
faithful, by WHOM you were called into the fellowship of HIS SON, JESUS
CHRIST our LORD." [1 Corinthians 1. 9]

Judah means celebrated or praised. JESUS CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS is
the "LION OF JUDAH" — the EXALTED PRAISE of the whole world. "I
will declare YOUR NAME to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I
will sing praise to YOU." [Hebrews 2. 12]

Bezer — interprets to gold ore, remote fortress, strong hiding
place. Our life is hid in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. "For you died, and your
life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD." [Colossians 3. 3] KING JESUS is
our life!

Reuben is rendered behold a son. This directs our attention to the
GREATER SON, our LORD JESUS. The angels announced HIS birth in
Bethlehem; of HIM the prophet Isaiah penned, "A CHILD is born, a SON is
given." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] THE VOICE from heaven declared, "This
is MY BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased." [2 Peter 1. 17] And
most precious, "GOD so loved the world that He gave His oNLY bEGOTTEN
SON." [John 3. 16]

Ramoth in Gilead — is rendered heights or rocky region. "From the
end of the earth I will cry to YOU; when my heart is faint, YOU lead me
to the ROCK that is high above me. For YOU have been my REFUGE, a TOWER
OF STRENGTH against the enemy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 61. 2 - 3 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] When we are hidden in our LORD YESHUA, ALMIGHTY GOD makes us
to sit in the heavenlies "and raised us up together, and made us sit
together in the heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS." [Ephesians 2. 6]

Gad or troop, raider at their heel. The SEED (JESUS) of woman crushed
the enemy, Satan, with HIS heel. "HE shall crush your (Satan's) head,
and you shall bruise HIS (YESHUA' S) heel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 15
Tanakh, Torah] Victory is always the LORD'S!

Golan in Bashan — their captivity, their rejoicing, fruitful. In
the LORD JESUS, we are free from sin and death. "When HE ascended on
high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." [Ephesians 4. 8]

Manasseh, cause to forget was so named by Joseph in Egypt. ALMIGHTY
GOD, the KING & RIGHTEOUS JUDGE declares: "For all of them, from the
least of them to the greatest, shall heed ME — declares the LORD.
For I will FORGIVE their iniquity, and REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."
[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 34 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "When MY people, who bear
MY NAME, humble themselves, pray and seek MY favor, and turn from their
evil ways, I will hear in MY heavenly abode and forgive their sins and
heal their land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] At that time, the LORD GOD ETERNAL will forget our sins and
"hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea." [Micah (Michah) 7. 19
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE, the FIRST and the LAST is "forgiving
iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of HIS
heritage. HE does not retain HIS anger forever, because HE loves mercy
and graciousness! " [Micah (Michah) 7. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] There is none
like our CREATOR GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
All praise to YEHOWAH, He was, is, and will be — the AUTHOR of all
being — the SOURCE of everything past, present, and future, THE
PROTECTOR,

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To seek wisdom in old age is like a mark in the sand; to seek wisdom in
youth is like engraving on stone.

ZION BUILT UP
"For the LORD has built up Zion; HE has appeared in all HIS glory."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 102. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT is going to do the building of Zion. This not
only refers to the Great City, Jerusalem, but to the Jewish people.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come! And the GLORIOUS PRESENCE
(KABOD) OF THE LORD has shone upon you! Behold! Darkness shall cover the
earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but upon you the LORD will shine,
and HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE (KABOD) be seen upon you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah)
60. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Ezekiel was also given a prophecy of the building up of Zion. The
ALMIGHTY GOD OF HEAVEN gave him a vision of the "valley of dry,
disconnected bones." It was humanly impossible for these bones to live,
but the LORD GOD told Ezekiel to preach to them. At the preaching of
the LIFE-GIVING WORD, the bones came together; the HOLY ONE put sinew
and flesh on them, then the SPIRIT OF GOD was put into them causing them
to stand upright and live again. The BELOVED MASTER described these
bones as the "whole house of Israel." Though dead, HE caused them to
come up out of their graves from every land where HE had scattered them.

"Prophesy and say to them: Thus said the LORD GOD — I am going to
open your graves and lift you out of the graves, O MY people, and bring
you to the land of Israel. I will put MY SPIRIT (RUWACH — BREATH)
into you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own
soil. Then you shall know that I the LORD have spoken and have acted
— declares the LORD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 12, 14 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "I am going to take the Israelite people from among the
nations they have gone to and gather them from every quarter, and bring
them to THEIR OWN LAND. I will make them a single nation in the land, on
the hills of Israel, and one KING (MESSIAH YESHUA) shall be KING of them
all. Then they shall be MY people, and I will be their GOD." [Ezekiel
(Yehezke-El) 37. 21 - 23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The ALMIGHTY ETERNAL GOD is the only "Giver" of breath and spiritual
life — that life comes exclusively through faith in the PROMISED ONE
OF GOD, MESSIAH YESHUA the LORD. The only way either Jew or Gentile can
come out of their "graves of spiritual death" and receive eternal life
is to recognize and accept YESHUA ha'MASHIACH — JESUS THE RISEN
CHRIST — is THE ONE WHO was promised by GOD to come to Israel —
THE KING in Zion. The GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL promised that ONE KING will
rule "in that day" when Zion would be built up.

Will you be one of HIS people? Will you let this MAJESTIC SOVEREIGN
KING rule in your life now and be your LORD for eternity? The KEEPER OF
THE VINEYARD is coming soon to gather HIS people to HIMSELF!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Do not forget your position in this world — we are travelers passing
through focusing on reaching a more lofty and meaningful destination.
This world is like a lobby before the World to Come; prepare yourself in
the lobby so that you may enter the Banquet Hall where our permanent
residence is with the HOLY LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The TRUE & LIVING GOD made you to be holy and you are responsible for
knowing and being that.

OUR MIGHTY GOD
"YOUR mighty acts, to all who are to come, YOUR beneficence
(generosity) , high as the heavens, O GOD, YOU WHO have done great
things; O GOD, who is like YOU!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 71. 19 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The IMMEASURABLE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE is merciful towards us in that HE
chooses to show us what HE is like and that HE wishes to dwell within
us. [Ephesians 2. 19 - 22] We cannot begin to know everything about
HIM, however, for we are "the thing formed." [Romans 9. 20] Yet, HOLY
SCRIPTURE does speak about "that which may be known of GOD." [Romans 1.
19]

The ETERNAL ONE, blessed be HE, is the GREAT GOD OF HOPE [Romans 15.
13], the GOD OF PEACE and the GOD of all grace. [1 Peter 5. 10] The
ALMIGHTY GIVER OF LIFE is rich in mercy [Ephesians 2. 4] and HE "cannot
lie." [Titus 1. 2] Our OMNISCIENT REDEEMER is also the "JUDGE of all"
[Hebrews 12. 23], as well as "a CONSUMING FIRE." [Hebrews 12. 29] The
Throne of the LORD is forever [Hebrews 1. 8], the "worlds were framed
by" HIM. [Hebrews 11. 3] In fact, GOD "built all things" [Hebrews 3. 4]
and preserves them to keep them all alive. [Nehemiah/Nechemah 9. 6]
"For by HIM all things were created that are in heaven and that are on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or powers. All things were created through HIM and for
HIM. And HE is before all things, and in HIM all things consist."
[Colossians 1. 16 - 17]

It is the GLORIOUS LORD GOD alone WHO "gives the increase" [1
Corinthians 3. 7], WHO "has reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST" [2
Corinthians 5. 18], WHO "raises the dead." [Philippians 4. 19] HIS
peace is perfect and beyond all understanding. [Philippians 4. 7]

"There is no power but of GOD" [Romans 13. 1] moreover "the foolishness
of GOD is wiser than men and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men."
[1 Corinthians 1. 25] "There is no other GOD but ONE." [1 Corinthians
8. 4] The ALMIGHTY ONE is unique, unlike anything or anyone, but HIS
creation reflects HIM. All that is true and wise and lovely is defined
by HIS measure. No wonder John tells us, "When I saw HIM, I fell at
HIS feet as dead" [Revelation 1. 17]; to which the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA
responded— "Fear not, I AM the FIRST and the LAST."

The HOLY ONE, GOD THE CREATOR is worthy of our praise. "Praise our GOD,
all you HIS servants, and you that fear HIM, both small and great."
[Revelation 19. 5] Hallelu' YAH! How could we help but worship and adore
HIM!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR
compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and
fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR
Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving
power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU
in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS
NAME…none so lovely in all the earth!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A rabbi once said: "We are closer to GOD when we are asking questions
than when we think we have the answers."

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 10 – Conclusion] —
Love Is An Effect
The First Epistle of John tells us— "We love HIM (the LORD GOD OF
HEAVEN) because HE first loved us." [1 John 4. 19] If we truly love
the LORD YESHUA, we must be like HIM. This is not a command but a
statement! Because, love generates love! When we remain beside our
wonderful REDEEMING LIVING GOD, we become like HIM, this is the
inevitable effect of Love. It is not a mystery! We love others, even
our enemies, because the PRECIOUS MESSIAH first loved us.

Whoever, through the pure love of MESSIAH YESHUA, cares for the orphan
and widows, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and visits the sick,
belongs to the JESUS, the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS. "Pure and undefiled
religion before GOD and the FATHER is this— To visit orphans and
widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
[James 1. 27] Whoever receives a little child in the MASTER'S NAME,
receives HIM. And, everyone that loves is born of the INVINCIBLE GOD.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; Love does not parade
itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity,
but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes
all things, endures all things; in fact, LOVE NEVER FAILS!" [1
Corinthians 13. 4 - 8]

Simply, follow whatever is just: "Whatever things are true, whatever
things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on
these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and
saw...Do! —and the GOD OF PEACE will be with you." [Philippians 4. 8
- 9]

Remember! ...your fruits are showing! Go and grow in our AMAZINGLY
WONDERFUL OMNIPOTENT GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdallah (difference) Service,
we use all of our senses: we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the
shadows of candles, hear prayers and songs, and touch family and friends
as we wish them Tov Shavua — 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.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A small coin before one's eyes hides everything from sight.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 9 of 10] —
Love Is Righteousness!
"Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." [1
Corinthians 13. 6]

Righteousness (Hebrew: tsedaqah) is a type of strict, self-restraint
which refuses to make capital of another' s fault; the charity which does
not delight in exposing the weakness of others, but covers all things.
The Righteousness of purpose tries to see things as they are and
rejoices to find them better than suspicion feared or rumor accused.

The main goal of our lives should be to have these nine "LOVE"
ingredients fitted into our characters; and to accomplish this, we need
to look at the life of the LORD YESHUA, our BELOVED MESSIAH. Even
though HE was perfect, we read that HE learned obedience, and grew in
wisdom, and in favor with GOD and man. [Luke 2. 52]

"Now therefore, fear the LORD, revere and serve HIM in sincerity and in
truth!" [Joshua (Yehoshua) 24. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Rejoice before the
LORD YESHUA with undivided loyalty. Do not quarrel with your
circumstances in life, but rather practice love in all that the LIVING,
WONDROUS, OMNIPOTENT GOD appoints you. HIS love is at work to make you
patient, humble, generous, unselfish, kind, and courteous. Do not
resent that which is molding the still-too-shapeless -image within you.
You are growing more beautiful with every touch of the MASTER'S hand
manifesting gentleness, which is strength under control.

A few of Love's ingredients have been named, but these are only
elements. Love itself cannot be clearly defined. . . it is a living
obvious and unmistakable manifestation!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcoming Shabbat Mevarchim, the Sabbath of Blessing (the new month
– the month Shevat). 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.
Welcome Sabbath — the Bride — Queen of the week! Come Sabbath,
and the rest it brings; last in creation, first in thought. May you find
a rest of love freely given, a rest of truth and sincerity, a rest in
peace and tranquility, in quiet and safety; a perfect rest in which you
find favor.
Shalom U'Vrakah (Peace & Blessings).

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Do not put yourself in the path of temptation even King David
could not resist it.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 7 of 10]
Love is Good Tempered!
A very remarkable attribute. . .it is love that is not easily provoked.
We might look upon a bad temper as a very harmless weakness, something
only to be ignored. However, the HOLY SCRIPTURES condemn a bad temper
as one of the most destructive elements in human nature.

An ill temper is often a blot on an otherwise noble character. Some men
may be near perfect, and women might be entirely perfect, except for
their easily ruffled, quick-tempered, or touchy disposition. This
combination of ill-temper and high moral character is one of the
strangest and saddest problems of ethics (moral values). The truth is,
there are two great classes of sins sins of the body and sins of
disposition.

The younger prodigal son shows the sin of the body; the elder brother,
the sin of disposition. [Luke 15. 11 - 32] The elder brother had
virtues the younger boy did not, but that type of an attitude has kept
many out of the Kingdom of GOD due to an unloving character. The elder
brother' s sinister, loveless soul contained the ingredients of jealousy,
anger, pride, un-charitable, cruelty, self-righteousness, irritability,
doggedness, spitefulness and easily irritated.

Are such sins of the negative disposition not worse to live in, and for
others to live with, than sins of the body? Our LORD YESHUA, the
GOD/MAN answered this question HIMSELF when HE said, "I say unto you,
that the tax collectors and harlots will enter the Kingdom of GOD before
you." [Matthew 21. 31] Anyone with such a despicable mood and decadent
attitude cannot enter Heaven unless he is born anew.

We must go to "THE SOURCE THE BREATH OF ALL FLESH" WHO alone can
change our inmost nature. A soul is made sweet by putting in a great
love, a new spirit. . . the SPIRIT OF MESSIAH YESHUA. The ALL-TOGETHER
LOVELY SPIRIT OF THE HOLY ONE penetrating ours sweetens, purifies, and
transforms us. Nothing can change men like our MAJESTIC LOVING GOD
does. Therefore, "Let this mind be in you which was also in CHRIST
JESUS." [Philippians 2. 5]

Remember, this is a matter of life or death. "Whoever offends one of
these little ones, which believe in ME, it were better for him that a
millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the
depth of the sea." [Matthew 18. 6] In other words, it is better not to
live than not to love!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
I trust in YOU, O SOVEREIGN LORD GOD. . . my time is in YOUR hand.
Therefore, I sing praises to YOU endlessly. May peace abundant descend
from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The evil of the eye grows from the evil of the heart.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 8 of 10] —
Love Is Guilelessness — Thinks No Evil!
This is an innocent sincerity, a type of grace for suspicious people.
In an atmosphere of suspicion, a man's countenance withers up; but in
the atmosphere of Guilelessness (purity of heart, innocent, honest),
people expand and find encouragement, moreover, edification follows. How
wonderful and rare is the soul who still thinks no evil.

Love thinks no evil, imputes no motive, sees the bright side, and puts
the best construction on every action. You will find that as you try to
influence or elevate others, your success will be determined by how
confident they are in your belief of them. Respecting others is the
first step for restoring self-respect to a person who has lost all their
confidence. Then, when self-respect is confirmed, the ideal hope and
pattern is established of what he may grow to be.

"Whatever is True— whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious; if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in ME, do;
and the GOD OF PEACE will be with you." [Philippians 4. 8 - 9]

Judge others with impartial judgment and follow what is altogether
truthful. "You shall not judge unfairly; you shall show no partiality;
you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning
and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, justice shall you
pursue." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 16. 19 - 20 Tanakh, Torah] In
righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. "You shall not render an
unfair decision...judge your kinsman fairly." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19.
15 Tanakh, Torah]

Truly, Guilelessness (pure, honest, truthful) is a prized quality for
yourself and is a precious gift when given to others. This TREMENDOUSLY
MAJESTIC, GENTLE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE melts each of us down and makes
us a "new creature" who is patient, humble, gentle, and unselfish; we
then love others — even our enemies because the FAITHFUL LORD GOD OF
HOSTS first loved us.

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, grant us YOUR wisdom that we
may shut out the noises, disturbances and troubles of this world that we
can find ourselves alone with YOU in peaceful silence. As a child yields
in loving arms, we yield ourselves to YOU asking for nothing,
complaining about nothing. What if our labor is hard, our lot is humble,
our dreams turn into futile tears, if only there is the peace of YOUR
nearness in our hearts. In the stillness with YOU, despite the terror
and tumult of life, there comes a trust, a goodness that nourishes our
souls. How healing and strengthening is this communion with YOU, O GOD!
If only we could always abide in it! But, we must go forth again to the
struggle for our daily bread, yet we are not alone, YOU are ever near.
Abide deep in the solitude of our hearts, that we may trust and depend
on YOU and be unafraid in the face of the inscrutable days ahead, and
see that everything happens for the best. Amen.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A wise man understands with a hint, a donkey needs a big stick.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 6 of 10]
Love is Unselfish!
This is Love — not even seeking things for ourselves at all. Things
cannot be great, the only greatness is Unselfish Love.

Unselfish Love is not a hardship because, with love, nothing is hard. I
believe that the yoke of MESSIAH YESHUA is easy. HIS is a yoke of
"service & obedience" — life as the GREAT DESIGNER intended it to
be.

The most obvious lesson in our LORD'S teaching is that there is no
happiness in having and getting, but only in giving and serving others!
The LORD JESUS said— "Whoever wants to be greatest among you, let
him serve." [Matthew 20. 26] Whoever would be happy, let him remember
that there is but one way — it is more blessed to give than to
receive. [Acts 20. 35]

Whoever loves, gives! Give more than just a thimble full of the "GOOD
NEWS" that offers men abundant life. But along with it, give joy,
peace, rest, and hope. MESSIAH YESHUA came to give men a more abundant
life than they have, a life abundant in love, abundant in salvation, and
redemption for the world. Only this "Good News" can take hold of the
whole man — body, soul, and spirit and give to each part of his
nature its exercise and reward. SHARE LOVE UNSELFISHLY!

"For it was fitting for HIM, for WHOM are all things and by WHOM are all
things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the CAPTAIN of their
salvation perfect through sufferings." [Hebrews 2. 10] The LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of unselfish, amazing love...GOD&# 39;S
GREATEST GIFT OF LOVE to us.

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Because ALMIGHTY GOD was not only wanting to identify with our suffering
and our sin, HE wanted to do it at a depth deeper than any we had ever
know, and suffer more than we could ever suffer in order to prove HIS
indescribable love for us. So of all the deaths that MESSIAH YESHUA
could have died, the FATHER foreordained for HIS SINLESS SON, HE chose
crucifixion because it was the worse ignominious (humiliating, shameful,
reprehensible) way to die. Love so amazing demands HIS best for our
worst.

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Improvement begins with "I" .

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 5 of 10]
Love is Courtesy!
This is Courtesy in society, love in relation to social graces.
Courteous love does not behave itself unseemly. Politeness has been
defined as "love in little droplets." Courtesy is said to be "love in
little things." The one secret of politeness is to love.

Courteous Love cannot behave itself unseemly. You can put the most
uneducated person into the highest society, and if they have a spring of
Courteous Love in their heart, they will behave themselves properly. It
is because they love everything, great and small, that the HEAVENLY
CREATOR has made. So, the one who truly loves can mingle with any
society, and enter courts and palaces, or little cottages. Whatever you
do, do it with "the gentle spirit of love."

To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live
forever. Therefore, eternal life is completely bound up with love.
Eternal life is abundant and free, but only through this GREAT GOD OF
PEACE. . . GOD is Love! This is life eternal, that they might know HIM,
the only TRUE & LIVING GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Love is the
supreme thing, because it is going to last and is Eternal Life. "GOD
has given us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. I have written
these things to you who believe in the Name of the SON OF GOD, that you
may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to
believe in the name of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 11, 13]

Our prayer for you is that you get to know and love GOD MOST HOLY better
every day. We pray for GOD'S richest and best in your life. We wish
you an abundant life in love which comes only from YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
the BLESSED REDEEMER. HIS PRECIOUS WORD, the HOLY BIBLE, offers life
abundantly. Read it! and find the MASTER COMFORTER for yourself.
Eternal Life begins the moment you have a personal, intimate
relationship with MESSIAH YESHUA and HE becomes your LORD & KING!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
MOST HOLY LORD, continue to impart YOUR blessing upon us. Teach us to
seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the
tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers."
May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you always, Amen! I
praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, for YOU comfort and delight my soul.
YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, in YOU I have hope and place my trust.
Be submissive to a superior, affable to a suppliant, and receive all
men with cheerfulness; then, give your problems to the LORD GOD and find
rest in 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.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Happiness keeps you sweet; Trials keep you strong; Sorrows keep you
human; Failures keep you humble.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 4 of 10]
Generosity & Humility — Love's Charity
"The generous person enjoys prosperity; he who satisfies others shall
himself be sated." And, "The generous man is blessed, for he gives of
his bread to the poor." [Proverbs (Mishle) 11. 25; 22. 9 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] So, "Do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your
needy kinsman. Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient
for whatever he needs." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 15. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Torah]

The integrity of a CHRISTian' s soul should be graciously courteous,
rich, forgiving and fortified with the grace of generosity (Hebrew:
nadiyb). Generosity is also a giving heart that gives with no
expectation of anything in return. In other words, any motivation
towards generosity other than love alone cancels its value. The
generous soul devises generous things; and by his generosity, he stands.
The finest, most generous gift is of yourself!!!

Now learn this further thing, humility (Hebrew: `anavah), which is
loves fourth ingredient. Humility is putting a seal on your lips and
then forgetting what you have done. "GOD opposes the proud but gives
grace to the humble" — so — "Submit yourselves, then, to GOD.
Come near to GOD and HE will come near to you. Humble yourselves before
the LORD, and HE will lift you up." [James 4. 6 - 8, 10] Without fail,
the ALMIGHTY KING will save the downcast!

Honour, riches and life follow humility. "O MIGHTY ONE, in YOUR glory,
YOUR majesty and prosperously, ride with YOUR sword girded upon YOUR
thigh; ride on in the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness; let
YOUR right hand teach awesome deeds." [Psalms (Tehillym) 45. 3 - 4
Tanakh, Kethuvim] After you have been kind, after love has gone forth
into the world and done its beautiful work, it goes back into the shade
again and says nothing about it. Love hides even from itself. Love
waives even self-satisfaction.

"Therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, put on tender
mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one
another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against
another; even as MESSIAH forgave you, so you also must do. But above all
these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." [Colossians
3. 12 - 14] "Seek the LORD, all you meek of the land who have
fulfilled HIS Law; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will
find shelter and be hidden on the day of the LORD'S anger." [Zephaniah
(Tsefanyah) 2. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The effect of humility is fear of
the LORD, riches and honor and life." [Proverbs (Mishle) 22. 4 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

Love boasts not about itself, it is not puffed up. Generosity and
Humility can be two of the more pleasant gifts you can give daily all
year through. Try it!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
For all of us, daily life sometimes seems to be an obstacle course
filled with rocks and thorns. But, when GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD is
in the center of our life, we find sweet honey in the ROCK. Have a
blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the MIGHTY
LORD, the SOURCE OF LIFE. Do not fear, nor be afraid, boldly declare
the wonders of our GOD; we are HIS witnesses, HE will go before us, HE
is our MIGHTY ROCK. HE will sustain us with HIS right hand of justice
and victoriously overcome in righteousness.

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Every act of kindness that the EVER-LIVING MASTER DESIGNER performs
should make man feel, not proud, but more humble and unworthy.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 3 of 10]
Love is Kindness — Love Active
Have you ever noticed how much of MESSIAH' S life was spent simply in
doing kind things, showing compassion, and meeting needs? Just doing
good for others, brings contentment. There is only one thing greater
than kindness in the world, and that is Holiness (Hebrew: qodesh). Our
gracious ALMIGHTY GOD has put in our power the ability to be kind to
those about us.

The greatest thing one can do for our HEAVENLY FATHER is to be kind. I
wonder why it is that we are not all more kind than we are? How very
much the world needs it! How easy it is to do! How quickly it acts!
How warm is the memory of it! How super abundantly it pays itself back
— for there is no debtor in the world so excellent and honorable as
love. "Love never fails!" [1 Corinthians 13. 8] Love is the energy of
life.

Where love is, GOD is. Whoever dwells in love dwells in the OMNIPOTENT
EVERLASTING LORD. GOD is love! So, love without discrimination,
without measure, or hesitation. . . Love! Lavish it upon the poor,
where it is very easy; and upon the rich who often need it most; and
upon our equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps, we
each do least of all.

There is a difference between trying to please and showing kindness.
Loose no chance of showing kindness, for that is the constant and
anonymous triumph of a truly loving spirit. I shall pass through this
world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness
that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer
it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

As you practice (do, achieve, implement, perform) showing kindness, you
will grow more like our wonderful LORD JESUS, the BLESSED REDEEMER!
"The LORD your GOD is gracious, compassionate and merciful, slow to
anger, abounding in kindness." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"For great is HIS merciful kindness and steadfast love toward us; the
faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. HalleluYAH!" [Psalms
(Tehillym) 117. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Because of the magnificent mercies
of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, we can face tomorrow and be comforted now.
Victory is ahead and unlimited joys before us!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that the HOLY LORD GOD,
blessed be HE, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our
sins, guide our life, and fill our up-coming week with HIS DIVINE
PRESENCE. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be experienced daily.
We honor and praise the LORD YESHUA, the ONE WHO gives true peace and
rest and hope.
Have a terrific week in the LORD. Tova Shavua!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Nothing reduces misfortune like patience.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 2 of 10]
Love is Patient — Long Suffering
Patience (Hebrew: `arek) is the normal attitude of love: Love
passive; waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm, ready to do its work
when the summons comes. But in the meantime, Patience wears the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Love suffers long—bears all
things—believes all things—hopes all things. Love understands,
therefore, in Patience wait.

Thus, "the supreme thing is love." In short, it is not a thing at all,
but is the giving of a bright finish to our many words and our actions
that make up every common day. Truly, love is a supreme possession. . .
it lasts!

This world is the great testing ground for us to practice patience.
Our LORD & KING, MESSIAH YESHUA is with you always, hence HE sees every
effort you make, and knows the very intent of your heart. Practice
patience!!

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning,
that we through the patience and comfort of the SCRIPTURES might have
hope. Now may the GOD of patience and comfort grant you to be
like-minded toward one another, according to CHRIST JESUS, that you may
with one mind and one mouth glorify the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS
CHRIST." [Romans 15. 4 - 6]

Be patient, establish your heart to stand strong and be of good courage,
because the coming of the LORD is in sight. Our prayer is that each of
you grow stronger in the love of our GREAT ETERNAL LORD GOD, and that
you study to know HIS heart and mind.

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! Praise to our wonderful ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD! We
praise and bless YOU, O GOD for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy
Shabbat, the Bride, the Queen, the imagery of beauty and radiance —
testifying to the tremendous affection that the Sabbath is enjoyed among
YOUR people in YOUR RADIANT PRESENCE.
May yours be a YOM SHE'KULO SHABBAT — a day which is all-Sabbath
— enjoy its peace and harmony!
Have a truly wonderful Sabbath of Z'man Simchataynu —the time of our
rejoicing!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Fruit does not exist for the benefit of the tree, but to nourish others.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 1 of 10]
Love (Hebrew: `ahav) is the Supreme Gift, you can give nothing
greater, you need take nothing less. You have life before you, once and
only once you can live it. 1 Corinthians 13 describes and identifies it
:

LOVE is made up of nine ingredients, let us learn how to give this
Supreme Gift:
PATIENCE — "Love suffers long."
KINDNESS — "Love is kind."
GENEROSITY — "Is Love's charity."
HUMILITY — "Love does not value itself, it is not puffed up."
COURTESY — "Love does not behave improper."
UNSELFISHNESS — "Love is not seeking her own way."
GOOD TEMPER — "Love is not easily irritated."
GUILELESSNESS — "Love thinks no evil."
RIGHTEOUSNESS — "Love rejoices not in iniquity, but in truth."

We are instructed to "Walk as children of light for the Fruit of the
SPIRIT is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is
acceptable to the LORD." [Ephesians 5. 8 - 11] When we have faith in
the ALL-MERCIFUL GOD, our soul is in touch with GOD HIMSELF; and the
object of our relationship with the ALMIGHTY COMPASSIONATE GOD is that
we may become like HIM. . . and GOD IS LOVE. To obtain these virtues,
we simply need to Practice! ...Practice! ...Practice ! until it becomes
a lifestyle. Our actions determine our eternal destination. Whosoever
loves the GREAT GOD ETERNAL has the avenue to love — and Everlasting
Life. The ALMIGHTY HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL wants you to know the virtues of
love and how to use those virtues for your "supreme good." Oh, to be
like our LORD & KING, MESSIAH YESHUA. . . how very sweet is HIS PRECIOUS
NAME. . . JESUS!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May our lips ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR and
SHIELD for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over us.
Have a blessed Z'Man Simchataynu —the time of our rejoicing! May
your joys increase as you draw nearer to our Great ETERNAL God, the Lord
of GLORY.

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.

LISTEN & OBEY
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world." [John 16. 33]

We are to be prepared for persecution. "Yes, and all who desire to live
godly in CHRIST JESUS will suffer persecution. " [2 Timothy 3. 12] Our
LOVING LORD GOD tells us ahead of time the things that are coming on the
world. YESHUA the MESSIAH warned us that there would be tribulation
and deceivers in the last days before HIS return. "Take heed that no
one deceives you. For many will come in MY NAME, saying— I am HE
—and will deceive many." [Mark 13. 5 - 6] And, YESHUA cautioned us
not to be deceived by those who claim to have spiritual authority and
prophetic insights, and some actually claiming to be the CHRIST.

When the LORD JESUS does return, all HIS saints will know for they
"shall be caught up — to meet the LORD in the air." [1 Thessalonians
4. 17] Then CHRIST will return with HIS saints and Angels to set up HIS
Kingdom and every eye shall see HIM [Revelation 1. 7; 1 Thessalonians 3.
13; Jude 14], for HE will reign KING of kings and LORD of lords over all
the earth and HIS saints will reign with HIM. [Zechariah/Zecharya h 14.
5, 9; Revelation 2. 26 - 27; 7. 15 - 17; 17. 14; 20. 46]

The LORD JESUS warned that the last days would bring out many false
christs and false prophets who "will rise and show signs and wonders to
deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told
you all things beforehand." [Mark 13. 22 - 23]

Many people will be deceived however, because they choose to listen to
those who would prickle their notion and tickle their ears. "For the
time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according
to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up
for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the
truth, and be turned aside to fables." [2 Timothy 4. 3 - 5] In HIS
righteous judgment, the LORD will say to them, "I never knew you; depart
from ME, you who practice lawlessness! " [Matthew 7. 22]

We are to be sober and "take heed watch and pray lest, coming suddenly,
HE find you sleeping." [Mark 13. 33] We are to BE ALERT and WATCH!
YESHUA gave a final warning to the danger of not heeding the signs
around us, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed
down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and THAT DAY
come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who
dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch! therefore, and pray always
that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come
to pass, and to stand before the SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 34 - 36]

Those who listen and are found watching have this blessing and promise,
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM WHO loved
us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate
us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 8.
37 - 39]

It will be worth it all when we see JESUS, the MAGNIFICENT KING OF
GLORY, and we will be with HIM forevermore. "He who overcomes shall
inherit all things, and I will be his GOD and he shall be MY son."
[Revelation 21. 7] May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be
with you. Even so, Amen.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
MOST HOLY LORD GOD, infinite as is YOUR power even so is YOUR love. YOU
manifested it through YOUR people Israel and those YOU who are called by
YOUR NAME. By laws and commandments, by statutes and ordinances YOU led
us in the way of righteousness and brought us to the LIGHT of truth.
Therefore at our lying down and our rising up, we will meditate on YOUR
Teachings and find in YOUR laws true life and length of days. O that
YOUR love may never depart from our hearts. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO
has revealed YOUR love throughout all generations — we worship YOU
and sing YOUR praises!

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

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The CHRISTian life cannot mature unless there should be long obedience
in the same direction... toward GOD'S likeness.

UNCHANGING
"My thoughts turn to days of old, to years long past." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 77. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The passage of time is fascinatingly clear in the perspective recording
of HOLY SCRIPTURE. Some three thousand years ago, the psalmist was
reflecting on GOD'S ways in the earliest of times and was searching
diligently to understand the ways of EL SHADDAI in his time. Each
generation renews the idea that their new ideas will lead the world out
of its past darkness into a new age of enlightenment, explanations, and
reasoning.

While research is needed, we need to keep in mind that true science is
really thinking GOD'S thoughts after HIM, because the MASTER CREATOR
made man in HIS OWN IMAGE to be creative — "GOD created man in HIS
IMAGE; in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created
them. GOD blessed them and GOD said to them— Be fruitful and
multiply; fill the earth and master it; have dominion over the fish of
the sea, over the birds of the sky, and all the living things that move
on the earth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 27 – 28 Tanakh, Torah] All
that man discovers should always be to glorify the GREAT DESIGNER and to
draw men closer to HIM, not lead them away from HIM.

We are merely the children of ancient patriarchs, and our moral natures
are the same as theirs, all contaminated by inherent sinfulness and the
need of a SAVIOR. The HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, dealt with our ancestors
in times past the same way HE does with us, so every generation—from
Adam on—desperately needs to study and learn from those who have
gone before and from GOD'S INSPIRED BOOK OF HISTORY of them. The
ANCIENT BOOKS—from Genesis through Revelation—are for our
understanding and comprehending our CREATOR. "For whatever things were
written before were written for our learning, that we through the
patience and comfort of the SCRIPTURES might have hope." [Romans 15. 4]

For the mature in faith, it is no obstacle to believe that GOD is the
same today as HE was when HE formed the universe, was in the Garden of
Eden, opened the Red Sea, spoke on Mount Sinai, delivered Elijah on
Mount Karam'El, saved Daniel in the lion's den; walked in on the
waters of Galilee, multiplied the loaves and fish, and went to Calvary.
"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13.
8] "O LORD, YOU have been our DWELLING PLACE in every generation.
Before the mountains were brought forth, before YOU had formed the earth
and the world, from everlasting (Hebrew: owlam) to everlasting, YOU are
GOD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This same GREAT,
MIGHTY & AWESOME GOD is still waiting for us to come to HIM, desiring to
be the SECURE SHELTER from all the evils in a world that is so dark and
has turned so far from HIM. From everlasting throughout all eternity,
HE alone is GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, WHO directs the destinies of men and
nations according to YOUR wisdom and justice. Blessed is the man who
forgets YOU not, for he who seeks YOU will not stumble, and he who
trusts in YOU will not be put to shame.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Fear the LORD and the king. Do not join with the rebellious, for
disaster and destruction comes sudden from those two that are given to
change; who knows the doom and calamity they can bring?"
[Proverbs/Mishle 24. 21 – 22] . . .the precise proverb for biased
rulers, it comes with warning for those subject to change.

ATONEMENT PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
O LORD, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare YOUR praises. YOU are
blessed, O LORD our GOD and GOD of our fathers, GOD of Abraham, GOD of
Isaac, and GOD of Jacob, the great, mighty and revered GOD, the MOST
HIGH GOD, WHO bestows lovingkindness, and possesses all things, who
remembers the pious deeds of the patriarchs, and in love will bring the
REDEEMER to their children's children for YOUR REVERED NAME'S sake.

Remember us unto life, O KING, WHO delights in life, and inscribe us in
the BOOK OF LIFE, for YOUR OWN sake, O LIVING GOD. O KING, HELPER,
SAVIOR & SHIELD. Blessed are YOU, O LORD, the SHELTER of Abraham. YOU,
O LORD, are mighty forever; YOU quicken the dead, YOU are mighty to
save.

YOU sustain the living with lovingkindness, quicken the dead with great
mercy, support the falling, heal the sick, loose the bound, and keep
YOUR faithfulness to them that sleep in the dust. Who is like YOU, LORD
of mighty acts, and who resembles YOU, O KING, WHO kills and quickens,
and causes salvation to spring forth?

Who is like YOU, FATHER OF MERCY, WHO in mercy remembers YOUR creatures
unto life? Yes, faithful are YOU to quicken the dead. Blessed are YOU,
O LORD, WHO quickens the dead. YOU are holy and YOUR NAME is "HOLY" and
holy beings praise YOU daily. . . Selah

Now, therefore, O LORD GOD, impose YOUR awe upon all YOUR works, and
YOUR dread upon all that YOU have created, that all works may fear YOU
and all creatures prostrate themselves before YOU that they may all form
a single band to do YOUR will with a perfect heart, even as we know, O
LORD our GOD, that dominion is YOURS, strength is in YOUR hand, and
might in YOUR right hand, and that YOUR NAME is to be feared above all
that YOU have created.

Give then glory, O LORD, unto YOUR people, praise to them that fear
YOU, hope to them that seek YOU, and free speech to them that wait for
YOU, joy to YOUR Land, gladness to YOUR City, a flourishing horn to
David YOUR servant, and a clear shining light to the SON of Jesse, YOUR
ANOINTED, speedily and in our days.

Then shall the just also see and be glad, and the upright shall exult,
and the pious triumphantly rejoice, while iniquity shall close her
mouth, and all wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke, when YOU,
my EVERLASTING PRAISE, make the dominion of arrogance to pass away from
the earth.

And YOU, O LORD, shall reign, YOU alone over all YOUR works on Mount
Zion, the Dwelling Place of YOUR wondrous splendor, and in Jerusalem,
YOUR Holy City, as it is written in YOUR PRECIOUS WORD, "The LORD shall
reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, unto all generations. HalleluYAH."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 146. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

LORD GOD, YOU are holy, and dreaded is YOUR NAME, and there is no god
beside YOU, as it is written— "And the LORD OF HOSTS is exalted by
judgment, the HOLY GOD OF CREATION is sanctified in righteousness,
proved holy by justice." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5.16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Blessed are YOU, O LORD, the GLORIOUS HOLY KING.

YOU have chosen us from all peoples, YOU have loved us and taken
pleasure in us, and have exalted us above all tongues; YOU have
sanctified us by YOUR commandments, and brought us near unto YOUR
services, O our KING, and have called us by YOUR GREAT & HALLOWED NAME.
Blessed be the MAGNIFICENT NAME of our REDEEMER. Amen

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Now to HIM WHO is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you
faultless before the PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY with exceeding joy, to GOD
our SAVIOR WHO alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and forever, Amen!" [Jude 25]
Hakarot hatov! —it means "recognizing the good" or
"gratitude." We should always recognize the good we have;
acknowledge we do not deserve it; identify the source (if it is from GOD
or man); then, express our deep thanks to them. You are in our hearts
and daily prayers as we step into another year — may GOD be with you
and strengthen you, giving you wisdom, discernment, mercy and 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.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The most important things in life are not things. What is most
important is not to treat people as things.

SERVED OR SERVANT?
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." [Matthew 19.
30]

Mordecai was a faithful servant of GOD MOST HIGH. The Amalekite, Haman
not only wanted to be served, but also worshipped in his high ranking
position in the Persian Kingdom. His hatred for the Jewish people
caused him to receive the fate he intended for Mordecai. [Book of
Esther] "Amalek (the father of the Amalekites) was first among the
nations; but shall be last and is to perish forever." [Numbers/B'Midvar
24. 20 Tanakh, Torah]

The Jewish people are first, in that the LORD GOD entrusted the ORACLES
OF THE LAW to them [Romans 3. 1 - 2], and they were to be a light to the
Gentiles, teaching salvation to the ends of the earth. "I, the LORD, in
MY grace, have summoned you, and I have grasped you by the hand. I
created you, and appointed you a "Covenant People" a Light to the
Gentiles." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For HE has said
— It is too small a thing that you should be MY servant in that I
raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel; I will
also make you a light to the Gentiles, that MY salvation may reach to
the ends of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
However, they not only failed to evangelize the Gentiles. But moreover,
they rejected GOD'S SON, MESSIAH YESHUA OF NAZARETH. Therefore, they
made themselves last.

The Gentiles, who were last, those who accept "THE WAY" to the ALMIGHTY
ONE through the shed blood of MESSIAH YESHUA have become first. "So the
last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few
chosen." [Matthew 20. 16] "They (Jew & Gentile) will come from the
east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the
Kingdom of GOD. And indeed, there are last who will be first, and there
are first who will be last." [Luke 13. 29 - 30]

The LORD JESUS taught, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last
of all and servant of all." [Mark 9. 35] The disciples, James and John
had ask to sit next to the MASTER in HIS glory. JESUS replied — "it
is not MINE to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." Then
HE called all twelve disciples to HIMSELF and expressed, "You know that
those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and
their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so
among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your
servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
For even the SON OF MAN did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give HIS life a ransom for many." [Mark 10. 35 - 45]

Those who are first, serve the LORD MESSIAH fittingly that you may hear
HIM say — "Well done! good and faithful servant; you were faithful
over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into
the joy of your LORD." [Matthew 25. 21] But to the one who wants to be
served, HE calls them "unprofitable servant" and they will be "cast into
the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
[Matthew 25. 30]

"Behold! I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every
one according to his work. I am the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the BEGINNING
and the END, the FIRST and the LAST. Blessed are those who do HIS
commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may
enter through the gates into the City." [Revelation 22. 12 - 14] Such a
Glorious Day that will be!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, may the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins and grant us righteousness in
HIM. Thus will my soul bless the MOST HOLY LORD God for HE alone are
worthy of all praise, reverence and exaltation. May you be a witnesses
of God'S care, love, and glorious presence through the days ahead.
Have many warm, richly blessed days as we celebrate the ties of love
and faith that bind us through MESSIAH YESHUA, the GOD of our Salvation.
May the GLORIOUS HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL ever be praised for HIS continuing
mercy and loving kindness.
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.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You must control your evil inclinations that temptation may not master
you.

DIETARY LAWS
ALMIGHTY GOD instructs the children of Israel in HIS Laws concerning
their diet. They were forbidden to eat the flesh of animals whose
"hoofs are not cloven; those who do not chew the cud (horses, swine,
camel, etc.)" — fish that "lack fins and scales (shrimp, octopus,
crabs, lobster, etc.)" — birds "of prey (carrion, vulture, owl,
etc.)" — and all creeping things and insects "except for certain
types of locusts." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11; Deuteronomy/ Devarim 14]
Note: There was a difference between Clean and Unclean animals even
before the Law. At the time of the flood Noah was to take Seven of every
Clean animal, male and female; and Two each of the Unclean animals, male
and female. — Genesis/Bereshith 7

Even of the clean animals permitted for food, certain parts were
forbidden: The Blood [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 1. 23], the Fat
[Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 3 - 5; 7. 23], and in Jewish custom, the Hind
Quarter because it contains the sciatic nerve. The hind quarter is
avoided as food because the ANGEL OF THE LORD touched Jacob's thigh
muscle when he was allowed to wrestle with HIM. Genesis 32 tells the
story and concludes: "That is why the children of Israel to this day do
not eat the thigh muscle that is on the socket of the hip, since Jacob's
hip socket was wrenched at the thigh muscle." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32.
32 Tanakh, Torah]

These dietary laws were given to the Israelites primarily for hygienic
reasons to bring to their attention the importance of being clean and
holy in the sight of the ETERNAL GOD. Their difference from other
people was not only to be in their religious worship, but also in their
eating habits. The HOLY ONE explained this conclusively and definitely:
"You shall not draw abomination upon yourselves through anything that
swarms; you shall not make yourselves unclean...you shall sanctify
yourselves and be holy, for I am HOLY. Neither shall you defile
yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth…you
shall be holy, for I am HOLY. These are the instructions concerning
animals, birds, all living creatures that move in water, and all
creatures that swarm on earth, for distinguishing between the unclean
and the clean, between the living things that may be eaten and the
living things that may not be eaten." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 11. 43 - 47
Tanakh, Torah]

The primary reason for giving these food laws to Israel was to sanctify
(set apart) them or to make a difference between them and the heathen
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 2 - 3; Leviticus/Vayikra 11. 44]; they are to
be a holy people to GOD MOST HIGH.

CREATOR GOD called some animals and fish clean and some unclean to teach
lessons by the very nature of these animals and fish. The Divided Hoof
shows separation. An animal with divided hoofs can climb to high
places. The people of GOD are to be like the clean animal —
separated from the worldly system to climb the high mountains of
spiritual victory!

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

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

There is significance also in the command of the ETERNAL ONE which
prohibits fat and blood. Jewish custom, not GOD'S Law forbids the hind
quarter of animals which were clean for food. Blood, because the life
of flesh is in the blood. [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 23; Leviticus/Vayikra
7. 26; 17. 10 - 11] The fat, because the fat belonged to the LORD.
[Numbers/B'Midvar 18. 17; Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 16] The sinew (that
shrank), because the HOLY ONE touched the human strength of Jacob in
wrestling with him. [Genesis/Bereshith 32. 32]

In all this we see that Blood represents LIFE; Fat symbolizes ABUNDANCE,
Sinew signifies STRENGTH — and all belongs to the LORD GOD! It is
only by the cleansing blood of the ANOINTED ONE, YESHUA ha'
MASHIACH, that we can stand clean (kosher) before the MOST HIGH. Thank
YOU, ETERNAL KING!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcoming & Celebrating Shabbat! Of old YOU did rest on the seventh day;
YOU therefore blessed the Sabbath. For every work of YOUR hand praises
YOU; YOUR redeemed bless you at all times. Blessed be the LORD, the
MAKER, the LIVING GOD and EVERLASTING KING — for from old you have
given YOUR servants the abundance of YOUR mercies and YOUR loving
kindnesses. YOU, my PRECIOUS REDEEMER, are above all gods, executing
great judgment. YOU are KING over all the earth, YOU are ONE LORD, and
YOUR NAME is ECHAD (ONE).

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When you are getting kicked from behind, that means you're in front.

WHEN THE LORD BUILDS UP ZION
"Arise, shine; For your light has dawned; the PRESENCE (KABOD or GLORY)
of the LORD is shone upon you! Behold! darkness shall cover the earth
and deep darkness the peoples; but upon you the LORD will arise and
shine, and HIS glory will be seen over you. The Gentiles shall come to
your light, kings to the brightness of your rising." [Isaiah (Tehillym)
60. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Prophecies of MESSIAH'S return are being fulfilled around the world
these tremendous and thrilling days — things foretold thousands of
years ago by the Jewish prophets of GOD. We can see by what is now
happening to my own Jewish people what time it is according to GOD'S
calendar…and the return the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL. "For the LORD has
built Zion; HE has appeared in all HIS glory." [Psalms/Tehillym 102. 16]
The LORD HIMSELF is going to do the building, perhaps using man as the
instrument, but it is GOD WHO will accomplish HIS purpose. The LORD
promises that it is HE WHO will build up Zion.

Zion refers not only to the City of Jerusalem, but to those living in
that City. Those who occupied the City of Jerusalem in the days of this
prophecy were Jews. In a spiritual sense, this also refers to both
Gentile and Jewish believers in MESSIAH. However, this verse is
speaking of a literal City and a literal people and HIS literal
appearance. There is a day when the LORD will revive the nation of
Israel and build her up politically and nationally — but even more
so, spiritually. And, HE will come again and appear in "HIS glory."

Zion is being built up and fulfilled today as recorded in Ezekiel where
GOD gave him a vision of a Valley of Dry Bones which were disconnected
and scattered everywhere. Though humanly impossible for the bones to
live, the ALMIGHTY ONE told Ezekiel to preach to them: "Prophesy,
therefore, and say to them: Thus said the LORD GOD: I am going to open
your graves and lift you out of the graves, O MY people, and bring you
to the Land of Israel...I will put MY BREATH ("RUWACH" - SPIRIT) into
you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own soil.
Then you shall know that I the LORD have spoken and have acted —
declares the LORD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 12, 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
At the preaching of the WORD OF GOD, the bones came together; GOD put
sinews and flesh on the skeletons making them into bodies but with no
life in them. Then, the BREATH (SPIRIT) came into them and they stood
upright and lived…this is the Whole House of Israel who had been
dead, who HE would cause to come up out of their graves and from every
land where HE had scattered them.

The LIVING FAITHFUL LORD then explained to Ezekiel the meaning of the
Valley of Dry Bones: "I am going to take the Israelite people from among
the nations they have gone to, and gather them from every quarter, and
bring them to THEIR OWN LAND. I will make them a single nation in the
Land, on the hills of Israel, and one KING (MESSIAH YESHUA) shall be
KING of them all…Then they shall be MY people, and I will be their
GOD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 21 - 23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Yes! the EVERLASTING GOD, YEHOWAH, the CREATOR of the ends of the earth
will revive Israel and put them back in their own land which HE promised
to Abraham and will set one KING over them in that day. "For the LORD
will pardon and have mercy on Jacob, and will again choose Israel, and
will settle them in their OWN LAND. And strangers will be joined them
and they will cling to the House of Jacob. For peoples will take the
House of Jacob and bring them to their homeland; and the House of Israel
will possess the peoples as slaves and handmaids in the Land of the
LORD. They will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule
over their oppressors." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

For nearly two-thousand years our Jewish people have been scattered over
the face of the earth — scattered like those bones in Ezekiel's
vision. We have been exiled from the Land GOD promised to our
forefathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Land had laid desolate and
barren, governed by Gentiles just as GOD said it would be. But no
longer, the Land once barren is blossoming as the rose; our Jewish
people returning and governing it; resources from the Land are being
developed; and through agriculture, the Land is cleared, terraced and
cultivated, deserts and swamps reclaimed and crops are being grown.

"I am bring MY righteousness near; it shall not be far off, and MY
salvation shall not be delayed. I will grant triumph in Zion, to Israel,
in whom I glory." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 46. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] There is a
revival of Land as well a of the people of Zion. They are being revived
politically and nationally — but most important — our Jewish
people are being revived spiritually. GOD is giving them the very
breath of spiritual life — that life that can come only through
faith in the PROMISED ONE OF GOD.

Many of our Jewish people are receiving the LORD JESUS as their
long-awaited MESSIAH, their Soon-Coming KING. They are coming out of
their graves of spiritual death and receiving life…becoming
"completed Jews" by accepting the fulfillment of all the prophecies in
their own HEBREW SCRIPTURES concerning their MESSIAH. They are
recognizing that JESUS is THE ONE WHO was promised by GOD to come to
Israel WHO will be their REIGNING KING in Zion. GOD promised that ONE
KING will rule in that Day when Zion would be built up. Will you be one
of HIS people now? Will you let this KING rule in your life now and when
HE comes? HE is coming soon!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my
SUPPORT when grief silences my voice, and my COMFORT when woe bends my
spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect
faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trials and temptations and to be
humble always before YOU, my STRONG-TOWER. Guide me by the LIGHT of YOUR
counsel, and let me ever find rest in YOU – my ROCK and my REDEEMER.
Praised be the LORD GOD ETERNAL to WHOM all praise is due for ever and
ever. Amen

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A parent is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning
unnecessary.

TWO GENEALOGIES OF MESSIAH
There are two genealogies given of YesHUA, one in the book of Matthew
and one in Luke, both are different from each other. This is a favorite
point of attack on the HOLY SCRIPTURES by those who deny its divine
origin and inerrancy and a puzzle to others. However, the answer is
very simple:

The genealogy given in Matthew is the genealogy of Joseph, the
acknowledged father of YesHUA, His father in the eyes of the Law. The
genealogy given in Luke is the genealogy of Miryam (Mary), YesHUA's
mother and is the "human" genealogy of Jesus in actual fact. The GOSPEL
of Matthew was written for the Jews. All through it, Joseph is
prominent, Miryam is scarcely mentioned. In Luke, quite the opposite,
Miryam is the most important person in the whole account of the SAVIOR'S
conception and birth. Joseph is brought in only incidentally and
because he was Miryam's husband. In this, there is great
significance.

In the Book of Matthew, YesHuA is shown as the MESSIAH, the KING. In
Luke, Jesus appears as the SON OF MAN, our KINSMAN & REDEEMER. So in
Matthew the genealogy descends from Abraham to Joseph and Jesus, because
all the predictions and promises touching the MESSIAH are fulfilled in
HIM. But in Luke, the genealogy ascends from JESUS to Adam, because the
genealogy is being traced back to the head of the whole human race and
shows the relation of the SECOND ADAM (MESSIAH YESHUA) to the first.

Joseph's lineage in Matthew is the strictly royal line from David to
Joseph. In Luke, though the line of descent is from David, it is not
the royal line. In this, JESUS is descended from King David through
Nathan, David's son, but not in the royal line and the list follows a
line quite distinct from the royal line.

The LORD JESUS, according to prophecy, was to be the actual SON OF DAVID
according to the flesh. [2 Samuel/Shemuel Bet 7. 12–19;
Psalms/Tehillym 89. 3–4; 34 thru 37; 132. 11; Acts 2. 30; 13.
22–23; Romans 1. 3; 2 Timothy 2. 8] These prophecies are fulfilled
by YesHuA being the SON of Miryam (Mary), WHO was a lineal descendant of
David, though not in the royal line. Joseph, who was of the royal line,
was not JESUS' father according to the flesh, but was HIS father in the
eyes of the Law.

Miryam (Mary) was a descendant of David through her father, Heli. It is
true that Luke 3:23 says that Joseph was the son of Heli — the
explanation here being that Miryam, being a woman, her name according to
Jewish usage, could not appear in the genealogy, males alone forming the
line; so Joseph's name is introduced in the place of Miryam's
since he was her husband. Heli was his father-in-law, and so Joseph is
called the "son of Heli" and the line thus completed. While Joseph was
the son-in-law of Heli, according to the flesh, he was in actual fact
the son of Jacob. [Matthew 1. 16]

Two genealogies are absolutely necessary to trace the lineage of our
LORD & SAVIOR YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. One, the royal and legal; the
other the natural and literal. We find these two genealogies, the
"legal & royal" in Matthew, the GOSPEL OF LAW & KINGSHIP; and the
"natural & literal" in Luke, the GOSPEL of humanity.

Jeremiah tells us that no descendant of Jeconiah would ever sit on the
throne of David. "Thus said the LORD — Record this man as without
succession, one who shall never be found acceptable; for none of his
offspring shall be accepted to sit on the Throne of David and to rule
anymore in Judah." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 22. 30 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Since Joseph was of this lineage, and while his genealogy furnishes the
royal line for JESUS, his son before the Law, nevertheless —
Jeremiah's prophecy is fulfilled to the very letter; for YESHUA
(precisely speaking) was not Joseph's descendant and therefore was
not of the "seed of Jeconiah." If YESHUA had been the son of Joseph in
reality, HE could not have come to the throne, but HE is Miryam's
SON (by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD) through Nathan and can come to the
Throne legally by her marrying Joseph and so providing JESUS' way
legally to it.

Study the two genealogies of the LORD JESUS carefully and be sure to
read them in the light of the OLD COVENANT prophecy. It is amazing to
see how one part of HOLY SCRIPTURES fits into another part when studied
thus and rejoice in the accuracy of the WRITTEN WORD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Walk joyously in the light and warmth of ALMIGHTY GOD'S love. May
the HOLY ONE fill you with peace and happiness as you diligently serve
HIM. Praised be the LORD to WHOM all praise is due forever and ever!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
This world is like an Inn; the world-to-come, like Home!

A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION
WHO was this who was born on that far-off CHRISTmas Day? What manner of
CHILD was this whose first bed was a rude, dusty manger? Did anyone
know?

Yes! Miryam (Mary) knew. Scarcely more than a child though she was,
her soul was exalted beyond our imagining as she listened to the
announcement of the angel, "That HOLY CHILD which shall be born of you
shall be called the SON OF GOD!"

Joseph also knew, direct from an angel. The wise men knew. . . drawn
from the far corners of the earth as by a magnet. The angels knew, and
all the wide golden streets of heaven were crowded with them, their
faces shining with joy, and their chorus of rejoicing rising again and
again, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men!" Even the living stars knew. And, one of their number was
appointed to hang in luminous beauty over the spot where the YOUNG CHILD
lay.

The world, the one most concerned, the world — then as now before
HIS second coming, went blindly on its way. But, thanks to ETERNAL GOD,
you and I not only know, but incredible wonder of wonders, we have a
personal relationship with that PERFECT ONE WHO left HIS ivory palaces
and the glory which HE had with ALMIGHTY GOD before the earth was, and
walked here awhile in humiliation.

We know that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF spoke from heaven saying, "This is MY
BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased!" SON OF GOD, KING of kings and
LORD of lords! The GREAT DESIGNER and CREATOR of the Universe, for
without HIM was nothing made that was made. Our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, ever
living to make intercession for us. SIN-BEARER, and yet future JUDGE,
for all judgment is committed unto the BELOVED ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON; the
CAPTAIN of our salvation, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith, the BRIGHT
& MORNING STAR, the RESURRECTION & LIFE!

As instructed, Miryam (Mary) called HIM, "YESHUA (SAVIOR..."for besides
ME, there is no SAVIOR, says YEHOWAH" Isaiah/Yeshayah 43.11)" — HIS
NAME is also called: "WONDERFUL (PELE: secret, mysterious, a marvel,
extraordinary, a wonder, something hard to understand), COUNSELOR
(YAH'ATS), MIGHTY GOD (GIBOWR'EL), EVERLASTING FATHER (AD AB), PRINCE OF
PEACE (SAR SHALOWM)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6]

"NO ROOM FOR HIM AT THE INN!" Could any inn contain the LORD OF GLORY?
The wonder is that the walls of that small stable did not part and
stretch far, far away to the ends of the universe in a vain effort to
make a dwelling place vast enough to house INFINITY!

Yet this same sinless, INCOMPARABLE, UNSURPASSED ONE suffered
indescribable tortures because of HIS great love for you and me! For
long dreadful hours the LORD JESUS hung upon the cross, bearing the
guilt and shame of my sins and the sins of all the world. HE conquered
death and hell for me...HE walks the earth with me...HE has given heaven
to me!

It is too much, I cannot grasp such amazing depths of love. I can only
remove the shoes from off my feet and bow in silent adoration at the
door of that little stable in Bethlehem and worship my SAVIOR, my GOD,
MESSIAH YESHUA, my LORD & KING!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May the REDEEMER of all ages make you holy and may you grow in HIS
wisdom and favor. Walk boldly in the light and warmth of GOD'S
compelling love. And, may the HOLY ONE fill you with HIS perfect peace,
wonderful joy and indescribable happiness.
Have a blessed and joyous CHRIST-filled CHRISTmas! — Oh come, let
us adore HIM, CHRIST the LORD!
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.

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