Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
An exception casts light on a rule.

FOR SURE!
"But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the
LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 32.
23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The Hebrew word yada' takes in many aspects of certainty sure,
aware, comprehend, consider, take knowledge, know, assure, discover,
teach, tell, understand and the eternal consideration should be made for
the soul of each individual. From the very beginning, the ALMIGHTY
CREATOR had warned of the consequences of disobedience, death and
damnation. Adam was forewarned "Of every tree of the garden you
may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you
shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 16 - 17 Tanakh, Torah] All our sins will all be
exposed and judgment follows accordingly. "Nevertheless the solid
foundation of GOD stands sure, having this seal The LORD knows
those who are HIS and Let everyone who names the Name of
CHRIST depart from iniquity." [2 Timothy 2. 19]

OMNIPOTENT GOD'S great mercy and enduring faithfulness is also yada'
for HIS HOLY WRITTEN WORD and the HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE, "WHO is the
GUARANTEE of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased
possession, to the praise of HIS glory." [Ephesians 1. 14; 2 Corinthians
1. 22; 5. 5] "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do
well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place." [2 Peter 1. 19] 
We are also sure of GOD'S promised salvation, "This HOPE we have as an
ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the
PRESENCE behind the veil." [Hebrews 6. 19]

Thus, through faith and patience we can inherit the promises as we show
"the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end until
the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of HIS glory."
[Hebrews 6. 11]

Of a certainty, the WORD OF GOD is sure, if HE has said it, it is
settled if you believe it or not. We can be sure that our sins must be
judged, and we can be just as certain that if we come to the ONE WHO is
the CLEANSING FOUNTAIN, we will have forgiveness, if we believe HIS sure
promises and receive HIS sure salvation. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
promised to return and complete HIS work of redemption and
reconciliation graciously stating, "Surely I am coming quickly."
[Revelation 22. 20]

First, each of us must individually make sure that we believe the SURE
WORD OF TRUTH and have acquired this absolute hope. "Therefore,
brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for
if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will
be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our LORD
and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST." [2 Peter 1. 10 - 11]

We can be sure that our sins will be judged, but, blessed assurance we
can be eternally sure and secure when we know the amazing gift of
forgiveness from our BLESSED REDEEMER and believe HIS sure promises and
saving grace of salvation. Even so, come LORD JESUS!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
CREATOR of the Universe, we come before YOU to praise and extol YOUR
greatness and goodness. YOU, LORD GOD, are the FOUNTAIN from which all
blessings flow. In all the experiences of life, we recognize that YOUR
guiding hand establishes our work and that YOUR love lifts our lives to
nobler effort. May the inspiration of this day strengthen our faith in
YOU. Purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of
YOUR PRESENCE. Continue to bestow YOUR benediction on us and teach us to
seek YOU ever more . Help us to live that when we have gathered our
final harvest, many shall rise up with us to magnify and bless YOUR
PRECIOUS NAME.
Day 15 of Repentance.

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Silence is the only successful substitute for brains. [Maurice Samuel]

DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY
"When the HELPER comes, WHOM I shall send to you from the FATHER, the
SPIRIT OF TRUTH WHO proceeds from the FATHER, HE will testify of ME."
[John 15. 26]

There is only One GOD, yet three PERSONS: GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON,
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT each with HIS own distinct relation to
mankind; each equally, fully, and eternally GOD. Although these truths
are implicit throughout the NEW COVENANT, the Doctrine of the Trinity is
seldom, if ever, presented explicitly as a formal doctrine.

Many times SUPREME CREATOR called HIMSELF "the GOD of Abraham, the GOD
of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob." HE seemed to love to reveal HIMSELF
through this NAME, and this is the revelation of the FATHER, SON and
HOLY SPIRIT. Abram means "the exalted father" who became Abraham, "the
father of a multitude." Isaac means "laughter" ; he was the
promised son, the joy of his exalted father, Abram. Jacob is known as
the "heel grabber or supplanter" the one who became Israel 
"a prince with GOD" and this speaks of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT.

There are several passages in the NEW COVENANT where all THREE PERSONS
of the GOD-head are mentioned in the same context, and each one deals
with a significant aspect of the CHRISTian life. First, is the
provision of salvation, "the blood of CHRIST, WHO through the ETERNAL
SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD." [Hebrews 9. 14]

Regeneration follows salvation. "And because you are sons, GOD has sent
forth the SPIRIT of HIS SON into your hearts, crying ABBA FATHER."
[Galatians 4. 6] Salvation and regeneration are then publicly
testified in baptism "in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of
the HOLY SPIRIT." [Matthew 28. 19]

The believer' s prominent resource is prayer and this also involves all
THREE PERSONS. "For through MESSIAH we both have access by one SPIRIT
unto the FATHER." [Ephesians 2. 18] The believer must also continue to
learn of MESSIAH YESHUA, and to bear witness of HIM. "The HOLY SPIRIT,
WHOM the FATHER will send in MY NAME (YESHUA), HE shall teach you all
things. The SPIRIT OF TRUTH, which proceeds from the FATHER, HE shall
testify of ME; and you also shall bear witness because you have been
with ME from the beginning." [John 14. 26 - 27]

We have eternal assurance in TRIUNE GOD'S promise: "The grace of
the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA and the love of GOD, and the communion of the
HOLY SPIRIT be with you all. Amen!" [2 Corinthians 13. 14] All power,
praise, honor and glory to the THREE-IN-ONE!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Psalms/Tehillym 83.1-5 says GOD, do not be silent; do not be
distant; do not be quiet, O GOD! For YOUR enemies rage, those who hate
YOU exalt themselves. They plot craftily against YOUR people, take
counsel against YOUR treasured ones. They say Let us wipe them out
as a nation; Israel 's name will be mentioned no more. Yet we are
confident that, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Truly,
there is none like YOU, O LORD GOD. YOU are glorious in holiness,
revered in worship, wondrous in all YOUR works! There is none like YOU,
infinite is YOUR power, so is YOUR love.
Day 14 of Repentance.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The FAITHFUL MASTER DESIGNER chooses what we go through; we choose how
we go through it.

MEANINGFUL PURPOSE
"When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous man do?"
[Psalms (Tehillym) 11. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The Hebrew word "shathat" is translated foundations which fittingly
means purpose, intent, basis, objective. The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is
our FIRM FOUNDATION and HE can never be done away with. But, a
CHRISTian can loose his purpose if his eyes are not focused continually
on the BLESSED SAVIOR.

When one is distracted with the cares of this world, Satan delights to
undermine and spoil the purpose SOVEREIGN GOD has for us, and we soon
deviate away from HIS will. "When the whirlwind passes the wicked man
is gone, but the righteous has an EVERLASTING FOUNDATION." [Proverbs
(Tehillym) 10. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Man's purpose is to exalt, praise and worship OMNIPOTENT GOD. "YAH (I
AM) is my strength and might, HE has become my deliverance. HE is my
GOD, and I will praise and glorify HIM; the GOD of my fathers and I will
exalt HIM." [Exodus (Tehillym) 15. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Let men thank and
praise the LORD for HIS steadfast love, HIS wondrous deeds for mankind!
Let them exalt HIM in the congregation of the people, and praise HIM in
the assembly of the elders." [Psalms (Tehillym) 107. 30 - 32 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

We will only be fulfilled and know a sense of worth and direction in our
life when MESSIAH' S commands and decrees are followed. As we carefully
pursue YESHUA, the TRUE VINE, in HIS "doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions,
afflictions" [2 Timothy 3. 10 - 11], "we may have confidence and not be
ashamed before HIM at HIS appearing." [1 John 2. 28]

"Nevertheless the solid foundation (purpose, basis) of ALMIGHTY GOD
stands, having this seal The LORD knows those who are HIS; and, let
everyone who names the NAME of CHRIST depart from iniquity." [2 Timothy
2. 19]

The LORD JESUS CHRIST, our SOLID FOUNDATION, is complete, and by faith
we grow to a higher plane, day-by-day. "HE raises the poor from the
dust, and lifts the needy from the dung heap to set them with the great,
with the great men of HIS people." [Psalms (Tehillym) 113. 7 - 8 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] There is none other like our WONDERFUL ALL-WISE CREATOR, the
GREATEST LOVER of our soul.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We bid farewell to Sabbath by sing the song in the Havdallah ritual that
states, "the Prophet Elijah, the Tishbite from Gilead, may he come
to us soon with the SON OF DAVID, the MESSIAH" the GREATER ONE
that we fix our gaze on. We also pray that GOD, WHO separates the holy
from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life and open our mouth to
declare HIS praises continually. Unto YOU alone, O LORD GOD do we turn;
for YOU alone abide deep in the solitude of our hearts. May we ever
trust in YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER, and be unafraid in the face of the
inscrutable (unfathomable, immeasurable, unknowable, unimaginable) years
ahead, and see that everything happens for the best. Because of YOU
LORD, there is perfect peace in our hearts at the nearness of YOU.
Have a joyous week!
Day 12 of Repentance.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You cannot take pride in your humility and still be humble.

OUR TENT BODIES
"The house of the wicked will be demolished, utterly destroyed; but the
tent of the upright will flourish." [Proverbs (Mishle) 14. 11 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The righteous LORD GOD OF HEAVEN will judge the upright of heart and the
wicked for the deeds they have done. "For the arms of the wicked shall
be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. The LORD is concerned for
the needs of the upright, their inheritance lasts forever." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 37. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "YEHOWAH is RIGHTEOUS; HE
loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold HIS face." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 11. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The foes of YEHOWAH shall be
shattered; HE will thunder against them in the heavens. YEHOWAH will
judge the ends of the earth." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 10 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

GOD OMNIPOTENT is the CREATOR of all things. Therefore, HE has
determined judgment on those breaking HIS Laws and knows those who are
keeping them. "The LORD judges the peoples. Let the evil of the wicked
come to an end, but establish the righteous. HE WhO probes the mind and
conscience is GOD THE RIGHTEOUS the DEFENSE, SHIELD and DELIVERER
of the upright. GOD is the JUST JUDGE, and has indignation with the
wicked each day." [Psalms (Tehillym) 7. 8 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

When allowed, the trials and persecutions we endure in this world can
refine us for THE MASTER'S glory. Therefore, the OMNIPOTENT LORD has
promised and we can be assured that "if our earthly house, this tent, is
destroyed, we have a building from GOD, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be
clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been
clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan,
being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further
clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life." [2 Corinthians 5.
1 - 4]

Peter writes to those who have obtained like precious faith by the
righteousness of our GOD & SAVIOR, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH: "For this reason
I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you
know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right,
as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing
that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our LORD YESHUA showed me."
[2 Peter 1. 12 - 14] "You also, as living stones, are being built up a
spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to GOD through JESUS CHRIST." [1 Peter 2. 5] We are
commanded to "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.
Prove yourselves." [2 Corinthians 13. 5] Therefore, "BE EVEN MORE
DILIGENT TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, for if you do these
things you will never stumble." [2 Peter 1. 10]

If the LORD YESHUA of NAZARETH, the ROCK of our salvation delays, wait
for HIM, for HE will surely come, and that speedily; and HIS reward is
with HIM. As it is written, "the righteous man is rewarded with life."
[Habakkuk 2. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. " [1 Corinthians
15. 53] Not only is our reward to be with our REDEEMING SAVIOR, but we
will live forever with HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Welcome Sabbath Queen of the week! May it be YOUR will O Lord
that this day bring us a life of peace, a life of goodness, a life of
blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity.
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace we were
taught the sanctity of the weekly day of rest, Sabbath is the sign of
the tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR
perfect rest. Amen!

May your Sabbath have the flavor of Paradise !
Day 11 of Repentance.

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
No physician can heal the wounds inflicted by the tongue (except the
GREAT PHYSICIAN).

NEW COVENANT JUDGMENT
"When the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in
flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know GOD, and on those
who do not obey the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. These shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD and
from the glory of HIS power, when HE comes, in that Day, to be glorified
in HIS saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our
testimony among you was believed." [2 Thessalonians 1. 7 - 10]

Many critics contend that the OLD COVENANT and NEW COVENANT are
inconsistent the OLD COVENANT being filled with harsh
condemnations of human sin and warnings of the coming DIVINE Judgment;
the NEW COVENANT emphasizes the Grace and Love of the ALMIGHTY ETERNAL
ONE. However, the OLD COVENANT unquestionably contains numerous
testimonies of love, mercy and lovingkindness of our MAGNIFICENT CREATOR
GOD. "The LORD is merciful, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger,
abounding in mercy and steadfast love." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 8
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

In the same way, the most striking and fearsome warnings and prophecies
of judgment to come are found in the NEW COVENANT. "For the time has
come for judgment to begin at the House of GOD; and if it begins with us
first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the GOSPEL OF GOD?
Now, if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and
the sinner appear?" [1 Peter 4. 17 - 18] There will be an eternal
separation from the TENDER, LOVING SAVIOR for all who reject HIS ONLY
BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and HIS saving grace. The LORD YESHUA
HIMSELF uttered more warnings of future hell than anyone else recorded
in either the OLD or NEW COVENANTS. The RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will say to
"those on the left hand Depart from ME, you cursed, into the
everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [Matthew 25.
41] Jude spoke of ungodly men "for whom is reserved the blackness of
darkness forever." [Jude 13]

The beloved disciple, John, wrote more to emphasize the love of ALMIGHTY
GOD then any other writer. But, in the Book of Revelation he focuses
especially, and in detail, on the coming period of the RIGHTEOUS ONE'S
judgment on a rebellious world. "And I saw the dead, small and great,
standing before GOD, and Books were opened. And another Book was opened,
which is the BOOK OF LIFE. And the dead were judged according to their
works, by the things which were written in the Books. The sea gave up
the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who
were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Then Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second
death. And anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into
the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 12 - 15]

The OMNIPOTENT, LOVING, HIGH & EXALTED CREATOR is most gracious and full
of mercy, "compassionate longsuffering and gracious, slow to anger,
abounding in kindness and faithfulness and truth, extending mercy to the
thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin" to all
who receive MESSIAH YESHUA. But "does not overlook or pardon the
guilty." [Exodus (Shemot) 34. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Torah] Unequivocal and
inescapable judgment will come to all who refuse the SON OF GOD.

Oy! such weeping and wailing there will be as the lost are told of their
fate. Do not let this be your end. The arms of the AMAZING SAVIOR are
extended to you even now. . . run to HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Draw me to YOU with the breath of love, swiftly shall I come to stand
within YOUR radiance that I may attain the sweetness of all intimacies
in YOUR PRESENCE.
My soul aches to receive your love. . . only by the tenderness of YOUR
PURE LIGHT, MOST HOLY LORD can I be healed. . . engage my soul in YOUR
service that I may taste the ecstasy of YOUR perfect righteousness.
"Be' ezrat ha'SHEM (with the help of GOD)" my soul will be exalted
and greatly rejoice.
Day 10 of Repentance.

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The key to the treasures of the ETERNAL ONE is reverence.

FOREVER ENDURES
"The LORD abides (endures) forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 7 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

This world and the heavens are going to all pass away completely as
everything decays and dies "they will perish…grow old like a
garment." [Hebrews 1. 11] But GOD, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR, is eternal! 
"May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in HIS
works." [Psalms (Tehillym) 104. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The great name of the KING OF GLORY will never change. "May HIS NAME be
eternal; while the sun lasts, may HIS NAME endure. Men shall be blessed
in HIM; all nations shall call HIM blessed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 17
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Likewise, HIS righteousness and character is
everlasting, "Wealth and riches are in HIS House, and HIS righteousness
lasts forever. HE is gracious, compassionate, generous and righteous."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 112. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Psalms 136 declares
the MIGHTY ONE'S ever-enduring mercies and concludes with wonderful
assurances and promises. "Oh, give thanks and praise to the GOD OF
HEAVEN! HIS mercy and steadfast love is forever." [Psalms (Tehillym)
136. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Since the HOLY ONE'S perfect righteousness
and everlasting great mercy will last forever, we should continually
thank and praise HIM with every breath in our being.

The wondrous, life-giving WORD OF GOD will also endure. This is
confirmed in both OLD & NEW COVENANTS "The LORD exists forever;
YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven. YOUR faithfulness is for all
generations; YOU have established the earth, and it stands." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 119. 89 - 90 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "All flesh is as grass, and
all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and
its flower falls away, but the WORD OF THE LORD endures forever." [1
Peter 1. 24 - 25]

GOD'S love, so rich and pure, will always endure, eternity will be
filled with HIS great love. "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. 38 - 39]

We know for certainty that we shall also live forever, because the HOLY
ONE is forever. "His (David's) seed shall continue forever, his throne,
as the sun before ME; as the moon, established forever, an enduring
witness in the sky. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 36 - 37 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who
does the will of GOD abides forever." [1 John 2. 17] Oh the riches we,
who serve the LORD OF GLORY, have in abundance awaiting us; and the
great joy in serving and loving HIM even now.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Return to the HOLY ONE OF JACOB. In returning to HIM you will find rest
and be saved and receive quietness, confidence and strength. So, let us
celebrate the ties of love and faith that bind us in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, the GREAT GOD of our salvation.
Day 9 of Repentance.

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Great is repentance; it turns sins into incentives for correct conduct.

RECONCILIATION
"A man takes a wife and marries her. She fails to please him because he
finds something obnoxious about her, and he writes her a bill of
divorcement, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house; she
leaves his household and becomes the wife of another man; then this
latter husband rejects her, writes her a bill of divorcement, hands it
to her, and sends her away from him; or the man who married her last
dies. Then her first husband who divorced her shall not take her to wife
again, since she has been defiled — disqualified for him — for
that would be abhorrent to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the
land that the LORD your GOD is giving you as a heritage." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 24. 1 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]

The marvelous ministry of reconciliation has been distorted by many
churches and fellow-CHRISTians when they have failed to read and follow
the WRITTEN SCRIPTURES dealing with marriage and re-marriage. Even King
David honoured GOD'S commandment with his concubines after they were
defiled by Absalom, putting them in "a guarded place, he provided for
them, but did not cohabit with them. They remained in seclusion until
the day they died, living in widowhood." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 20. 3
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"If a man divorces his wife, and she leaves him and marries another man,
can he ever go back to her?" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 3. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
The answer is emphatically — No! it would be an abomination before
the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD because she has been defiled. On the other
hand, if the couple separates for a time and remain pure, they may be
reconciled together again. "Now to the married I command, yet not I but
the LORD: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does
depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a
husband is not to divorce his wife." [2 Corinthians 7. 10 - 11]

However, dealing with our relationship with the ALL-WISE ETERNAL ONE,
though we have been defiled by sin, HE has said: "Turn back to ME —
says the LORD OF HOSTS — and I will return to you — said the
LORD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 1. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The work of reconciling lost men back to a relationship with HOLY GOD is
only possible as provided by the precious blood of the PRINCE OF PEACE,
MESSIAH YESHUA through HIS shed blood of atonement. HE has committed
this ministry to us, HIS servants. A CHRIST-like life can only be
gained if we are centered in the LORD JESUS and "those who live should
live no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them and rose
again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15]

As we serve in the ministry of reconciliation, may we do the service of
the MOST HOLY GOD as HE commands and not by our own understanding. 
"Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are
of GOD, WHO has reconciled us to HIMSELF through JESUS CHRIST, and has
given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that GOD was in CHRIST
reconciling the world to HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses to them,
and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are
ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD were pleading through us: we
implore you on MESSIAH' S behalf, be reconciled to GOD." [2 Corinthians
5. 17 - 20] Like our BLESSED MASTER, look for good and encourage with
forgiveness.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Man is given choices to act out in this world; but the junctions and
highways have been set in place by the Creator. We have an AWESOME GOD,
and HE is on the throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE, our BLESSED
HOPE, is worthy of all our praise and worship even in these difficult
times.
Day 7 of Repentance

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man should have a jacket with two pockets: In one have a piece of paper
on which is written— I am but dust and ashes. In the other, a piece
of paper on which is written— For Messiah the world and I was
created.

A BETTER COVENANT
"For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change
of the Law." [Hebrews 7. 12] "In that HE says — A NEW COVENANT
— HE has made the FIRST obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and
growing old is ready to vanish away." [Hebrews 8. 13]

In the BRITH HADASHA (NEW COVENANT) the Book of Hebrews is called the
"bridge between the OLD & NEW COVENANT SCRIPTURES." Its key word, found
13 times in this book, is "better. " It was written to the Hebrews at a
time when they were being persecuted for their faith in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH and there was a danger they might be tempted to go back to
their forms, rituals, holidays, sacrifices, etc. But the writer of
this Letter (Paul most probable) encourages these Jewish believers to go
on in the MESSIAH, "go on to perfection (maturity)" [Hebrews 6. 1] ...or
simply suggesting, Grow Up! since the Law was changed as also was the
priesthood of the FIRST COVENANT.

The better things to take place — as HOLY SCRIPTURE states, "The way
into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the First
Tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in
which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who
performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— concerned
only with foods and drinks, various washings (Hebrew: mikvoth) and
fleshly (carnal) ordinances imposed on them until the time of
reformation. " [Hebrews 9. 8 - 10] The reformation was to be brought
about through the new HIGH PRIESTHOOD of MESSIAH YESHUA.

The entire legal system, called "the First Tabernacle" was a figure for
that time when gifts and sacrifices were offered but could not make them
perfect (cleanse them from sins as pertaining to the conscience). They
were outward, fleshly, carnal rituals which were observed to represent
that which was to come and be fulfilled in the BELOVED MESSIAH WHO
brought about the reformation. HE brought a BETTER COVENANT, a better
SACRIFICE, a better PRIESTHOOD by the One Supreme Sacrifice on Calvary
's Altar.

GOD ALMIGHTY HIMSELF declared that the carnal, weak and unprofitable Law
could not make anyone perfect. One does not grow spiritually mature by
following the unprofitable Law. One draws near to CREATOR GOD by
following a BETTER HOPE — the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO is the
fulfillment of all the HEBREW SCRIPTURES! "There arises another priest
who has come, not according to the Law of a fleshly commandment, but
according to the power of an endless life...For on the one hand there is
an annulling of the former commandment (FIRST COVENANT) because of its
weakness and unprofitableness. " [Hebrews 7. 15 - 19]

"To fulfill the Law" is not to do away with the Law, but to perform what
the Law and the prophets required and to make good what it demanded and
prophesied. By grace of the MERCIFUL LORD, Jew and Gentile shall be
finally and completely saved. SCRIPTURES show that in the LORD JESUS
there is no difference between us when it pertains to following the NEW
COVENANT. Both, Jew and Gentile, have been set free from bondage of the
carnal commandment which has to do with fleshly works. They are now
"spiritual&quo t; for they follow the "spiritual commandment" of the NEW
COVENANT. One does not carry burdens of the Law when YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH has delivered him from these burdens; nor does one
follow a dead and profitless Law when new life and a BETTER COVENANT has
come!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel
!
Man is given choices to act out in this world; but the junctions and
highways have been set in place by the Creator. We have an AWESOME GOD,
and HE is on the throne ruling over the affairs of men. Even in
difficult times there is light and joy, gladness and honor for all of
GOD'S people. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, thus we
glorify our KING.
May your Sukkot Festival bring you closer to the MASTER — the LORD
OF THE HARVEST!
Day 6 of Repentance.

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
As easy as it may appear, the path of least resistance may be the very
one to avoid.

REDEEMING THE TIME
"There remains therefore a rest to the people of GOD." [Hebrews 4. 9]

For those who labor, this has been a long time favorite verse. We grow
tired of work, and weary even in the LORD'S work. . . but we continue on
in faithful stewardship for the needs are so great in harvesting souls
that we dare not stop. Thus praying— "Teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." [Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 12
Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this,
that they would consider their latter end!" [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 32. 29]

The LORD GOD knew HIS people would need rest, so HE ordained a weekly
day of rest, Sabbath. In fact, the only reason HE took six days to do
the work of creation was to set the proper pattern for man's six-day
work week. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 8 - 11] MESSIAH YESHUA, the LORD OF
GLORY, indicated that it is still "lawful to do well on Sabbath days"
[Matthew 12. 12]; and the SCRIPTURES command us to always "walk in
wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." [Colossians 4.
5] And to "walk circumspectly (carefully, watchfully), not as fools,
but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." [Ephesians
5. 15 - 16]

The word for "rest" is actually the special word for Sabbath rest
(Shabbath-Shabbatho wn). The new covenant indicates that the weekly rest
day, like all the others in the Ten Commandments, is still a DIVINE
principle in the CHRISTian dispensation, and violating it is to our
detriment. It also refers, in context, to the rest we find in the LORD
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. "For he that is entered into HIS rest, he also
has ceased from his own works, as GOD did from HIS." [Hebrews 4. 10]

There is a most comforting application for our future life— "Blessed
are the dead that die in the LORD from now on: Yes! says the SPIRIT,
that they may rest from their labors; and their works follow them."
[Revelation 14. 13] But for now, even when it is hard to find time for
physical rest, we find perfect peaceful rest for our souls in the LORD
JESUS CHRIST. Without a doubt, HE is our PERFECT PEACE & REST.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Come, let us go forth to meet Queen Sabbath the Bride of
the Week — Enter, O Bride; Enter, O Bride! Thank YOU, LORD GOD for
giving us this great and holy seventh day in love.
Have a peaceful, enriching Shabbat 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 and with
an objective to bless others. May the spirit of the Sabbath fill our
life with its blessed peace through YOUR PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA THE
ANOINTED ONE. Amen
This is the 4th Day of Repentance. May you have enough happiness to
make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep
you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

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: www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A fanatic is someone who — when he looses sight of his goal —
doubles his effort.

WATCH & PRAY
"Because of them we prayed to our GOD, and set up workers on the walls
to watch over them day and night." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 9 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

Prayer is a powerful weapon, but the wall-builders in Jerusalem also
were careful to set a watch against their enemies "with their swords,
their lances, and their bows." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 13 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] They were ready to fight, if necessary, but at the same time
they were confident that "ELOHEINU shall fight for us." [Nehemiah
(Nechemah) 4. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is a sound BIBLICAL
self-evident truth. The ALMIGHTY ONE expects us to make appropriate use
of whatever physical means are available for a needed ministry, rather
than to rely simply on prayer or a DIVINE miracle.

In Jewish thinking, devotion from the heart, called "kavanat ha lev" is
considered essential to true prayer. Kavanat implies concentration,
worship, and single-mindedness; you simply cannot reach the HIGH & LOFTY
LORD GOD without earnestness and passion of the whole heart. [see
Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 29. 13; Hebrews 11. 6] A Jewish sages wrote—
"Prayer without kavanat is like a body without a soul." This
suggests that merely mouthing the right words of a prayer is empty
hypocrisy if the inmost heart is not also profoundly involved. And will
GOD, WHO is SPIRIT, listen to such insincerity from our lips? [see
Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 13; Matthey 15. 8]

The ETERNAL ONE rebuked those who came asking HIM to perform a miracle
merely to test HIM or to see something curious. "Unless you people see
signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." [John 4. 48] Neither
does the HOLY LORD excuse prayer instead of work, for "faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead." [James 2. 17] The same holds for
prayer instead of obedience. As Joshua was praying for deliverance from
the enemy, "the LORD answered Joshua: Arise! Why do you lie prostrate?
Israel has sinned! They have broken the covenant by which I bound them.
They have taken of the proscribed (forbidden) and put it in their
vessels; they have stolen; they have broken faith!" [Joshua (Yehoshua)
7. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

But as prayer without working is dead, so watching and working without
prayer are useless. "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and
cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not
ask." [James 4. 2] "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders
labor in vain on it; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman
keeps vigil in vain." [Psalms (Tehillym) 127. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The principle rule of the HOLY BIBLE is not only to watch or only to
pray; for both are essential. "Watch and Pray!" said MESSIAH YESHUA
— "that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing,
but the flesh is weak." [Matthew 26. 41] The ANOINTED REDEEMER also
said — "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted
worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand
before the SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 36]

The English word "prayer" is derived from a root word meaning "to be or
entreat" whereas the Hebrew word hitpallel comes from a verb meaning "to
judge oneself." When we pray, let us first inwardly examine ourselves
and then sincerely call upon the LORD & MASTER of our life with reverent
singleness of heart. As we watch and wait for our LORD'S promised
return, make prayer your continual stay and strength, as you faithfully
do the job that HE has assigned you. May you be found worthy!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel !
As we bid farewell to Shabbos, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins. We share the blessed hope that
every day will be as sweet as Shabbat...a rest of love freely given in
truth and sincerity – a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and
safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORD YESHUA!
Tov Shavua — have a good week! ...may gladness reign and joy
increase as we celebrate the up-coming High Holy Days of the LORD'S
Feasts.
This is the 5th Day of Repentance — Shoftim (Judges).

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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Sometimes our vision is improved when we close our eyes. Frequency is
blinding, we don't appreciate things as miraculous because we are
inured (hardened, accustomed, comfortable, familiar with) by the
limitations of our vision.

GREAT DIVIDER
"Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at
all, but rather division." [Luke 12. 51]

The HIGH & LOFTY ONE has been the GREAT DIVIDER from the beginning of
creation. The first day ELOHIYM "separated the light from the
darkness" — on the second day, HE "separated the water which was
below the expanse from the water which was above the expanse." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 1. 4, 7 Tanakh, Torah] When the ALMIGHTY ONE first created
man, they walked together in perfect fellowship. However, sin then came
in and made a division between man and CREATOR GOD. Although, when we
were enemies, "we were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON."
[Romans 5. 10]

The price has been paid for full reconciliation with our BELOVED
REDEEMER, but "men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds
were evil" [John 3. 19], so MESSIAH YESHUA HIMSELF is now the RIGHTEOUS
ONE WHO divides. "He that believes on the SON has everlasting life; and
he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD
abides on him." [John 3. 36]

The GALILEAN, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH divides all history and
all chronology. Time is even divided accordingly: "Before CHRIST
(Before CHRIST/BCE-Before Common Era)" or "in the year of our LORD
(After Death). " Men are either under the OLD COVENANT or the NEW
COVENANT. In particular, HE divides humanity. "There was a division
among the people because of HIM." [John 7. 43; 9. 16; 10. 19] As a
result, these divisions can be severely intense: "Father will be
divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and
daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in- law and
daughter-in- law against her mother-in-law. " [Luke 12. 53]

In conclusion, when the ETERNAL ALL-WISE MEDIATOR comes to judge all
nations, HE will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides
his sheep from the goats — "and these shall go away into
everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal." [Matthew
25. 32, 46] The division is life or death, light or darkness, heaven or
hell, the LORD JESUS or the Antichrist. The choice is all ours, but the
result and conclusion is HIS in the final judgment! Choose this day
whom you will serve.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD, help me to be ever more like YOU, holy for YOU are holy, loving
for YOU are love. And to be truly thankful, we must take all the SUN OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS, the LORD GOD has given to us and done for us. . . and
then use it for HIS glory in loving and serving others.
Day 3 of Repentance

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 the scoundrel is spared, he learns not righteousness.

RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD
"Indeed I (Job speaking) know it is so, man cannot be righteous before
GOD?" [Job (Iyob) 9. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The patriarch Job was the most honorable (Hebrew: tsaddiyq moral,
just, lawful, righteous) man of his age according to the testimony of
the MOST HOLY ONE WHO bragged twice to Satan, the Adversary, "Have you
considered MY servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a
blameless and upright man who fears GOD and shuns evil? ...There is none
like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God
and shuns evil." [Job (Iyob) 1. 8; 2. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Job's friends, however, insisted that his terrible sufferings had
been sent by ELOHIYM because of his sins. Eliphaz the Temanite, one of
Job's friends argued, "Can a mortal be acquitted by GOD? Can a man
be more pure than his MAKER?" [Job (Iyob) 4. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "What
is man, that he can be cleared of guilt, one born of a woman, that he
could be righteous? GOD puts no trust in HIS saints; the heavens are not
pure in HIS sight; what then of one who is loathsome and foul, man who
drinks iniquity like water!" [Job (Iyob) 15. 14 -16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
Yet, Job knew he was innocent of the sins they accused him of, as he
earnestly tried to be obedient and faithful to the ETERNALLY FAULTLESS
ONE.

At the same time, like all men everywhere, Job was fully aware that as a
man, he had fallen short of GOD'S holiness. "For all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of GOD." [Romans 3. 23] "Cursed be he who does
not uphold all the words of this Law and observe them." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 27. 26 Tanakh, Torah]
Thus Job continually confessed, "If I have sinned, what have I done to
YOU, O WATCHER (Hebrew: NATSAR) of men? Why make of me YOUR target, and
a burden to myself?...Tell me where I am wrong." [Job (Iyob) 7. 20; 6.
24b Tanakh, Kethuvim] Then he inquired of the RIGHTEOUS ONE, how can a
man be pure who is born of a woman or righteous before the CREATOR.
[Job/Iyob 9. 2; 25. 4]

Because sin is inherited, Job was aware of his need of a MEDIATOR. He
affirmed, "Though I were righteous (innocent), my own mouth would
condemn me; though I were blameless it would prove me perverse."
[Job (Iyob) 9. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yet ELOHIYM created man for HIS OWN
glory [Isaiah/Yeshayah 43. 7], and desires all men to be saved and come
to the knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2. 4]

Therefore, GOD justifies unrighteous men while remaining righteous
HIMSELF by sending HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA to die for all our sins
according to HIS good pleasure. "GOD demonstrates HIS OWN love toward
us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us. Much more
then, having now been justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through HIM. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD
through the death of HIS SON, much more, having been reconciled, we
shall be saved by HIS life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in
GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, through WHOM we have now received the
reconciliation. " [Romans 5. 8 - 11] "In HIM we have redemption through
HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace
which HE made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence."
[Ephesians 1. 7 - 8]

Like Job who knew his need of a MEDIATOR/REDEEMER, we too should
confidently declare, "I know that my VINDICATOR lives; in the end HE
shall stand and testify on earth and after my skin is destroyed,
this I know, that in my flesh I shall behold GOD. I myself, not another,
will see HIM with my own eyes." [Job (Iyob) 19. 25 - 27 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The LORD GOD EXALTED says, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in
him; but the righteous man shall live by his faith and is rewarded with
life." [Habakkuk 2. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] How amazingly wonderful it
is to know that GOD is both JUST and the JUSTIFIER for those who
believe.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Believe on the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA and be saved. Know that some glorious
day we will behold that BLESSED HOPE and we will spend eternity in HIS
PRESENCE and rest in the many promises that are to come into fulfillment
when we but step into HIS arms; in the MASTER'S mighty hands we are
complete and whole. "Oh, that YOU would rend the heavens! That YOU would
come down! That the mountains might shake at YOUR PRESENCE To make
YOUR NAME known to YOUR adversaries That the nations may tremble
at YOUR PRESENCE!" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 64:1-2
Day 2 of Repentance

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 remember well is not necessarily a sign of wisdom.

DAVID'S TABERNACLE
"They brought in the Ark of the LORD, and set it up in its place inside
the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt
offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet)
6. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also 1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 16. 1]

In spite of the now trend in many churches regarding "entering into
David's Tabernacle to revere and worship the MOST HIGH GOD" it is
simply a man-made cliché, method, or form of worship and not a
BIBLICAL doctrine; nor is this "the spiritual body" of believers. 
David's Tabernacle was a literal tabernacle (more correctly a "tent" )
erected to house or shelter the Ark of the Covenant.

When David saw how Obed-Edom was being blessed, he had the Ark of the
Covenant brought from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem . "The LORD
has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because
of the Ark of GOD. So David went and brought up the Ark of GOD from the
house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness." [2 Samuel
(Shemuel Bet) 6. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Isaiah also speaks of David's tent (tabernacle) being established and
MESSIAH YESHUA is on the Throne: "And a throne shall be established in
goodness in the tent of David, and on it shall sit in faithfulness a
RULER devoted to justice and zealous for equity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 16.
5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "And what will HE answer the messengers of any
nation? That Zion has been established by the LORD: In it, the needy of
HIS people shall find shelter." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 32 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]

In the Kingdom Age, when Israel is restored, so will the Tabernacle of
David. "In that day, I will set up again the fallen tabernacle of
David: I will mend its breaches and set up its ruins anew. I will build
it firm as in the days of old." [Amos (Amus) 9. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The "PRESENCE" ; of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA will be in Jerusalem again
HE is the "GLORIOUS FEATURE" ruling the KINGDOM OF GOD on earth.
"After this (taking out of a people for HIS NAME) I will return and will
rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild
its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek
the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by MY NAME, says the LORD
WHO does all these things." [Acts 15. 16 - 17]

Oh, what a day that will be! And, the ETERNAL ONE alone will be our GOD
and we will be HIS people, and David [see Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 37. 24 -
25] will be the Prince forever.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel !
All have fallen short of the Glory of our MASTER. Quit hiding from your
faults, teshuvah repent! Set you mind, by GOD'S grace and with
HIS help, to do your very best to bring honor to the NAME OF GOD. HIS
ways are right and just and HIS mercy is abundant. Faith celebrates
even before the victory is seen!
This is the 1st Day of Repentance (40 days before Yom Kippur). "Now is
the appointed time, now is the day of salvation!"

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 route to wisdom is humility.

MESSIAH YESHUA, THE ROCK
"All drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual
ROCK (Hebrew: T'SUR) that followed them, and that ROCK was CHRIST." [1
Corinthians 10. 4] "The nAME of the YEHOWAH (the LORD) I proclaim; give
glory to ELOHEINU (our GOD)! The ROCK (T'SUR)! HIS deeds are
perfect. Yes! all HIS ways are just; the faithful EL (GOD), never false.
True and upright is HE." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]

When the children of Israel began their forty year wanderings through
the wilderness, GOD OMNIPOTENT commanded Moses to strike the ROCK (T'SUR
"SMITTEN ROCK OF JUDGMENT" ) so thirst-quenching waters might be
miraculously provided. "I will stand before you there on the rock at
Horeb. Strike the rock and water will issue from it, and the people will
drink." [Exodus (Shemot) 17. 6 Tanakh, Torah] This SMITTEN ROCK OF
JUDGMENT is a beautiful type of MESSIAH YESHUA being smitten once on the
cross producing life giving forth the pure waters of salvation for
us.

At the end of the forty years Moses struck the ROCK OF PROVISION in
disobedience to ETERNAL GOD'S command simply to "speak to the rock" for
its cool refreshing water. "And Moses raised his hand and struck the
rock (cela) twice with his rod." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 20. 11 Tanakh,
Torah] This ROCK is a type of the risen, ascended ANOINTED SAVIOR WHO
is seated at the Throne of Grace. Now, we as believers simply SPEAK to
our LOVING MASTER in order to receive our daily, fresh, redeeming
grace.

Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that the
reason they received physical water was that their spiritual ROCK,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, had been with them supplying their needs from the
beginning to the end. How wondrously amazing to know that the
ALL-SUFFICIENT ROCK is always with us. The LORD JESUS promised, "I will
never leave you nor forsake you." [1 Corinthians 10. 4]

We begin with the SUFFERING MESSIAH at the Cross, continue with HIM
through this life; then, we travel with HIM right into heaven. "Though
I walk through the valley of deaths deepest darkness, I fear no harm,
for YOU are with me; YOUR ROD and YOUR STAFF they comfort me."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Our ROCK, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, is trustworthy and unwavering. "I adore YOU, O LORD,
my ROCK (T'SUR ROCK OF JUDGMENT), my FORTRESS, my RESCUER, my GOD,
my ROCK (CELA ROCK OF PROVISION), my STRENGTH in WHOM I seek
refuge and in WHOM I put my trust; my SHIELD, my MIGHTY CHAMPION, the
HORN of my salvation, my HAVEN, my HIGH TOWER. I will call upon the LORD
WHO is worthy to be praised. I called on the LORD and was delivered from
my enemies." [Psalms (Tehillym) 18. 2 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD
JESUS, our PERFECT FOUNDATION, the SOLID ROCK, is our GREATEST JOY and
our HIGHEST PRAISE.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
O GOD, WHO alone is all good, WHOSE mercies fail not; WHOSE
loving-kindnesses never cease, we have all our hope and trust in YOU. 
We bless YOU, our SALVATION and our HELP, our GOD WHOM thanksgiving and
eternal praises are due. We are ever grateful that YOU dwell in us!

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. . .
Intelligence makes a great first impression.

A FAITHFUL PROVERB
"This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live
with HIM. If we endure, we shall also reign with HIM. If we deny HIM, HE
also will deny us. If we are faithless, HE remains faithful; HE cannot
deny HIMSELF." [2+Timothy 2. 11 - 13]

How often we find the phrase "if, then, will, shall" showing the choice
is always ours. If we be dead with CHRIST JESUS, then we shall also
live with HIM, "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, HE has made alive together with HIM,
having forgiven you all trespasses." [Colossians 2. 13] Our FAITHFUL
HIGH PRIEST has made atonement for us, and we shall be forgiven for all
the things that we have done in which we have trespassed. "The priest
shall make expiation on his behalf before the LORD, and he shall be
forgiven for whatever he may have done to draw blame thereby."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 5. 26 Tanakh, Torah- Leviticus 6:7 KJV]

If we are willing to endure suffering, then we will also reign with our
LORD "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears MY
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and
he with ME. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with ME on MY
throne, as I also overcame and sat down with MY FATHER on HIS Throne."
[Revelation 3. 20 - 21] "If anyone loves ME, he will keep MY WORD; and
MY FATHER will love him, and WE will come to him and make OUR home with
him." [John 14. 23]

If we deny the LorD YESHUA, HE will also deny us "Therefore whoever
confesses ME before men, him I will also confess before MY FATHER WHO is
in heaven. But whoever denies ME before men, him I will also deny before
MY FATHER WHO is in heaven." [Matthew 10. 32 - 33] "He who overcomes
shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name
from the BOOK OF LIFE; but I will confess his name before MY FATHER and
before HIS angels." [Revelation 3. 5]

And, if we are treacherously unfaithful or do not believe, KING YESHUA
will remain faithful still. HIS promises are sure whether they be
warnings of judgments or promises of blessings. The SOVEREIGN OF THE
UNIVERSE promised Joshua: "No one shall be able to resist you as long
as you live. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail
you or forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for you shall
apportion to this people the land that I swore to their fathers to
assign to them. But you must be very strong and courageous to observe
faithfully all the Law and Teachings that MY servant Moses commanded
you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be
successful and prosper wherever you go." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 5 - 7
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Because of GOD'S faithfulness, we can be sure that HIS sayings are
faithful and HE cannot deny HIMSELF. Our GREAT & MIGHTY GOD is loving,
faithful and true! May we ever bow down and worship HIM!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel
!
MOST HOLY ONE, YOU are blessed beyond all hymns, praises and
consolations that may be uttered in this world. My soul desires YOU in
the night. Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek YOU early; for when
YOUR judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn
righteousness. Therefore, in the shadow of YOUR wings I will rejoice.
HalleluYAH! 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 pursuit of balance can create imbalance because sometimes something
is true.

JUDGED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Shout for joy at the PRESENCE of the LORD, for HE is coming, for HE is
coming to judge the earth. HE shall rule the world with righteousness,
and HIS peoples in truth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 96. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Judgment is coming for every person, "as it is appointed for men to die
once, but after this the judgment." [Hebrews 9. 27] Unfortunately,
most people do not believe it, and even more don't even care, but
judgment is coming! Be certain of this fact — we will all meet our
MAKER someday and "then each of us shall give account of himself to
GOD." [Romans 14. 2]

The time is coming, and that very soon, when we will stand before the
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. There we will be judged for every thought,
word, and deed. "There is no creature hidden from HIS sight, but all
things are naked and open to the eyes of HIM to whom we must give
account." [Hebrews 4. 13] The RIGHTEOUS JUDGE "WHOSE eyes are too pure
to look upon evil and cannot tolerate wickedness and treachery."
[Habakkuk 1. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "It is HE WHO judges the world in
righteousness, and HE shall administer judgment for the peoples in
uprightness. ..HE is coming to rule the earth. With righteousness HE
shall judge the world, and its peoples with equity." [Psalms (Tehillym)
9. 8; 98. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim; also see Psalm 96. 10] "The LORD shall
repay the evildoer according to his wickedness." [2 Samuel/Shemuel Bet
3. 39]

All are lost if GOD judges righteously, for "There is none righteous,
no, not one" [Romans 3. 10; also Psalm 14. 1–3; 53. 1–4], and
"cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are
written in the BOOK OF THE LAW, to do them." [Galatians 3. 10; also
Deuteronomy 27. 26]

However, thankfully we can be shown GOD'S amazing mercy for "GOD was
in CHRIST reconciling the world to HIMSELF...For HE made HIM who knew no
sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in
HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 19, 21] The LORD JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, our CREATOR and KINSMAN-REDEEMER, has taken our
judgment on HIMSELF, and "there is therefore now no condemnation
(judgment) to those who are in CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according
to the flesh, but according to the SPIRIT. For the Law of the SPIRIT OF
LIFE in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death."
[Romans 8. 1 - 2]

For that reason, "the FATHER judges no one, but has committed all
judgment to the SON." [John 5. 22] The ALMIGHTY ONE can both judge
righteously and yet graciously save all who receive HIS BELOVED SON, by
faith — "because HE has appointed a day on which HE will judge the
world in righteousness by the MAN whom HE has ordained. HE has given
assurance of this to all by raising HIM from the dead"… therefore,
"whoever believes in HIM will receive remission of sins." [Acts 17. 31;
10. 42]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is not only our MASTER-CREATOR and the
RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. Furthermore, HE is our BELOVED REDEEMER, the GREAT
MEDIATOR, MIGHTY COUNSELOR, GLORIOUS ADVOCATE, WONDERFUL SAVIOR, the
PRINCE OF PEACE, and so much more!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE
dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Continue to watch and pray, the
LORD Messiah YESHUA is coming soon to set up HIS RIGHTEOUS Kingdom. The
descendants of HIS servants shall inherit it, and those who love HIS
NAME shall dwell in it.
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week;
and, 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. . .
Never mind the remorse, don't commit the sin!

BOTTLED TEARS
"YOU (LORD GOD) keep count of my wanderings; put my tears into YOUR
bottle; into YOUR record book." [Psalms (Tehillym) 56. 8 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The Hebrew prophets mention professional mourners, who were called in at
the time of sorrow to express mourning for the dead. "Send for the
skilled women, let them come. Let them quickly start a wailing for us
that our eyes may run with tears, our eyelids flow with water."
[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Tears flow freely and
openly in the Oriental custom, a highly emotional peoples - at such
times they are considered to be a definite means of bringing comfort to
sorrowing hearts. [John 11. 33] It was not uncommon to see the tears
being gathered and collected into bottles and kept as special
remembrances.

The weeping woman, a sinner, who washed the feet of MESSIAH YESHUA with
her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head, was none other than
Miryam (Mary) the sister of Martha and Lazarus. The tears she wept and
the precious bottled tears were used to wash the feet of her LORD, then
she proceeded to kiss and anoint them with the fragrant oil from the
alabaster flask. [Luke 7. 37 - 50] Though her sins were many, they were
forgiven, for she loved much. Noticeably, the more one is forgiven, the
more they are able to love!

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, desired that his people would have a
change of heart so they too could be forgiven, "Oh my suffering, my
suffering! How I am pained and writhe! Oh, the walls of my heart! My
heart moans within me, I cannot be silent; for disaster overtakes
disaster." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 4. 19-20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "That is why
I say Let me be, I will weep bitterly; do not labor to comfort me
because of the ruin of my poor people." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 22. 4 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "Oh, that my head were water, my eyes a fountain of tears!
Then would I weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!"
[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Draw near to GOD and HE will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you
sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and
weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up."
[James 4. 8 - 10] The HOLY CREATOR GOD OF ISRAEL stores our tears and
they are precious to HIM as we "delight to do HIS will and keep HIS Law
in our heart." [Psalms/Tehillym 40. 8] Great and wondrous promises
belong to those who seek for the TRUE & LIVING GOD in sincerity; and
trust and obey.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Open your hearts in song as the sunset swells into a
cadence of changing colours: "Come, my dear friend, to meet the Bride,
the Sabbath presence, let us welcome."
May your heart be filled with intuition and your words be filled with
insight; songs of praise ever be upon your tongue and your vision be on
a straight path before you. May your eyes shine with the light of holy
words and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens; and, your
lips ever speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness even as
you ever yearn to hear the words of the HOLY ONE OF OLD.

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. . .
Much experience is the crown of the old men and the fear of ALMIGHTY GOD
is their glory.

INFINITELY GOD
"And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the
earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard
saying— Blessing and honour and glory and power be to HIM WHO sits
on the Throne, and to the LAMB, forever and ever! Amen" [Revelation 5.
13]

The BELOVED LAMB is one with, and yet distinct from "HIM that sat on the
throne." [Revelation 4. 10; 5. 1, 6 - 7] The Four Beasts or Living
Creatures, and the 24-Elders "fell down before the LAMB" to worship HIM.
If, as cultists maintain, the ANOINTED LAMB OF GOD is less than the
OMNIPOTENT CREATOR, how would violating of the first commandment, "You
shall have no other gods before ME" [Exodus/Shemot 20. 3] be tolerated
in ALMIGHTY GOD'S OMNIPOTENT PRESENCE? The answer: YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
is the INVINCIBLE, SUPREME GOD OF HEAVEN — WHO is ONE with HIM (GOD
THE FATHER) WHO sat on the Throne!

Worship is given to GOD THE FATHER: "Amen! Blessing and glory and
wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our GOD
forever and ever. Amen" [Revelation 7. 12]

Worship is given to GOD THE SON: MESSIAH YESHUA receives the same praise
given to GOD THE FATHER — "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to
receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory
and blessing!" [Revelation 5. 12]

"I am the LORD, that is MY NAME; and I will not yield MY glory to
another." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For MY sake, MY
own sake, do I act — lest MY NAME be dishonored! I will not give MY
glory to another." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] In view
of the fact that the LORD JESUS shares in GOD'S glory; HE cannot be
another GOD. The LORD YESHUA is, as HE said— "ONE (Hebrew: echad
— a compound unity) with the FATHER." [John 10. 30]

This does not, in any way, diminish the praise and honor due the FATHER.
HE is to be worshipped and praised for loving us so very much that HE
commissioned the SON (MESSIAH YESHUA) to save sinners. The SON (JESUS)
said— "all men should honor the SON, even as they honor the FATHER."
[John 5. 23]

The human personality is difficult to understand, much less the complex
intricacy of GOD ALMIGHTY being infinitely more so. The TRI-UNITY OF
GOD is so revealed throughout HOLY SCRIPTURES as the EVER-LIVING ONE
proclaims HIMSELF as GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
— Perfect TRINITY.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
It has been shown that all might know that the LORD, HE is GOD, there is
none other. HE alone does wonders, for HIS mercy endures forever. The
glory of the LORD is eternal, the LORD rejoices in HIS works. Blessed be
the NAME OF THE LORD from this time forth and forever; for out of Zion
goes forth the Law and the WORD OF GOD from Jerusalem .

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. . .
Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for
national independence. [-David ben Gurion]

SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD
"From the Throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And
there were seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the
SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD." [Revelation 4. 5]

These SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD before HIS Throne [Revelation 4. 5; 5. 6]
where they are further represented in the "SEVEN EYES" of the LAMB.
Although Angels are called "ministering spirits" [Hebrews 1. 14] they
apparently are always called "Angels" in Revelation, so it seems likely
that these SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD actually refer to a seven-fold
descriptive manifestations of the character of GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT "sent
forth into all the world." [Revelation 5. 6]

SPIRIT OF TRUTH: "When HE, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, has come, HE will guide
you into all truth; for HE will not speak on HIS OWN authority, but
whatever HE hears HE will speak; and HE will tell you things to come."
[John 16. 13]

SPIRIT OF HOLINESS: "Concerning HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD, WHO was
born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the
SON OF GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, by the
resurrection from the dead." [Romans 1. 3 - 4]

SPIRIT OF FAITH: "But since we have the same SPIRIT OF FAITH, according
to what is written— I believed and therefore I spoke —we also
believe and therefore speak." [2 Corinthians 4. 13]

SPIRIT OF WISDOM: "The GOD of our LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the FATHER OF
GLORY, may give to you the SPIRIT OF WISDOM and revelation in the
knowledge of HIM." [Ephesians 1. 17]

SPIRIT OF POWER: "For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear, but a
SPIRIT OF POWER, and of love, and of a sound mind, not of fear." [2
Timothy 1. 7]

SPIRIT OF GRACE: "Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he
be thought worthy who has trampled the SON OF GOD underfoot, counted the
blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and
insulted the SPIRIT OF GRACE?" [Hebrews 10. 29]

SPIRIT OF GLORY: "If you are reproached for the NAME of MESSIAH, blessed
are you, for the SPIRIT OF GLORY and of GOD rests upon you. On their
part HE is blasphemed, but on your part HE is glorified." [1 Peter 4.
14]

In the same way, "the SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest upon HIM (the ROD &
BRANCH of Jesse); the SPIRIT OF WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING, the SPIRIT OF
COUNSEL & VALOR, the SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE & REVERENCE for the LORD."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Here again SCRIPTURE shows
that GOD is TRI-UNITY (Hebrew: Shali'YAH - triple, 3-fold, trinity)
— GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

These seven descriptive manifestations of character are also spoken of
in praises to GOD THE SON: "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to receive
power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and
blessing! Every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under
the earth and such as are in the sea, and all in them, I heard
saying— Blessing and honor and glory and power be to HIM (the
FATHER) WHO sits on the Throne, and the LAMB (the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON),
forever and ever!" [Revelation 5. 12 - 13] Note, the same distinguished
honour, respect and admiration is given to the FATHER and to the SON
together.

The Angels fall on their faces before the ONE WHO sits on the throne and
worship GOD THE FATHER using the same seven descriptive expressions,
saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor
and power and might, be to our GOD forever and ever. Amen" [Revelation
7. 11 - 12]

The SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD sent throughout the earth speaks of
OMNIPRESENCE GOD WHO dwells in each of us and knows all that goes on in
the world, including our thoughts and actions. It is by that knowledge
we are judged and, if our heart is right, we receive the covering for
our sins, the most precious blood of YESHUA , the ANOINTED ONE.

By HIS precious HOLY SPIRIT, CREATOR GOD dwells in us and walks beside
us our whole life through. How abundantly blessed and reassuring that
we are known by HIM and that HE is with us as we walk in the light of
HIS WORD. How can we help but thank and praise our LOVING CREATOR for
all the goodness HE has done for us! How very amazing is the HOLY &
RIGHTEOUS ONE!

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

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You don't play around with the ALMIGHTY HOLY LORD GOD! First, it's not
allowed — second, HE won't let you.

MAGNIFY THE LORD
"Let all that seek YOU be glad and rejoice in YOU; let those who are
eager for YOUR deliverance always say— Extolled and magnified be
ELOHIYM!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 70. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Those who love the MESSIAH YESHUA will do as this text declares. 
However, most people tend to magnify other people and vain ideas and
viewpoints, even following them to the death; or worship them instead of
the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR. How completely, unreservedly foolish!

It is the ALL-LOVING MASTER WHO has given us our very life and sustains
the heavens and earth for us. HE is the ONE WHO gives us the abilities
and opportunities to do. Though we are to give honour where honour is
due, we should first and foremost honour and worship the SOVEREIGN GOD
OF HEAVEN. Our gifts and talents HE has given us are also to be used
for HIS glory and praise; and furthermore, we should thank HIM
continually for those gifts of service.

We should magnify only what AUTHOR & FINISHER HIMSELF has magnified. 
"HE will magnify and glorify HIS Law & Teachings, and make them
honorable." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Be careful not
to diminish the weighty importance and significant power and authority
of GOD'S Law, as is the tendency of the world; rather we should magnify
HIS Law and commands.

The precious WORD OF GOD is magnified above all: "YOU have magnified and
exalted YOUR NAME, YOUR WORD above all." [Psalms (Tehillym) 138. 2
Tanakh, Kethuvim] GOD'S HOLY WORD is essential. . . absolutely
imperative! — nothing is more important. Our greatest blessing was
when GOD HIMSELF magnified the LIFE-GIVING WORD — HE sent HIS ONLY
BEGOTTEN-SON, JESUS. "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was
with GOD, and the WORD was GOD." [John 1. 1] GOD THE FATHER commanded
worship of GOD THE WORD. "When HE (GOD THE FATHER) again brings the
firstborn (YESHUA — GOD THE LIVING WORD) into the world, HE
says— Let all the angels of GOD worship HIM." [Hebrews 1. 6]

"Extolled be the LORD, let GOD be magnified." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 16
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Accordingly, we revere the LORD OF GLORY when we
magnify JESUS, the WORD-MADE-FLESH. Bless the LORD at all times, "O
magnify the LORD with me, let us exalt HIS NAME together." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 34. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We cannot help but love and adore
such a WONDERFUL GOD, SAVIOR & VICTORIOUS KING.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
The CHRISTIAN is to demonstrate that the HOLY ONE exists as the
infinite-personal GOD; and then simultaneously show GOD'S character
of holiness and love. Not HIS holiness without HIS love; that is
harshness. Not HIS love without HIS holiness, that is compromise. If the
individual CHRISTIAN or CHRISTIAN-group fails to show the balance of the
holiness and love of GOD they present to the watching world a distorted
misrepresentation of the INFINITE ETERNAL GOD WHO definitely does exist.

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/

SIN & CONFESSION
"All unrighteousness is sin." [1 John 5. 17]

People come up with different definitions as to what sin is, and the
most common definition is "missing the mark" or a "failure to live up to
an expected standard." However, this definition fails to take into
account that when the mark is missed, something is hit.

The Apostle John simply defined sin as "lawlessness&q uot; and strongly
advises believers not to do such things. John then goes on to inform us
what we are to do if we do sin. "My little children, these things I
write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an
Advocate with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is
the PROPITIATION for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the
whole world. Now by this we know that we know HIM, if we keep HIS
commandments. " [1 John 2. 1 - 3]

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us." [1 John 1. 8] "If we say that we have not sinned, we make
Him a liar, and His worD is not in us." [1 John 1. 10] Sin is a choice,
we have the potential to obey or disobey. And it is possible for a
believer to loose his rewards. "Look to yourselves, that we do not lose
those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of CHRIST does
not have GOD." [2 John 1. 8 - 9] "Are you so foolish? Having begun in
the SPIRIT, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you
suffered so many things in vain?" [Galatians 3. 3 - 4] "Whoever endures
TO THE END shall be saved." [Matthew 10. 22; 24. 13]

"Whoever abides in HIM does not sin." [1 John 3. 6] Do not play games
with your soul. Don't be deceived by your own emotions, images or ideas
of what you think the ETERNAL LORD GOD means — Read what HE says;
Accept what HE commands; then Prepare yourself to know HIM personally
and fully (trust and obey). "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin."
[1 Corinthians 15. 34]

"If we walk in the light as HE is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all
sin. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. " [1 John 1. 7, 9] 
Hold on to the ENDURING ONE, HE is faithful to save.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Most blessed are YOU, O GOD, YOU are hidden from the eyes of all the
living and are beyond the comprehension of all creatures. The mind of
genius cannot comprehend more than a broken fragment of YOUR glory. The
tongues of poets and sages falter as they seek to express YOUR
incomparable wisdom and splendor. Yet though YOUR greatness surpasses
our understanding, we feel YOUR nearness and are overcome with wonder
and with awe as we behold the signs of YOUR soon-coming. May the grace
of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit as you prepare to
stand before the WONDROUS KING.

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 is the father of courage, the grandfather of humility, and the
patriarch of prayer.

TENT MAKER
"Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves
fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them
attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your
fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and
observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your
lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all MY commandments
and to be holy to your GOD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 15. 38 - 40 Tanakh,
Torah]

Jewish men use the Tallith (prayer shawl) to wrap themselves in during
their daily prayers and devotions. This is known as their "tent of
prayer." The Tallith and the fringe in each of its four corners is
artistically made. The fringe itself has a purpose in every strand,
wrapping, and knot. It is made by using eight strands precisely wrapped
plus the five knots at various positions to total 613, which is the
exact number of commandments in the TORAH. The LORD GOD instructed the
Israelite men to look at the fringe (Hebrew: tsitzith) and remember
(perform, obey, do, carry out) HIS commandments.

In HIS instructions, OMNIPOTENT GOD also required the children of Israel
to "put a cord of blue" in the fringe. This blue cord entwined in the
tsitzith (fringe, tassels, hem) is the heavenly colour to remind them of
the power and glory of the great GOD OF ISRAEL.

Paul was a tent maker working the same trade as Aquila and his wife
Priscilla. [Acts 18. 2 - 3] The occupation of a "tent maker" is that of
making of the "Tallith" or "prayer shawls." In Paul's time, people
lived in houses, not tents. The Bedouins, however, did live in tents,
but they made their own from the animals hides of their own flocks. 
"Simon the Tanner, whose house was by the sea" was a familiar
individual, and he did work with hides, leather and furs. [Acts 10. 6]

Paul tells of his credentials: "Circumcised the eighth day, of the
stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews"
[Philippians 3. 4]; and was schooled concerning the Law, "at the feet of
Gamaliel taught according to the strictness of our fathers' Law, and was
zealous toward GOD." [Acts 22. 3] Paul added that he spent his youth
in Jerusalem, where he lived, "according to the strictest sect of our
religion I lived a Pharisee." [Acts 26. 4 - 5] Thus, Paul had fully
absorbed all knowledge of the Law, the customs and manners of the Jewish
people' thus, he would have legitimate expertise and knowledge for the
making of this very special item. The makings of the "tallith" was a
specifically gifted talent, as Jewish men were required to wear this
particular garment by the ALMIGHTY ONE HIMSELF.

Regarding the Tallith — MESSIAH YESHUA rebuked the religious leaders
for "enlarging the borders of their prayer garments (Tallith/Prayer
Shawl) to be seen of men." [Matthew 23. 5] "Woe to you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed
appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and
all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but
inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. " [Matthew 23. 27 - 28]

In fact, CHRISTians today even have reminders to look at and remember
GOD'S commandments (plaques, jewelry of crosses, paintings, etc.). Man
looks on the outward appearance and judges, but that is not where true
righteousness is found. The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, on the other hand, sees
the attitude of the heart and that is what determines the approval or
disapproval of the LORD and the individual&# 39;s final reward! For the
KING OF GLORY is our RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, guard your heart and
glorify CREATOR GOD by living a life as one who overcomes by the "blood
of the LAMB" and by the "word of your testimony." [Revelation 12. 11] 
May the WORD OF GOD be bound in your hearts and the CONTROLLER of your
lives!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
The LORD'S promise to Zion — "As you behold, you will glow; your
heart will throb and thrill – for the abundance of the sea shall be
turned to you and the riches of nations shall flow to you. Whereas you
have been forsaken, rejected and hated, with none passing through, I
will make you a pride everlasting, a joy for age after age."
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 60. 5, 15 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. . .
From one deep ditch comes more water than from ten shallow ones.

ARK OF THE COVENANT (Part 1)
"They shall make ME an Ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a
cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure
gold — overlay it inside and out — and make upon it a gold
molding round about." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Torah]

The fact that this piece of furniture is listed first in SCRIPTURE shows
its importance in the building of the Tabernacle. This Ark was to be
placed in the Holy of Holies (symbolic of Heaven, GOD'S Throne Room) the
innermost room of the Sanctuary where the SHEKINAH PRESENCE was.
[Exodus/Shemot 26. 34 - 35; 40. 1 - 38] ALMIGHTY GOD works from
HIMSELF; HE moves from Heaven and comes down. HE proceeds from within,
outwards toward man. Man could not go to GOD if HE had not first come
to man. The WAY to GOD is not of man's invention, but of GOD'S
revelation. The Tabernacle furniture begins with GOD'S Throne. The
ETERNAL ONE is first, HE will not be second.

This article of furniture was to be made of shittim (acacia) wood. It
is an incorruptible wood which cannot rot, swell, or shrink. It is a
hard, close-grained wood of great strength and endurance that can
withstand the winds and sandstorms that would destroy weaker and softer
wood. Here, in type, is the incorruptible humanity of YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH WHO grew in the desert of this world, "a tree root out of
arid ground." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The LORD JESUS
was strong and enduring, defeating every subtle and vicious scheme of
Satan and HIS enemies. In all points YESHUA was tempted like we are,
yet was sinless. [Hebrews 4. 15] "For in that, HE HIMSELF has suffered
being tempted, HE is able to succor (help, support, champion) them that
are tempted." [Hebrews 2. 18] YESHUA, the WORD-MADE-FLESH, is the
INCORRUPTIBLE SON OF GOD WHO said to the HEAVENLY FATHER, "YOU will not
abandon ME to Sheol or let your Faithful ONE see corruption." [Psalm
(Tehillym) 16. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim; Acts 13. 35] The ANOINTED REDEEMER
& KING arose from the grave on the third day before death could corrupt
HIS flesh.

The MASTER DESIGNER gave directions to build the furniture beginning
with the Ark of the Covenant. The Holy Tent was constructed primarily
for this Sacred Chest over which LORD GOD dwelt between the cherubim. 
HE is the very center of the Camp of Israel. The Sanctuary of Sinai was
to be built so MOST BLESSED ALMIGHTY ONE could dwell withIN. This is
the desire of GOD for us today — that HE be FIRST and the very
CENTER of our lives. The REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL desires to be
at home within these tabernacles of flesh and to permeate our beings
with HIS PRESENCE!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Good Sabbath! Welcoming the Queen, the "Bride of the Week" . . . take
pleasure in 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. Have a peaceful, enriching
Shabbat with an objective to bless others.
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR
compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and
fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR
Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving
power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU
in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS
NAME.

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Two things are infinite: CREATOR GOD'S wisdom and human stupidity.

ANGER MANAGEMENT
"I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause
shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother,
'Raca!&# 39; shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!'
shall be in danger of hell fire." [Matthew 5. 22]

Taking this SCRIPTURE alone might indicate that for a follower of
CHRIST, one was never to get angry. There are several other Texts that
could be used that way, such as, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger,
clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."
[Ephesians 4. 31] However, YESHUA is teaching that only the anger
"without a cause" was wrong and would produce judgment.

If anger were never permitted for a believer, it would contradict even
the occasional example of MESSIAH HIMSELF. "And when HE had looked
around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their
hearts." [Mark 3. 5] The RIGHTEOUS ONE was angered because of the
hypocrites among the Pharisees who were plotting to destroy HIM for
healing a disabled man on the Sabbath.

We are never justified in getting angry over some personal injury or
insult, but should — for CHRIST'S sake — take it on the chin
in order to try living in peace. "But now you yourselves are to put
off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of
your mouth." [Colossians 3. 8 ] "Repay no one evil for evil. Have
regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." [Romans 12. 17 -
18]

Yet, if we do get angry in spite of ourselves, we are commanded: "Be
angry, and do not sin" — Do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
nor give place to the devil." [Ephesians 4. 26 - 28] "Be angry and sin
no more. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah 
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD."
[Psalms/Tehillym 4. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Living in this world there will be situations that involve injury,
rudeness, and insults to the precious name of our SAVIOR or HIS amazing
works where anger is certainly "with cause." Nevertheless, even then,
the HOLY LORD GOD counsels— "let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the
righteousness of GOD." [James 1. 19 - 20] And, "Do not let your spirit
be quickly vexed, for anger abides in the bosom of fools."
[Ecclesiastes/ Kohelet 7. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Beloved, do not avenge
yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written,
"Vengeance is MINE, I will repay" —says the LORD." [Romans 12. 19] 
Truly, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to
reserve the unjust under punishment for the DAY OF JUDGMENT and HIS ways
are better then anything we could come up with.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Believe on the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA and be saved. Know that some glorious
day we will behold that BLESSED HOPE and we will spend eternity in HIS
PRESENCE and rest in the many promises that are to come into fulfillment
when we but step into HIS arms; in the MASTER'S mighty hands we are
complete and whole. Because of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, we can face
tomorrow and be comforted now knowing we have been changed for a reason,
transformed not for a season, but transformed for Eternal Life. 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. . .
Make peace with the past so it doesn't mess up your present.

WORKS MADE MANIFEST
"Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because
it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of
what sort it is." [1 Corinthians 3. 13]

This SCRIPTURE is the key verse that gives the principle by which the
SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE will evaluate our works in that Great Day when
all will be assembled before "the Judgment Seat of CHRIST." [Romans 14.
10; 2 Corinthians 5. 10] This is the time when the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will
separate the good from the bad the sheep from the goats the
righteous will be invited into the Kingdom, and the unrighteous will be
thrown into the Eternal Fire. [Matthew 25. 31 - 46] "For the SON OF
MAN will come in the glory of HIS FATHER with HIS angels, and then HE
will reward each according to his works." [Matthew 16. 27] When the
purifying fire tries our works, "if anyone's work which he has built on
it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he
will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
[1 Corinthians 3. 14 - 15]

Take careful notice of the basis which the LORD GOD uses to determine
the rewards or the loss of rewards…it is not the amount of work done
the number of witnessing contacts or souls won to the BELOVED
MASTER, not the number of peoples taught, nor the amount of money given.
Neither are rewards based on the type of work done; mental labor is no
less eligible for heavenly rewards than is the ministry of the GOSPEL.

The criterion of the eternal value of a believer' s work on earth is
what sort it is! Specifically, what is the motivation of the work, the
sincerity, the dedication, the obedience? In other words, the quality,
rather then the quantity of results or type of occupation. It is not
the nature of the work or its size, but the sort (quality) that is being
judged. YESHUA knows that "he who is faithful in what is least is
faithful also in much" [Luke 16. 10; Matthew 25. 21], so HE will "give
to every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12]

Therefore, "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to
men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the
inheritance; for you serve the LORD CHRIST." [Colossians 3. 23 - 24] 
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to
every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12] "Yes! says
the SPIRIT that they may rest from their labors, and their works
follow them." [Revelation 14. 13] In all that you do, may your rewards
go before you and the LORD your GOD will graciously bless you.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation. 
May YOUR will be fulfilled and Your sovereignty revealed in the days of
our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel. May YOU be
blessed forever, even to all eternity. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be
blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted
above all else. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises &
consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen. May peace
abundant descend from heaven with life for us and all Israel, Amen.

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. . .
Even in excess, there should be moderation.

MESSIAH' S SPECIAL PEOPLE
"Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the
sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass in
the place where it was said to them You are not MY people 
there it shall be said to them You are sons of the LIVING GOD."
[Hosea (Hoshea) 1. 10; 2. 23 w/Romans 9. 19 - 26]

Contrary to the thinking of some, CHRISTianity is not a Gentile religion
but is completely Jewish! CHRISTianity is the fulfillment of the Jewish
faith found in the OLD COVENANT! Jews today who believe in MESSIAH
YESHUA have not left the faith of their forefathers but rather have
rediscovered it. The verses in Hosea meant that the HOLY ONE would cut
the people off officially as a people, and during that time HE would
refuse to be their GOD. [v. 9] Regardless of being cut off, they would
eventually multiply, be great, and again be called the children of God.
[v. 10]

Compare this with the NEW COVENANT promise where Peter is writing to
both Jewish and Gentile believers in the LORD JESUS, "But you are a
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, HIS OWN special
people, that you may proclaim the praises of HIM WHO called you out of
darkness into HIS marvelous light; who once were not a people but are
now the people of GOD, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained
mercy." [1 Peter 2. 9 - 10] This is the same declaration YEHOWAH
promised to Israel in the OLD COVENANT "Now then, if you will obey
ME faithfully, and keep MY Covenant, you shall be MY treasured
possession among all the peoples. Indeed, all the earth is MINE, but you
shall be to ME a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." [Exodus (Shemot)
19. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah]

The covenant stands and has been extended to the Gentiles who believe in
MESSIAH. Jews who believe in MESSIAH YESHUA have not deserted their
nation but weep with their MESSIAH over the continued sorrow of their
beloved people who reject the PROMISED ONE OF GOD. Jewish believers
today are NEW COVENANT MESSIANIC believers who see and follow the faith
of ancient Israel as fulfilled in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The TORAH agrees fully with the Commandments of YESHUA, the problem is
in the man-made rules and regulations (Judaism) that go beyond the moral
law of the TORAH. Judaism is so wrapped up in the letter of the Law,
they missed the heart of the Law as GOD intended in it. GOD'S desire
for HIS people has never changed, HIS plan has always extended to
include Gentiles who believe.

The CHRISTian Church, as recorded in the NEW COVENANT, was composed
exclusively of Jewish believers in YESHUA until about twelve years after
HIS ascension into heaven! CHRISTianity, pure CHRISTianity, was not
rejected by our Jewish forefathers, but was accepted by them. They were
the first to preach the GOOD NEWS, the GOSPEL OF YESHUA their MESSIAH,
and defended it with their lives. The GOSPEL happened to be Jewish all
the way through! In the early CHRISTian church of the NEW COVENANT, the
rare thing was to find a Gentile believer among them!

Neither is the Church today a continuation of Judaism. ALMIGHTY GOD
declared that the COVENANT OF MOUNT SINAI (MOSAIC LAW) was broken by
Israel . [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 31. 31 - 34] Through MESSIAH YESHUA, GOD
provided a New Covenant for Jews and Gentiles. This COVENANT does not
mean "Jewish" nor does it destroy the Old Covenant, it confirms and
fulfills it. [Matthew 5. 17; Romans 3. 31; 8. 4] Judaism does not mean
"Jewish" nor does it make anyone Jewish who practices its beliefs,
holidays, and ceremonies. True, the religion of national, unconverted
Israel today is Judaism, but it is not the pure faith of their ancestors
as we find recorded in the HEBREW SCRIPTURES!

The Church began in the OLD COVENANT days and was composed of Jews who
believed in the coming MESSIAH. The Hebrew word by which the church was
called is kahila or edah meaning a religious assembly or congregation.

It is sad to realize that many of my Jewish people do not know the
difference between a Gentile and a CHRISTian. They feel they are one
and the same. It has been thought that all who are not Jewish are
Gentiles and that all Gentiles are CHRISTians. {That is what this
writer was taught.} Nothing could be further from the truth! The WORD
OF GOD describes a CHRISTian as one who has come out of GOD-lessness
into the faith of the JEWISH MESSIAH & REDEEMER. There are many
Gentiles who do not believe in the LORD JESUS and follow HIM, even as
there are many Jews who do not accept HIM. Not all those who call
themselves CHRISTians are really CHRIST-like- ones, true followers of
CHRIST JESUS, just as not all who are Jewish are followers of Judaism. 
A true CHRISTian is, first of all, a believer in IMMANU'EL, THE
ANOINTED ONE. That follower will have a spirit of love and of
compassion for all men, Jew or Gentile, that they may be freed from the
bondage of sin. A true CHRISTian is one who prays for both Jews and
Gentiles to receive the LORD JESUS into their hearts so that they may
have peace with GOD ETERNAL.

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH did not come to bring a new religion, but to fulfill
the HEBREW SCRIPTURES. The NEW COVENANT is not a NEW BOOK, but is the
continuation and completion of the OLD. What is hidden in the FIRST
TESTAMENT is revealed in the NEW. When a Jewish person accepts YESHUA
as their MESSIAH & SAVIOR, he becomes a true Jew! He has accepted what
belongs to him by GOD'S COVENANT with his fathers. The Church of the
NEW COVENANT (which developed out of the Church of the FIRST TESTAMENT)
was composed of Jewish believers. According to a record in history,
there were 25,000 Jews who recognized and accepted JESUS as their
MESSIAH soon after Shavuoth (Pentecost) 2,000 years ago. YESHUA, WHO
was a Jew according to GOD'S promises concerning MESSIAH' S genealogy,
does not expect any Jew to change the fact that he is Jewish, but wants
every Jew to come into living touch with GOD, to love GOD with all his
heart, soul, and mind.

Jewish believers in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH know and love the
SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT more than ever they did before. They
know the meaning of the holidays and customs of their forefathers. They
have been brought to a greater sympathy and understanding and also a
greater love for Israel . They now have a deep impression on their
hearts (put there by the MASTER DESIGNER HIMSELF) to pray for their own
Jewish people everywhere that they see the LIGHT and come into the NEW
COVENANT with HIM. They do not deny their heritage, but realize more
than ever that they are the natural descendants of Abraham through Isaac
and Jacob not only Jewish by descent but true Jews inwardly,
sons of GOD'S PROMISE, for they have come into HIS NEW COVENANT; they
believe on JESUS as their LORD, MESSIAH, ROCK OF SALVATION, and their
Soon-Coming King.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel !
LORD, thank YOU that YOU continue to keep us in life and to preserve us
that we may observe YOUR statutes, to do YOUR will, and serve YOU with a
perfect heart; seeing that we give thanks to YOU. Blessed be ALMIGHTY
GOD to WHOM thanksgivings, honor and praise are due.

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. . .
I pray that no offense shall happen through me.

THREE ARKS
"When she could hide him no longer, she made an ark of bulrushes for him
and caulked it with bitumen slime and with pitch. She put the child into
it; and placed it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile." [Exodus
(Shemot) 2. 3 Tanakh, Torah]

There are two different Hebrew words for ark: 'arown and teba meaning
box-like container — chest, coffin. The first ark mentioned in HOLY
SCRIPTURE was the Great Ark ('arown) of Noah which was overlaid and
inlaid with "pitch. " [Genesis/Shemot 6. 14] This was not fossil fuel
(oil-based pitch) for that type oil was probably formed in the upheavals
of the flood and dead animals. There are, however, various coals that
are produced from buckwheat, chestnuts, eggs, flaxseed, mustard-seed,
nuts, peas and peat which form either a hard coal bituminous or soft
coal substance which the oil-based pitch most probably was made from.
The Hebrew word for this pitch is "kaphar" or covering which is also
translated "atonement. " [Leviticus/Vayikra 17. 11]

The second ark was Moses' Ark ('arown) , was daubed or smeared with slime
and pitch; and this pitch was of oil base. Then, the last was GOD'S ARK
(teba) OF THE COVENANT which was built for the Holy Place in the
Tabernacle in the wilderness. It was overlaid "with pure gold."
[Exodus/Shemot 25. 11] The first ark preserved the founders of the
Gentile civilization; the second preserved the prophet of the Jewish
dispensation; and the third preserved the INSCRIBED DIVINE WORDS for the
saving of all generations. [Exodus/Shemot 31. 17 - 18;
Deuteronomy/ Devarim 10. 1 - 5]

Noah's Ark, like the people which he established, was built strong
enough to endure throughout man's earthly existence, and its remains are
still on the mountains of Ararat.

Moses' Ark, like the nation which he founded, was only enduring enough
for its immediate intent and purpose.

GOD'S Ark and its sacred contents, in contrast, will last forever. When
Nebuchadnezzar carried away all the treasures from the Temple in
Jerusalem, no mention was made of this "Greatest Treasure of all
treasures." [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 36. 18 - 19] The Apostle
John reveals why in the last book of HOLY WRIT, "And the TEMPLE OF GOD
was opened in heaven and there was seen in HIS TEMPLE, the ARK OF HIS
TESTAMENT" [Revelation 11. 19] forever reminding GOD'S people of HIS
ETERNAL WORD — MESSIAH YESHUA . . . the LIFE-GIVING WORD WHO became
flesh!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU are mighty to save. In
loving-kindness YOU sustain the living; in the multitude of YOUR mercies
YOU preserve all. YOU uphold the falling, heal the sick; bring freedom
to the captives and keep faith with YOUR children in death as in life.
Who is like YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, AUTHOR of life and death, SOURCE of
salvation? Praised are YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, WHO has implanted within us
immortal life.

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 person who aims at nothing has a target he cannot miss.

HYSSOP
"Purge me with hyssop till I am pure; wash me till I am whiter than
snow." [Psalms (Tehillym) 51. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Hyssop is the plant that penicillin was first found in. HOLY SCRIPTURE
speaks of this plant in both the OLD & NEW COVENANTS. The man healed
of leprosy was to go the priest "then the priest shall command to take
for him who is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, cedar wood,
scarlet, and hyssop." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 14. 4 Tanakh, Torah] The
priest would kill one bird in a vessel over running water. The living
bird, the cedar wood, the scarlet and the hyssop and dip them in the
blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. Then, the
priest would sprinkle the blood on the leprous man seven times,
pronounce him clean, then let the living bird loose in an open field.
[Leviticus/Vayikra 14. 1 - 7]

The "Two Clean Birds" depict the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, WHO is the
GOD-MAN. "Cedar" depicts imperishable existence; "Scarlet" — the
emblem of life; and "Hyssop" represents purification from defilement.
The cedar and hyssop also symbolize types of all nature, from the
highest to the lowest. All these symbols picture the death and
resurrection of our REDEEMING SAVIOR for "whosoever will" come to HIM.

David's prayer was that the ETERNAL ONE would cleanse him of his sin of
murder (of Uriah the Hittite) and adultery (with Uriah's wife,
Bathsheba). "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, as befits YOUR loving-kindness
and faithfulness; in keeping with YOUR abundant compassion, blot out my
transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity, and cleanse me from
my sin. Hide YOUR face from my sins, blot out all my iniquities. Fashion
a clean, pure heart for me, O GOD, and renew within me a steadfast
spirit." [Psalms (Tehillym) 51. 1 - 2, 9 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

On Golgotha' s Cross, the LORD JESUS, knowing that all things were now
accomplished, that the SCRIPTURE might be fulfilled, said—"I
thirst!" HE was then given a sour wine on hyssop. When it was put to
HIS mouth, all prophecy to the point of HIS death was fulfilled. When
YESHUA the SACRIFICIAL LAMB OF GOD received the sour wine, HE said—
"It is finished!" Then bowing HIS head, YESHUA gave up HIS spirit.
[John 19. 28 - 30]

Whoever touches death (result of sin) or was unclean must now come to
the LORD JESUS for cleansing, HE is ever our CONTINUAL OFFERING. "For
GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whoever
believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. He who
believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe
the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him." [John
3. 15 - 16, 36]

Although penicillin can help alleviate or actually eliminate some
diseases, it cannot treat or cure us from sin. However, the precious
cleansing blood of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the ONLY SOURCE — the
PERFECT REMEDY — it will never lose it's cleansing, saving power.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Chag ha'Ahvah — the Love Day when the daughters of Jerusalem 
would go out and dance in the vineyards located on the outskirts of the
city. And everyone who didn't have a wife would go there to meet
their soul-mate. Happy Tu B'Av (15th of Av)!
Through the common days flow the refreshing waters of GOD'S
loving-kindness, yet we forget THE SOURCE. May this hour awaken within
us a sense of our dependence upon YOU. Create in us a clean heart and
renew a right spirit within us that we may face our daily duty with a
firm courage and a tranquil mind. May we learn to know that in loving
and serving our fellowmen, we are loving and serving YOU. O come! O come
IMMANU'EL!

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. . .
Learn a lot from teachers, even more from your colleagues. . . and the
most from your pupils.

EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
"When JESUS had been baptized, HE came up immediately from the water;
and behold, the heavens were opened to HIM, and HE saw the SPIRIT OF GOD
descending like a dove and alighting upon HIM." [Matthew 3. 16]

There are several beautiful symbols of the HOLY SPIRIT in the NEW
COVENANT. The first is that of the Dove. It was the dove that was first
to assure Noah that the earth had risen out of the death waters of the
Great Flood, just as MESSIAH YESHUA rose out of the baptismal water and
the DOVE-like SPIRIT rested on HIM.

Water itself is an emblem of the HOLY SPIRIT in its cleansing capability
and life-sustaining virtue. The LORD JESUS said, "unless a man be born
of WATER and the SPIRIT, he cannot enter the KINGDOM OF GOD." [John 3.
5] This could also be translated "being born of water, even of the
SPIRIT." YESHUA, the ROCK of our salvation, promised "rivers of living
water" to those who believed on HIM, "but this HE spoke concerning the
SPIRIT, WHOM those believing in HIM would receive." [John 7. 38 - 39]

The HOLY SPIRIT is also called the "WIND" — WHO sometimes is as a
GENTLE BREEZE, sometimes a MIGHTY HURRICANE. "The wind blows where it
wishes, and you hear the sound of it but cannot tell where it comes from
or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the SPIRIT." [John 3. 8]

John the Baptizer, said to those around YESHUA, "I indeed baptize you
with water; but ONE mightier than I is coming, WHOSE sandal strap I am
not worthy to loose. HE will baptize you with the HOLY SPIRIT and fire."
[Luke 3. 16] GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT is "a CONSUMING FIRE" [Hebrews 12.
29], gentle like a DOVE, the LIVING WATER; the BLOWING WIND, our
"COMFORTER&quo t; [John 14. 26], "the SPIRIT OF TRUTH" [John 14. 17], and "the
SPIRIT OF LIFE in MESSIAH YESHUA." [Romans 8. 2] HE is so much more
then a WONDERFUL FRIEND!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcoming Sabbath Nachamu — Shabbat of Comfort! Together we honor
and praise the LORD YESHUA, the ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and
rest and separates the sacred from the ordinary; the sacred from the
mundane. Please, LORD, teach us to number our days and consider our
latter end!

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 we know WHO holds the future, then whatever comes, even the worst
is transformed into a blessing.

THE LORD'S HAND
"That Ezra (son of Seraiah) came up from Babylon, a scribe expert in the
LAW OF MOSES which the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL had given, whose request the
king had granted in its entirety, thanks to the benevolence of the LORD
his GOD toward him." [Ezra 7. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Neither Ezra the skilled scribe nor Nehemiah, the kings' butler were
prepared either by study or experience to supervise the great
construction project of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem and the wall
of the City which had both been destroyed many years before by the
armies of Babylon. Yet OMNISCIENT GOD called them to these ministries
and led them and protected them as they carried out the appointed
duties.

Ezra and Nehemiah gave the ALMIGHTY EXALTED ONE the glory for what they
accomplished. Ezra reminded his readers six times and Nehemiah twice,
that it was by the hand of the LORD their GOD that they were able to
properly supervise the work for such a great task. [Ezra 7. 6, 9, 28; 8.
18 – 22, 31; Nehemiah/Nechemah 2. 8, 18] Regardless of the many
difficulties and through much opposition by their foes, it was by the
hand of GoD that all HE pleased, HE accomplished through HIS chosen
servants. "You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LoRd, and a
royal diadem in the palm of your God." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 62. 3 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "The hand of the LORD shall be revealed in behalf of HIS
servants; but HE shall rage against HIS foes." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 66. 14
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Likewise, we must be careful to give all honour, glory and praise to the
OMNIPOTENT SUPREME LORD & KING for the things HE enables and allows us
to accomplish in HIS service. Even such a great and powerful man of
God, like the Apostle Paul had to say, "But by the grace of GoD I am
what I am, and HiS grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more
abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of GoD which was with
me." [1 Corinthians 15. 10] And — "If GoD is for us, who can be
against us?" [Romans 8. 31]

The hand of the LORD can also be a chastening hand as well as a guiding
and providing hand. But the greatest desire of the ROCK OF OUR
SALVATION is that "all the peoples of the earth shall know how mighty is
the hand of the LORD, that you shall fear the LORD your GoD always."
[Joshua (Yehoshua) 4. 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Because, "It is a fearful
thing to fall into the hands of the livinG God." [Hebrews 10. 31]
Therefore, find comfort for your entire life in the center of HIS
nail-pierced hands.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath Nachamu —Shabbat of Comfort, our
prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our
sins, guide our life, fill our upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE.

HEAVENLY FATHER, thank YOU for YOUR love and compassion. In YOUR HOLY
PRESENCE, there is total freedom of the soul through obedience to YOUR
commands. Our hearts are gladdened and blessed through the inspiration
to lead holier lives. Strengthen us, O GOD, and grant new courage, new
faith, and may YOUR POWER descend upon us and upon all who strive to do
YOUR will and to fulfill YOUR bountiful purposes. May some of the
sweetness of Sabbath be experienced daily.
Tov Shavua — Have a good week!

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
We must not mistake sincerity for truth.

RESPONSIBILITIES
"Bear one another' s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of CHRIST. For each
one shall bear his own load." [Galatians 6. 2, 5]

This is not a contradiction in HOLY SCRIPTURE though frequently sited as
such. This is two separate, equally valid commandments. The Apostle
Paul commanded us to bear other's burdens, or "heavy load" —
nonetheless we must bear our own burden or "responsibilit y."

When a fellow CHRISTian has been stricken, overtaken with a great burden
- sickness, death of a loved one or another problem in life — he
needs desperately the love and support of his brother. GOD'S EDIFYING
WORD declares that when we help relieve this burden, we "fulfill the Law
of CHRIST." "For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this
— You shall love your neighbor as yourself." [Galatians 5. 14]

At the same time, the privilege of having faithful friends who will
share and help with an otherwise unbearable load does not absolve us
from the responsibility of doing our own part in carrying out our
GOD-given responsibilities. It is essential that we "aspire to lead a
quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own
hands...that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and
that you may lack nothing." [1 Thessalonians 4. 11 - 12]

Every man is urged to examine and prove his own work [Galatians 6. 4]
lest he deceive himself. The OMNIPOTENT ALMIGHTY ONE created and gave
HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON to redeemed us, we can be sure that He is most
concerned about us and will not allow trials or burdens upon us that are
too grievous and excessive for us to bear. "No temptation has overtaken
you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, WHO will not
allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to
bear it." [1 Corinthians 10. 13]

We know that every problem that comes our way is something that our
PHENOMENAL CREATOR knows we are able to bear; following the example of
the LORD YESHUA, WHO knowing "the joy that was set before Him, endured
the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of
the Throne of God." [Hebrews 12. 2] We show our love and respect to our
HEAVENLY FATHER as we readily and thankfully accept HIS correction,
testing, easy yoke, and guiding-eye.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Nations are in ruin because their tongue and their doings are against
the HOLY LORD GOD of the Universe, to provoke the eyes of HIS glory. The
look on their countenance witnesses against them, and they declare their
sin as Sodom: They do not hide it. WOE! To their soul! For they have
brought evil upon themselves. [Yeshayah/Isaiah 3:8 - 9]
O come, eagerly and willingly, let us walk in the LIGHT OF THE LORD!

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


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